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CHILDREN'S PLAYLISTS
It wasn't until I had a child that I discovered the musical genre 'children's folk music'. Not all of it is shrill or irritating. Some music can even put us in a better mood and make us dance. It can also help empathise with the artist. Song lyrics (like all media) are one way babies absorb narratives and form their world view; this was my thinking when I compiled a playlist for baby of lyrics I approved of!
(I do not suggest babies only listen to children's music; it is interesting for them to hear a wide range of things and develop an open mind.)
Less annoying children's music
Less annoying children's music
I live in a hut - Sing-Along
Don't Stamp on an Ant
K is for Kind by Stanley Foo & Friends // A song for animal lovers // Children’s ABC
WORDS AND MUSIC
SOS from the kids
A call to act for the climate crisis and pandemic on youtube. Sang at Islington town hall with Extinction Rebellion
Tots Tunes
Hackney based interactive concerts with a cello and djembe. Originals, folk and world music.
You can listen to and download the Tots Tunes on Bandcamp and watch cartoon videos on Youtube. There is also a Spotify playlist of people who have appeared at the gigs organised by Tots Tunes. We loved learning the actions at the real- life, and then online classes.
Online workshops during lockdown. Join the mailing list to find out more.
Mindfulness Songs
The Wake Up Schools website has music with lyrics and guitar tutorials, and you can also listen on Soundcloud.
Wake Up Schools is a mindfulness in schools project- there are workshop examples on Youtube. We discovered this when we went to 'Family Sangha'. Baby was uncharacteristically still for the time.
Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation Plum Village grown up's music. Also on Youtube and Spotify. Wake Up Schools performer Jo Haltaway also has his own music on Spotify.
Megson
Folk duo couple with originals and covers for children and adults. Toddler keeps singing 'Red Bird' and 'All Around the Kitchen' to themself.
Little Bird and When I Was A Lad children's albums on Spotify
Lockdown livestream on Facebook Fridays in April 10-3
Sarah Pirtle
Sarah Pirtle has released many cosy albums for children on a range of topics, including a science album with a song about quarks. She has written a book about education for the Center for Partnership Studies and teaches conflict transformation in schools.
Sarah Pirtle children's song lyrics
Sarah Pirtle on Spotify and Youtube
The Crayonettes
One folk and one punk singer-song-writer-mothers got together in evenings to write about things their children said.
Playing Out- Songs for Children and Robots on Spotify
David Gibb
Playful children's music on Spotify and singalong videos on Youtube. Also a 'theatre maker' with a children's book coming soon. The 'tallest person in Derbyshire'.
(Karine Polwart is another folk singer with a children's book).
World Music
Putumayo have a range of children's world music compilations which can be found on Spotify. They also produce activity books.
Children's Music Network + Kidz Music
Children's music has quite a 'scene' in America. The Children's Music Network, has English and Spanish language members. The network gives an annual Magic Penny Award to performers contemporary or older. Many retro celebs had a children's album at one time- Pete Seeger, Woody Guthry, Lady Belly, Jonny Cash, the Grateful Dead's singer... and there is a Smithsonian Folkways collection. In recent times, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs has a children's album, and there are some semi famous names like Raffi.
There is a Kidz Music network, and a There is a Gentle Winds children's label.
The website has a lockdown livestream calendar
It's available in different American timezones, however
Jim Causley performs Charles Causley poems
This grown up's artist made an album of poems, using a variety of instruments name checked in the songs. Spotify.
Woodcraft Folk Songs
Song book for an alternative version of Scouts and Guides.
Crafty challenges from home are set each week
Hippies
Dances of Universal Peace Meditative dance to save the world. Tends to end with a group hug.
Findhorn singers music Ecovillage inhabitants choir.
Rainbow gathering lyrics Month long secret moon festivals.
Waldorf School songs lyrics website. Alternative school movement. They are into archaic stuff like elves.
Vegan Poetry + songs
Concerts
Aurora Orchestra- Often at Kings Place Kings Cross, London
Tots Gigs- Sutton House, Hackney, London
Daylight Music- Union Chapel, London N1 (not specifically for children but children welcome)
Bach to Baby- various place in the UK
Piccolo Concerts- st Margarets House Bethnal Green