Writing Songs for Children: Peter Combe interview

Music Room Podcast

In this episode I chat with Peter Combe (who has just been awarded the OAM) about his beginnings as a primary classroom teacher, his advice on what makes a great children's song, his work over his 38 year career as composer and performer of songs for both children and adults and his views on primary music and singing.
Episode highlights include:

• Peter’s primary classroom and music teacher origins.
• Hosting Music Time in the UK.
• Why we still need such a program.
• What makes a successful children’s song and why Peter’s songs have achieved longevity.
• The origin of Spaghetti Bolognaise.
• Peter’s 18+ concerts (Big Kids Night Out).
• Peter’s Adelaide Fringe shows.
• Using elemental musical cocepts in children’s songs.
• Children’s singing keys.
• The importance of singing for children.

About Peter
Peter Combe started as a primary school classroom teacher in 1969, moving shortly after into music teaching. By the late 70s he was writing and performing songs for both children and adults and decided to move the family to England to see where his career might take him.

In England he presented the classic BBC school music program Music Time which was aired also in Australia by the ABC. Returning to Australia, Peter pioneered the recording of albums for children that consisted of new songs (rather than nursery rhymes and old favourites). He also pioneered the making of video clips for children – the first being Toffee Apple. His Radio National radio show Ticklepot was voted best children’s radio program in the world in New York 1991.

Peter has performed in schools, pubs, clubs, concert halls, has sold out the Sydney Opera House (twice) and the Melbourne Concert Hall, has appeared at Carols in the Domain and other capital city Carols nights … and regularly performs his children’s songs in pubs full of adoring adults who turn up to sing along with the soundtrack of their childhood. Yet another first for children’s songs.

Peter’s albums have won 3 ARIA awards, plus 7 gold and 3 platinum awards.

And on Australia Day 2020, Peter was awarded the OAM. And deservedly so. He has elevated the status, not only of children’s songs, but also the importance of music in children’s lives and the importance of those who provide the music education.

Peter made time in late 2019 to share his insights into children’s songs and music education. You’re going to enjoy listening to the man who gave us Mr Clicketty Cane, Toffee Apple, Spaghetti Bolognaise, Newspaper Mama, Christmas albums and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie the musical.

Also in this episode:
A recipe from film composer Ennio Morriconi
A teaching tip video on storing music teaching resources from Alison Lunnon. https://youtu.be/0eTvwfBuft4