In a world that often races past the quiet moments of joy, wonder, and discovery, Tina Lloyd-Morris stands as a bright reminder that music can not only teach but also heal, inspire, and empower. With over 25 years of experience in classroom teaching, Tina has spent her life at the intersection of melody and meaning. She is not just an educator or a songwriter. She is a creator of experiences, a guide for young learners, and an artist who sees songs as vessels for confidence, joy, and lifelong lessons.
Tina’s debut project, Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s, is more than just a songbook. It’s the embodiment of a life devoted to nurturing others through the universal language of music. Featuring 12 original songs that cover six diverse topics; Music Time, All About Me, Animals, Countries, Rainforest, and Transport. This work reflects not only her teaching philosophy but also her journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic passion.
A Self-Made Musical Path
“I have always loved music,” Tina begins, her words warm and unassuming. From an early age, she explored instruments through self-teaching and improvisation, later supplementing her skills with five years of formal piano training. But for Tina, music wasn’t merely about technique. It was about safety, sanctuary; a place to call home.
“I have always found solace in music making,” she shares. “It is my safe place.”
The inner melodies never stopped. Tina recalls hearing tunes in her mind constantly, assuming this was normal until working with professional producers later in life who quickly informed her otherwise. That gift, spontaneous, intuitive musical creativity, would become a lifelong companion.
Raised with the necessity of self-reliance, Tina worked through challenging periods, balancing study, work, and personal growth with unrelenting focus. At just 20 years old, she made a promise to herself: to gain the qualifications and skills necessary to always enjoy her work. And that promise, remarkably, has held firm.
“Whenever I stop enjoying a job, I get a new one,” she says. “I can, because of the qualifications and skills I’ve worked so hard to gain.”
It’s a story not just of resilience, but of empowerment, and it’s one that has profoundly shaped her contributions to education.
The Joy of Teaching, The Power of Song
Tina speaks of her teaching journey with unmistakable affection. “The joy of seeing pupils learn and grow in confidence is such a wonderful thing to be involved with,” she says. But it’s not just about presence in the classroom, it’s about creation.
“Being able to create resources and know these are helping children learn is another layer of delight,” Tina adds. “I simply love what I do.”
This joy is evident in every element of her songbook. But it didn’t happen overnight.
While managing music curricula across entire schools, Tina constantly searched for the right materials. Existing songs were good, but they didn’t always align with specific curriculum goals or thematic needs. So, she began writing her own.
“I suppose it is the designer in me that enjoys this so much,” she reflects. This crossover between educator and creative problem-solver would become a defining trait of her songwriting journey.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Tina led a remote songwriting project, culminating in her students performing their own compositions. She also wrote the now-beloved “Lockdown Song” during this time. The joy and engagement she witnessed was transformational.
“That project crystalized the power of composing songs for me,” she explains. “I decided to see how many areas of the curriculum I could effectively write for.”
A Turning Point: Sharing Her First Song
One of the most significant milestones in Tina’s journey came during a school Nativity play. The script lacked a song for the Three Kings, so Tina volunteered to write one. It was her first time introducing an original piece to a classroom.
“I didn’t believe in myself or my writing then,” she admits. But the children loved it, quickly learning the melody and responding with enthusiasm.
“I was thrilled! I’ve never looked back.”
That moment, seemingly small at the time, planted the seed for what would later become Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s.
Inspirations and Influences
Tina’s musical palette is diverse and rich. From childhood, she was influenced by legends like Simon & Garfunkel, Cliff Richard, Elvis, The Beatles, Whitney Houston, and Stevie Wonder. As she grew, jazz icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday captured her heart.
“My first 10 released songs as a singer-songwriter explore fusion,” she says. “I’m naturally inclined towards ballads with a folk/jazz feel.”
This openness to genre carries into her educational work. “In teaching children, offering different genres is part of the role,” she explains. For Tina, style is a tool, a flexible, creative element she uses to best suit the subject matter and the developmental needs of her students.
“I love crafting different styles of music with different curriculum content,” she says. “It’s so much fun!”
Songs as Solutions
Describing her process, Tina offers a unique perspective. “I approach songwriting as a designer/musician/teacher,” she says. “I love to problem-solve and I produce the solution in a tidy package called a ‘song’.”
Her litmus test? “If I’m enjoying singing the song and if it sticks in my head, it’s usually great.”
This blend of intuition, joy, and structure gives her music a unique edge: it’s catchy, intelligent, and grounded in real-world learning.
A Dream Realized
Eight years ago, Tina wrote “Jazzy Rainforest Song” while still teaching full-time. That song now forms part of her first published book.
“To see this become a reality is truly a dream come true,” she says, her voice filled with warmth and pride.
Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s isn’t just a collection of songs, it’s the manifestation of nearly three decades of love, labor, and learning.
Advice for Educators
When asked what advice she would give other educators hoping to bring more music into their classrooms, Tina’s answer is both practical and playful:
“Do it! My songbook and album are great resources!” she laughs. But beneath the humor is a genuine call to action.
“Music is so powerful,” she says. “It benefits children in so many ways.”
From confidence to coordination, from memory retention to emotional expression, Tina believes music is not an extra; it’s essential.
Life Outside the Classroom
Even in her downtime, Tina is surrounded by movement, nature, and harmony. “I swim, walk my dog, sing in my church choir, go to the seaside, look up to the sky and breathe in deeply,” she shares.
It’s a lifestyle that reflects her musical identity: grounded in rhythm, inspired by reflection, and lifted by joy.
The Road Ahead
Tina’s journey is still unfolding. With live events planned for July, her work is now reaching wider audiences through performances and promotional campaigns. The response has already been overwhelmingly positive, and the excitement around her book is growing.
Tina will be performing selections from Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s at the Leytonstone Festival on 19th and 20th July 2025 at St. Andrew’s Church, Leytonstone, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Entry is free, and the event promises to be a joyful celebration of music, learning, and community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families and educators to experience the songs live and connect with Tina’s passion firsthand. You can check the attached flyer below for more details.
Tina is also currently recording Tina’s Topic Tunes 7–11s, the next songbook and album in the series, which she aims to publish in 2026. In addition, she is writing a series of themed assemblies titled Tina’s Assemblies, expanding her library of educational resources for schools.
As for what’s next, Tina remains as open-hearted and driven as ever. Her story is one of passion meeting purpose, of artistry meeting education. Through her songs, she’s not just teaching children, she’s giving them something to carry for life.
And in doing so, Tina Lloyd-Morris is proving that the right combination of music, heart, and commitment really can change the world, one classroom, one song, one child at a time.
Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s Book is available in Kindle and Print Version (downloadable audio available separately) from the following links:
Use the code “20discount” for a 20 percent discount on the Book and Audio Downloads.
