After the warm and insightful Author Spotlight that introduced us to Tina Lloyd-Morris and her creative journey, we’re back with a closer look at her latest release, Tina’s Topic Tunes 3–8s. This vibrant songbook and album is more than a musical resource; it’s the result of years of classroom experience, curriculum insight, and a deep love for creative learning. In this interview, Tina shares what went into the making of this collection, the thinking behind each topic, and what she hopes it brings to both children and educators. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or simply someone who believes in the power of music to educate and inspire, you’ll want to read on.
Q: Let’s dive straight into the book — how would you describe Tina’s Topic Tunes 3–8s in one sentence?
A: Tina’s Topic Tunes 3-8s is an educational songbook and album, designed to support teaching and learning, for children aged between 3-8 years.
Q: What inspired you to create a collection of topic-based songs for this particular age group?
A: I have been responsible for the music curriculum in several schools over 25 years and have always sought to support the class teachers in their topics being covered each term. I have used lots of wonderful songs over the years, but sometimes couldn’t find a song, so I started writing my own. The children I was working will loved my songs and I loved writing them. About 8 years ago I decided to create my own songbook to share with teachers beyond the school I was working in. Here we are!
Q: Was there a particular topic or song that was especially fun or meaningful to write?
A: I love animals and I get very excited when I discover new ones, ones that I don’t meet every day in the UK. When I wrote the Rainforest songs, I just loved doing the research and got very inspired again by the beautiful colours and variety of creatures in the rainforests of our beautiful world!
Q: How do you see this book being used — by teachers, parents, or others? Any examples of how it’s already being put into practice?
A: The songbook can be used as a paperback or pdf download and has all the song lyrics, musical piano scores as well as guitar chords included. Music teachers can use these within their day-to-day sessions with classes and in singing assemblies, to do as I did, and enhance the wonderful class teaching happening in school. Class teachers can use the recordings to sing with their classes having the lyrics on screen in the classroom or hall, if they want to encourage the older children to read the lyrics whilst singing. There is a mask-making resource included for children to make, as part of the Jazzy Rainforest Song. The Madagascan Moon-Moth Mask.
Q: Did you write the lyrics first and then compose the melodies, or did the music come first? What’s your usual process?
A: Often my songs all come at once, but not always. Sometimes I get a groove and then work out what topic it will fit best and then write the lyrics to fit. Also, sometimes I get an idea of some lyrics, depending on what I’m writing for, then the melody will just come.
I am an improvisational musician, so the harmonies are not something I worry about. They will just come as I pick up my guitar or sit at the piano. I feel equally happy with both accompanying instruments for all my songs and use them to provide variety in all my releases and albums.
Q: The book includes songs across a range of topics — how did you decide which topics to cover in this first collection?
A: I have drawn on my teaching experience for this first book in the Tina’s Topic Tunes series. I wrote lots of these songs whilst still teaching in school and used them with several classes over a few years, as the class teachers set their planned work.
Q: You’ve mentioned that you’re working on Tina’s Topic Tunes 7–11s. What can we expect from that follow-up?
A: I am writing and recording the songs for this songbook in 2025. I am about to record song 6 out of 12. Once the album is complete, I will then write the book, including the full scores and lyrics plus some class resources to support class teachers, to add to the topics covered. I plan on publishing this in the second half of 2026.
I am also publishing a series of ‘showcase assemblies’, written so the children sing the story, with lots of cross-curricular resources included too.
Already published is:
TINA’S ASSEMBLIES: Christmas Nativity Musical
Coming in October/November 2025:
TINA’S ASSEMBLIES: Jack and The Beanstalk
Q: What do you hope children take away from singing these songs — beyond just learning the topics?
A: I want children to have a wonderful, fun, lively experience whilst they sing and move to my songs. I want them to love music as much as I do and to learn how music enhances life, through remembering the facts included.
Q: What’s one message or feeling you’d like readers — or singers — to walk away with after experiencing Tina’s Topic Tunes 3–8s?
A: Pure Musical Joy!
Tina’s Topic Tunes 3–8s is a celebration of learning, rhythm, and imagination. Through her thoughtful approach and joyful melodies, Tina has created something that not only supports the curriculum but also nurtures a love for music in young learners. With more books and songs on the horizon, including Tina’s Topic Tunes 7–11s, her work is just getting started. We’re excited to see where this journey leads next and proud to have her voice featured here.
I absolutely love the concept behind Tina’s Topic Tunes 3–8s! As a primary school teacher, I’m always looking for creative ways to make lessons more engaging, and music is such a powerful tool. Will check out the book when I have time.