Today, we’re welcoming back Bernie Heard for another wonderful conversation. Bernie is the Director of the Music in Me Teacher Mentoring Program with the Australian Youth Orchestra. She leads a national team and works with education systems across Australia. Together, they help teachers bring more singing and music into classrooms every day.
In this episode, we’re exploring an exciting project — ABC Let’s Sing. Bernie has played a key role in bringing this initiative to life with the ABC. It’s a modern reimagining of the classic ABC Sing Books, a program that shaped the sound of Australian school music for generations.
Many of us remember those moments — sitting cross-legged on the floor, singing together with the old Sing Books. Now, Let’s Sing continues that legacy while embracing the possibilities of digital learning. It connects students and teachers through music in fresh, creative ways.
Throughout our chat, Bernie shares how Music in Me collaborated with the ABC to make Let’s Sing relevant for today’s classrooms. We’ll talk about what’s new, how technology has changed access, and how teachers are already using it to inspire joyful music-making.
In addition, we’ll look ahead. Bernie explains what’s next for the program and how schools, leaders, and communities can support this growing movement. She also offers practical advice on how every teacher can advocate for singing and make it part of daily school life.
If you believe in the power of music education, love school singing, or want to see how tradition meets innovation, this episode is for you.
Let’s get started and welcome back Bernie Heard.
Links Mentioned in This Episode:
ABC Education Let’s Sing: https://www.abc.net.au/education/collections/lets-sing
Sign up for free resources from Music In Me: https://musicinme.au/abc-education-lets-sing/
Where to find me:
Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
Official Crescendo Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrescendoMusicEd/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-o-shea-62a3741b/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CrescendoDeb
