Today, I’m honoured to welcome Jessie Lloyd. Jessie is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songwoman, composer, and cultural leader. She’s also the founder of Jessie’s Classroom and the author of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Songbook. Many listeners will know Jessie for her incredible work with the Mission Songs Project, which has helped bring powerful Indigenous voices and histories to life through song.

Jessie is deeply respected for her advocacy in embedding Indigenous perspectives into classrooms across Australia. Her work connects culture, community, and education in meaningful and practical ways — helping teachers approach First Nations music with authenticity, respect, and confidence.

I first connected with Jessie after hearing her speak at ASME, where her passion for empowering teachers through music truly stood out. I also purchased her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Songbook, and it’s been a resource that continues to inspire both educators and students alike.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore Jessie’s journey as a musician, educator, and cultural storyteller. We’ll talk about the origins of Jessie’s Classroom, the stories behind her songbook, and what authentic embedding of Indigenous perspectives really looks like in music education. Jessie also shares practical advice for teachers — including where to start, how to build confidence, and how to avoid common misconceptions.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring Indigenous voices into your music room in a genuine and respectful way, this conversation is a must-listen. Jessie’s insights are both inspiring and practical, offering small but powerful steps teachers can take to make real change.

So, let’s begin this important conversation. Please welcome Jessie Lloyd.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Jessie's Website - https://jessiesclassroom.com/
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Songbook

Where to find me: 

Crescendo Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crescendocommunity
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