Don Spencer – Musician Songwriter Entertainer

Don Spencer (OAM) is one of Australia’s most iconic Musicians, Songwriters and Entertainers. His songs are timeless and he continues to spread his unique magic of music not only through his extensive music catalogue, but through his charity, the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.

About

Don Spencer is one of Australia’s most prolific songwriters, entertainers and musicians. His career has spanned more than 50 years and has seen him perform across the globe with the likes of the Rolling Stones to hosting children’s TV show Play School in Australia and the UK for over 28 years. His legacy now extends to the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) that he created to inspire and enrich the lives of Australian children and youth, particularly the disadvantaged and Indigenous.

Popular Playlist

Don's Music Shop

We have released the following on CD – they make a great gift!
Keep an eye on the site for more CDs which will be released in the coming months.
A percentage of each sale goes towards the Australian Children’s Music Foundation

Australian Childrens Music Foundation

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) is a not-for-profit organisation created by Don. It inspires creativity and imagination by providing weekly music education classes and instruments to disadvantaged children and youth at risk throughout Australia. Our ACMF music programs bring students joy and hope, and are proven to achieve positive educational and behavioural outcomes.

Gallery

This is Bob the Kelpie. We did so many concerts together around Australia for many years. What a talent. I still say the Kelpie is my favourite breed of dog. I miss Bob.

What a wonderful time working with these fabulous people. So many funny behind the scenes moments in a show that recently celebrated 50 years.

I was on PlaySchool for over 28 years in both Australia and England. We had many special guests who would pop in to be on a show that was such a happy part of many kids childhoods. Here is the legendary Lorraine Bayley appearing on the PlaySchool Christmas Special.

Happily singing away on a bale of hay with the wonderful Noni Hazelhurst on yet another PlaySchool show.

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation is celebrating 20 years in 2022. Over this incredible period, I have performed many times at events to raise funds to ensure the programs continue and expand. I have had the lovely opportunity of performing with kids from the ACMF program at the Taree Entertainment Centre several times – it is always a joy to see how much they enjoy performing.

Recording in London at Abbey Road Studio.

Over the years, many TV programs requested to visit ACMF programs to find out the many positive impacts music had on kids. The ABC called by to film the start of our new school program Wingham Brush Public School. This school was in an area badly affected by bushfires. The program was taught by the fabulous musician and ACMF teacher, Michael Eyb.

One of my favourite people to perform with – Danielle, my daughter. Here we are on stage at the State Theatre at Duets. I am such a lucky guy… I just love singing with my daughter

For many years, the ACMF held fundraising dinners where 450 guests would attend with the purpose of raising funds for the music programs. I often performed at these gala dinners with children from one of our schools. Here I am at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney with some of the wonderful students from Soldiers Settlement School, Matraville.

Singing for my supper. For four years, the ACMF organised a fundraising event called ‘Duets’. It was a massive event and a huge success. Held in August each year, for one night only, 30 entertainers from all styles of music would gather together at the State Theatre and sing a duet with a performer they had never sang with – only one rehearsal on the day. 2000 ticketholders filled the theatre and enjoyed a night like no other.

One of my favourite photos and memories. We worked in the Tiwi Islands for many years and I’m pleased to say, we are just about to start there again. The children are always so keen to play with the instruments and learn.

ACMF has a national instrument recycling program. We sent a piano that was donated to a primary school in South Australia – it was the first time they had ever seen a piano. Magic.

For many years, the ACMF has had a wonderful partnership with Richard Tognetti and the ACO. Here is Julian Thompson, a sensational cellist, teaching the children at Soldiers Settlement School, Matraville. This partnership has been a great success and has attracted many TV crews over the years interested to film and find out more.

Djembe drumming is always enjoyed by the children in our ACMF music programs. Djembe drumming is taught in many of our programs nationwide on a weekly basis. The children are excited when they are encouraged to make a huge noise and then surprised when it sounds so good!

A joyful time with these beautiful children at an ACMF program in the Northern Territory. ACMF has been working with Indigenous communities over the last 18 years.

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About

Popular Playlist

Don's Music Shop

Musical Time Tables

Having Fun With Numbers

Musical Alphabet

Great Australian Children’s Songs – Volume Two

Great Australian Children’s Songs – Volume One

Classics with the Orchestra

Australian Childrens Music Foundation

Gallery

Contact Don