Pixie Possum
Pixie Possum creates engaging children’s music education sessions for children aged 0-6.
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, The sessions run by Xadi Walsh (living in Heidelberg, Wurundjeri Country), will visit your co-op, daycare, playgroup or child’s birthday party to run her joy filled sessions.
The curated program focuses on connecting children to their natural environment through music. Investigating together what changes we notice in the seasons, children are encouraged to ask themselves what native animals they have been noticing and what they are observing about the plants and trees around them?
In addition to connecting with and observing their natural environment, children will have the opportunity to learn:
Elements of music: pitch, melody, rhythm, dynamics, timbre and texture
Different rhythms on various instruments such as: snare and tom drums, clapping sticks, shakers and other percussion instruments
How we can jam with one another with different instruments
Solfege and Curwen hand signs
Kodaly rhythm syllables
Auslan signs
First Nations music (a mixture of contemporary artists and traditional songs).
Contemporary music (reimagined by Xadi)
Xadi carries out the sessions live with her guitar.
Xadi’s Pixie Possum friend named Bungal (named by her son) will come along for the sessions, with each session Bungal shares what she has found from her adventures in the bush and celebrates this through song.
Xadi creates a safe, inclusive, inviting and creative space for children to explore their own musical voices and connections.
Xadi grew up with music around her. Her Dad was a frontman singer/songwriter, performing and recording in many bands through the 1980’s-2000’s. Both Xadi and her older sister have followed in their Dad’s footsteps, making music a big part of their lives.
Xadi didn’t fully explore music until her Dad bought her her first guitar when she was 19, which she then learnt songs from favourite artists such as Crowded House, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, before starting to write her own songs.
The first song Xadi wrote was about the destruction of the Earth from humans, and how we can all work together more to heal country. Many years later, Xadi still writes her own music very passionately with this same message, using her songwriting to inspire connection and healing.
Before arriving back to music, Xadi ventured a couple of different career paths, working in bush regeneration and as a Support Worker in Aged and Disability Care. Through these experiences Xadi also supported children with disabilities and from this she was inspired to learn Early Childhood, going on to study and gain her Certificate III in Early Childhood Care and Education.
After Xadi finished her Childcare studies and was working in this space, she went on to study a Bachelor of Music (Songwriting) at JMC Academy, Gadigal land/Sydney. Through this experience she joined several bands as a vocalist, performing both locally and touring interstate. She later formed her own band SheOak and moved down to Naarm/Melbourne with her husband.
Xadi has been living and working on Wurundjeri Country since 2017. She has continued working in Childcare as well as performing and releasing music. In 2021 she created her own music teaching business before the arrival of her son Ochre.
Whilst juggling becoming a new mum, Xadi gained some valuable experience working for a Music Incursion company, conducting educational group lessons for children, and shortly after began working as a Childcare Educator at a local Co-operative childcare, in which she had the pleasure of also leading the music sessions for the co-op. These enriching experiences of combining music and childhood education have been the direct inspiration for Xadi to create Pixie Possum.
Xadi is a Proud descendent of the Pyermaireener people of Lutruwita/Tasmania and through a strong passionate desire to learn, heal and connect, Xadi is continuing to build a strong connection to her First Nations heritage and is incredibly proud of her strong maternal line.
Xadi’s path has lead her to where she is now. Her dream is to inspire children to connect to the natural world, connect to country around them and with one another. And she will do this the best way she knows how; through music!
About Xadi
Pixie Possum videos
Acknowledgement Song
We are on Wurundjeri country, thank you for having us on this land.
I show my respect to all of the Elders, we can heal country hand in hand.
Thank you to the Wurundjeri people for the culture and knowledge that you’ve passed down.
We continue to learn, respect and listen, from our open hearts to our feet on the ground.
Thank you Earth, Thank you Country, Thank you Wind, Thank you Water, Thank you Skies for watching over us, Thank you Stars, and you and I.
We are on Wurundjeri country, thank you for having us on this land.
Turtle Song
I saw a turtle swimming in the sea, i followed her through the coral reef, she was munching on some seaweed, she swum up to the surface to breathe.
(breathe in, breathe out)
She swam back down to the ocean floor, she swam and swam and swam some more, she was flowing, and gliding in he water so free, she swam up to the surface to breathe
(breathe in, breathe out)
She was swimming, swimming, swim swim swim
She was eating, eating, munch, munch munch, x 2
She was breathing, breathing
(breathe in, breathe out).
Testimonials
“I have had the privilege of experiencing Xadi’s musical sessions with children on many occasions over the years, and each one has been a delight.
Her beautiful voice, coupled with thoughtfully crafted songs that capture children’s interests and imaginations, creates a truly engaging and joyful experience. No matter how many times I listen, I never tire of the warmth, creativity, and genuine connection she brings to every session.
Xadi is entertaining, enchanting, and wonderfully gentle…a combination that, in my view, is perfectly suited to the early years.”
Fiona Lycette, Early Years Learning Educator
“Xadi is absolutely gorgeous with her guitar, and the kids can’t get enough of her!”
Benedict- (parent from their child’s birthday party)
“Xadi was absolutely amazing at my child's party. She brought all the children and parents together, creating such a magical, warm, and tender atmosphere that everyone could enjoy.
The children had the opportunity to explore music through singing, movement, and hands-on experiences with instruments, which kept them engaged and delighted throughout. What I loved most was that it wasn't just for the kids—parents were invited into the experience too, reconnecting with their own playful, creative side and sharing beautiful moments of joy with their children.
It was a truly special experience that fostered connection, creativity, and togetherness. I would 100% invite Xadi back for my child's next party and highly recommend her to any family looking for something meaningful, interactive, and full of heart. It's a beautiful opportunity for both kids and parents to be playful, creative, and create lasting memories together.”
Angela- (parent from their child’s birthday party)