The Singtastic Story

David Haines

Composer and songwriter David Haines has found inspiration for his songs from his love of science for around 25 years.

Many of  his music theatre works - such as "Granny Galactica" and "The Chronovirus" have scientific themes and his two science oratorios, "Darwin Songs - the science of life and evolution" and "Powers of Ten - from quark to cosmos" are entirely science-based.

David's unique musical style displays numerous musical influences - from Beatles to Bach, Britten to Beach Boys.  His songs are catchy and quirky, appealing to all ages from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.

Singtastic.com is a unique new style of online music publishing.  It offers a whole portfolio of materials for each song: tutor and singalong videos and audio tracks, video chats about the song, downloadable pdfs of the lyrics and sheet music in a wide range of formats.

To celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birthday in 2009, Singtastic is offering a free portfolio of one of David's most popular songs,"Mister Darwin". All the materials for this song can be downloaded for free and forever.

Click if you’d like to read more about David Haines

Sue Blake

Here I am, about to set off from Teignmouth* on a business trip with David Haines to London, New York, Chicago, St Louis, San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles in just 22 days!

On reflection, this photo marked both a beginning and an end.

The end of 3 years of wondering 'what to do next' and the beginning of a new and very exciting phase of my life.

Prior to moving to Devon I had been a teacher in the Midlands for over 30 years, where my dyslexia training and special interest had drawn me, like a magnet, to work mainly with pupils finding wordmastery difficult.

I typically forged my own pathways in the teaching of basic literacy, handwriting, spelling and study skills, getting my inspiration, and many of my ideas from my pupils.

We journeyed together and had lots of fun. They called me 'The Rainbow Teacher.'

I have always wanted to write a book, to share what I know, to leave a legacy if you like...

BUT

Until Singtastic, this seemed an impossible dream.

I love singing and so I joined Teignmouth Community Choir led by David Haines. After rehearsal one summer evening we all went to The Ship and as I stood watching the setting sun, David mentioned a new word he had recently happened upon - tmesis.

I was delighted to have found someone else who was interested in words. I think that started an unconscious process, which resulted in my offering to invest in him and his work.

Over the following months I increasingly developed an affinity with David. I accompanied him on a couple of school visits and saw that he was a natural teacher. And, most importantly, I grew to love his music!

After deciding to go into business with David I realised that Singtastic was the ideal opportunity for me to share my passion for words and to publish my work to a world-wide audience.

See what I have done with the words of David's songs in the Resources section...

it's fanbloomingtastic**

See you there!

Sue

* pronounced in Teignmouth as 'tin-muhth'

** an example of tmesis