All of my original works are protected by copyright and may not  be copied, duplicated, or used in any way without my explicit permission. But if you ask me nicely and tell me something exciting about how the work might be used (especially if I get to participate) I have a feeling the answer could very well be “Yes!”

If you are listening, like most do, using merely your built in computer speakers, I strongly recommend you use earphones or headphones for the highest sound quality in each digital sound file. If you don’t believe me, try it both ways, and you’ll hear the marked difference.  Thanks!

ITSY BITSY SPIDER

Adaptation of 18th century original, with new words, musical score and voicings by Julie Volkmann (c) 2015

Yes, nursery rhymes – with a contemporary twist in an experimental kind of musical acapella groove.   These grew from my desire to share my art with grandson Adrian who lives almost 1000 miles from me.  He’s a savvy three-year old living in Astoria Queens, New York, and I was thoroughly discombobulated to hear that he did not know his nursery rhymes. The very rhymes which were part of my extended childhood  as the oldest of twelve kids, because I often read them to the younger brothers and sisters.

This  nursery rhyme was chosen as the first I would  set to a new setting because Adrian’s birthday is on Halloween.

JACK BE NIMBLE, JACK BE QUICK

Adaptation of 18th century original, with new words, musical score and voicings by Julie Volkmann (c) 2015

This work was also inspired by my high energy, unstoppable three year old force of nature with a smile that lights the room.

DIDDLE DIDDLE DUMPLING, MY SON JOHN

Adaptation of 18th century original, with new words, musical score and voicings by Julie Volkmann (c) 2015

I thought of my daughter Kara as she mothers this young ball of unquenchable, unstoppable energy.

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE, THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE

Adaptation of 18th century original, with new words, musical score and voicings by Julie Volkmann (c) 2015

I realized that my first three adaptations were focussed primarily on male protagonists – with the exception of the female spider (with a less than ideal image)   in the first number – I vowed to begin re-balancing the works to include female protagonists.  The next work will definitely focus on the benevolent  power of the feminine.