Anthony Wiggle: ‘Music develops the whole child … and you get happier kids!’

“I know a lot of guitar players who wanted to play guitar like Murray!” Blue Wiggle, Anthony, tells Kidspot.

The Wiggles have provided children with endless entertainment, ridiculously catchy tunes and thoughtful education for more than three decades. 

Children from all over the world have fallen in love with their high-energy, infectious music. 

But the band’s understanding of children’s development and how they think has helped unlock a new perspective on building confidence and communication development. 

It’s no secret why they are still one of the most popular faces in children’s entertainment, even after 30 years. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

RELATED: Meet Tsehay Hawkins, Emma Wiggle's replacement

The Wiggles began as a way to keep kids entertained during school holidays. Source: Supplied

“The Wiggles influenced my entire life!”

While The Wiggles are global superstars today, the band had far more humble beginnings.

Founding member Anthony Field (AKA the blue Wiggle) said it was “purely to entertain kids while they were on school holidays”. 

He and other founding members attended Macquarie University’s Institute of Early Childhood Studies, where they studied to become preschool teachers. 

“We know there are certain ways that you can speak to children at their level,” Anthony told Kidspot.

With these learnings, the band better understood “where they’re coming from” and how to “communicate better” with the kids. 

“I think that was one of our objectives,” he continued. “For children who listen to our music to enjoy it and make music their own.” 

The Aussie band has inspired children worldwide to turn to other band members as their idols. 

“I know a lot of guitar players who wanted to play guitar like Murray!” Anthony laughed. 

Another face that looked up to The Wiggles was the ultra-talented Tsehay Hawkins (AKA the Yellow Wiggle). 

Joining the band in 2021, Tsehay was only 16 when she was named one of the four newest members of The Wiggles, making her the youngest member in the band’s 30-year history.

While she grew up in a musical-infused home, her earliest memories of music were from The Wiggles, kickstarting her passion for performing.

“Music, especially dancing, is my number one passion,” she told Kidspot. “The Wiggles really influenced my entire life.” 

“I’m so grateful to be a part of The Wiggles!”  

RELATED: The best kids headphones for music, learning and fun

The Wiggles want to inspire kids to enjoy and take up music. Source: Supplied

“Music makes a child happier in the school environment.”

It may come as no surprise that music has a positive influence on kids, as Anthony explained. 

“Music develops the whole child,” he said.

Listening to music, dancing and learning an instrument can help encourage “cognitive development, emotional development, physical development".

“It also encourages children to be part of a group,” he continued. “It requires discipline. And children can achieve confidence through music.” 

And the benefits go far beyond the classroom.

“It means a child is happier in the school environment,” he said. “You get happier children, you get a happier class.”

But it’s not just The Wiggles who inspire children to flourish through music. 

Across Australia, there are thousands of music teachers who inspire children every day to become their best selves and discover a new passion. 

Both Tsehay and Anthony had inspirational music teachers growing up, which helped influence their careers.

“I had a fantastic music teacher when I was in primary school,” Anthony told Kidspot. “She was a nun, and her name was Sister Dominique.”

Her inspiring lessons instilled in Anthony that if you “learn and practise hard”, music will stay with you forever. 

“You can turn to music as a friend; you can express your emotions through the music,” Anthony said.  

RELATED: Emma Watkins shares hint of new music as children's entertainer Emma Memma

The Wiggles have previously featured as Ambassadors for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award. Source: Instagram/@thewiggles

“Music plays a critical role in the growth of young people”

For the seventh year, Telstra and The Song Room are partnering for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award, which celebrates the importance of music education and the essential role that music teachers play in championing the next generation. 

“Music teachers play a critical role in the growth of so many young people, and the music room has long been a place of inspiration, comfort, creativity and self-expression for so many Australians, including most of our top artists,” said Annabelle Herd, CEO of ARIA. 

It’s an award that is close to the hearts of The Wiggles, who have previously worked as Ambassadors for the Award. 

“I know how important it is to have a music teacher,” Tsehay told Kidspot. “...and seeing how many amazing music teachers there are is really cool.”

“I think it's brilliant that Telstra and ARIA recognise the role that music teachers have in our society,” Anthony added. “I’m so glad that ARIA is treating music education so important by giving an award to the educators.”

Nominate your favourite music teacher for the Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award here.

Originally published as Anthony Wiggle: ‘Music develops the whole child … and you get happier kids!’