About Click

My name is Todd Clickard — most people just call me Click.

I spent nearly 20 years teaching music in California public schools, and I’ve been a professional saxophonist and flutist my entire adult life. But the story of Click’s Tracks for Kids actually starts long before any of that — it starts with my dad’s record collection.

Growing up, our house was full of music. Real music. Roland Kirk. Dexter Gordon. Cal Tjader. James Moody. Airto. My father had hundreds of LPs and he played them constantly. I didn’t just listen — I absorbed. By the time I got to college, I tested out of jazz history on day one with an A+. I never had to take the class.

So, when I became a music teacher, I came in with strong opinions about what music should sound like — and what it shouldn’t.

The Assignment I Didn’t Want

Later in my career, I was handed a vocal music program. I didn’t ask for it. I was a horn player, instrumental music teacher not a choir director. But once I was in the room with kids and a song to teach, something shifted. I realized that vocal music — done right — could be one of the most powerful things that happens in a school day. A moment of genuine community. A room full of kids making something beautiful together.

The problem was the existing material. Most of it was, to put it charitably, not good. Watered-down, dumbed-down, nursery-rhyme filler that kids endured rather than enjoyed. I knew they deserved better.

So, I started writing my own songs.

Years of Songs Kids Actually Want to Sing

Over the next ten years, I built a catalog of 100 original compositions — songs with real harmonic depth, real rhythmic interest, and lyrics that respect kids’ intelligence. Songs for general classroom use: voice only, rhythm sticks, ukulele. No elaborate production required. Just music that works.

I knew the songs were landing when students started asking to sing them. Not just tolerating music class — requesting it. That’s the standard I held everything to.

Click’s Tracks for Kids

Click’s Tracks for Kids is the home for that catalog. Every song here has been classroom-tested over years of real teaching with real kids. I’m releasing them as teacher bundles — complete packages designed so any teacher, music specialist or not, can walk into a classroom and make something meaningful happen.

You’ll also find many of the songs on YouTube, performed and produced by me right here in my studio in Monterey, California.

Clicktrax Studios

Clicktrax Studios is the production side of what I do — where the music gets made. I write, record, and produce all of it myself, bringing the same musicianship I’ve developed as a performing saxophonist and flutist to every track.

As a Performing Musician

Music isn’t just something I teach — it’s something I do. I’m a working jazz musician and bandleader who performs professionally on saxophone, flute, clarinet, and trumpet across a wide range of styles: jazz, big band, sax quartet, woodwind quartet, pit orchestras for musical theatre, church music, and more.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with some remarkable artists, including Joe Henderson, Louie Bellson, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Guy Lombardo, The Mills Brothers, Al Martino, and Don Schamber’s Alumni Band.

I’ve performed with The Chicano All Stars, The J.T. Horns, The Musicians Warehouse Big Band with Louie Bellson, The Robin Anderson Big Band, Standing Room Only, The Del Monte Express, The Monterey Pops Symphonic Band, Compass Church Salinas, and The John “Broadway” Tucker Blues Band. I also lead my own groups: The Tenor Tones, The Clicktrax Jazz Orchestra, Four Five Sax, and Clicktrax Winds.

That experience informs everything — the songs I write, the records I love, and the lessons I give.

Private Lessons

I maintain a private lesson studio here in Monterey County with over 30 years of experience teaching both in the classroom and one-on-one. My students have earned college scholarships, performed with the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Star Band, and developed a lifelong love of music.

I teach flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, snare drum, and jazz improvisation. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your playing to the next level, every lesson draws on real-world professional experience — not just theory, but real music. If you’re interested in studying, reach out and we’ll talk.

For Teachers, Parents and Kids

If you’re an elementary or music teacher looking for material that will actually engage your students — songs that feel like real music — you’re in the right place. These aren’t supplemental activities. They’re the kind of songs kids remember for years.

If you found us through YouTube, welcome. The songs are free to enjoy there. If you want the full experience — lyric sheets, demo tracks for teaching the songs, and backing tracks for performances are available — the teacher bundles have everything.

Thanks for being here. Let’s make something worth singing.

— Click