Bachelor of Fine Arts (York University)
Katie Thurman is a singer, pianist, accompanist, and teacher based in Toronto. Her passion for music has been with her since childhood, and she is excited to have recently completed her undergraduate degree in music at York University.
Trained classically in piano, she continues to explore other styles including pop and jazz, as well as write her own compositions. Her vocal training is in both classical and musical theatre styles, as well as lengthy choral experience both in and out of school.
Katie spent 6 years singing with WIBI A Cappella, a collegiate-based group, during her time at York, and is proud to have competed with them twice in the ICCA (the very competition the Pitch Perfect films were based on!). Currently, she sings with the Toronto-based That Choir.
Katie loves all types of music, but spends most of her time listening to pop, indie, and alt-pop records.
Katie also writes her own songs and is working towards putting together an EP. Aside from music, Katie’s other passions include baking, film, and psychology. She loves teaching and is always pushing herself to grow pedagogically and musically!
Get to know Katie…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: baking, watching movies/TV, writing, yoga, hiking
Musical influences: Classical: Natalie Dessay, Maria Callas/Pop: Arcade Fire, Lana Del Rey, BANKS, Florence & the Machine, Rhye
Favourite food: Pasta
Least favourite food: Seafood
Favourite music: pop & alt-pop, indie/folk, dance, and all things Celtic
Favourite song: currently “Favourite Boy” by Half Moon Run
Favourite movie: Eighth Grade
Favourite movie music: A Single Man, music composed by Abel Korzeniowski?
Favourite musical theatre/opera: Les Misérables
Best quote from your teacher: Vocal teacher: “Just go for it! We want to hear ‘Katie-and-a-half'”.
Favourite quote: Motivation comes from work
Favourite book: The Handmaid’s Tale
Best thing about teaching at ABC: I like sharing my knowledge with students, and I learn from them too!
Latest Homework from Katie
Is Katie Your Teacher?
Sign up now to get your weekly assignments delivered, and never lose your homework sheet again!
Music lessons, an astonishing influence on teenager’s health and well-being
How music influence teenager’s health and well-being? Music has been a fundamental part of human culture for centuries. It has the power to evoke emotions, soothe the soul, and bring people together.
Did you know that music lessons can also have a profound impact on adolescent’s health and well-being? In recent years, numerous studies have shown that drums, piano, guitar, violin lessons or music lessons in general, can play a pivotal role in shaping the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of adolescents.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the ways in which music lessons can positively influence the health and well-being of teenagers.
Boosting Cognitive Development
Music lessons for teenagers are like a workout for the brain. Learning to play an instrument involves understanding complex patterns, reading musical notation, and coordinating fine motor skills. This process stimulates brain regions responsible for memory, problem-solving, and creativity. No activity lights up as many parts of the brain more than Music does.
Studies have shown that teenagers who engage in music lessons tend to perform better academically, particularly in subjects like mathematics and language. This boost in cognitive development can provide teenagers with a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, which are crucial for their overall well-being.
Music boost cognitive development and over all well-being.
Emotional Expression and Stress Reduction
Teenage years can be emotionally turbulent. Adolescents often grapple with feelings of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. Music provides a safe and constructive outlet for emotional expression. Whether through playing an instrument or singing, teenagers can channel their emotions and release pent-up stress. Music has a unique ability to convey feelings that words alone cannot express, allowing teenagers to explore and process their emotions in a healthy way. This emotional release can lead to improved mental well-being and reduced stress levels.
Building Self-Confidence
Learning to master an instrument or excel in music can be a transformative experience for teenagers. As they progress in their musical journey, they gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. Performing in front of others, whether in a school band or at a recital, can also boost self-esteem and help teenagers overcome stage fright and social anxiety. This newfound confidence can extend beyond the realm of music and positively impact various aspects of their lives.
Fostering Social Connections
Participating in music lessons often involves collaboration with peers in group settings. Whether in a choir, orchestra, or band, teenagers have the opportunity to form deep social connections through shared musical experiences. These connections can lead to lasting friendships, a sense of belonging, and increased social support. Having a supportive social network is vital for teenagers’ mental and emotional well-being, and music can be a powerful catalyst for building these connections.
Enhancing Discipline and Time Management
Learning an instrument requires dedication, discipline, and effective time management. Teenagers who commit to regular practice schedules and stick to them develop important life skills that extend far beyond the world of music. These skills can help teenagers excel academically, maintain healthier lifestyles, and make informed decisions about their future.
Get to know us better at https://www.music-lessons.ca/ and unleash your talent at ABC academy of music.
Incorporating music lessons into the teenagers’ lives can have a profound and lasting impact on their health and well-being. From cognitive development and emotional expression to self-confidence and social connections, the benefits of music education are wide-ranging. Parents, educators, and policymakers should recognize the importance of music education and ensure that it remains an integral part of the adolescent experience. By doing so, we can empower teenagers to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives, all while nurturing their love for music and the arts.
ABC academy of music offers drums lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, and other musical instruments to all ages book your lessons at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/contact-us/
PS-DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING? Check out our post
“Music has a positive effect in teenagers disposition”
Additional Reading for Your Interest:
How playing an instrument benefits your brain
Preferred Books for Katie’s Students
Click to buy them here, and they’ll come right to your house! What could be easier?
Faber & Faber Piano Adventures
The 2nd Edition Primer Lesson Book introduces the keyboard, note values, and the grand staff. Students play in C 5-finger scale patterns, develop recognition of steps and skips, and learn letter names independent of finger number. Musicianship is built through the use of dynamics and coloristic experimentation with the pedal. The book is organized into units which represent the major concepts and skills. As new units are introduced, earlier concepts and skills are constantly reviewed.
Music for Little Mozarts
Lesson Book 1
Lesson Book 1 is pre-reading. Concepts taught are: How to sit at the piano; Correct hand position; High and low; Loud and soft (forte and piano); Keyboard topography; Bar line and measure, Quarter, half, whole notes and rests; and Repeat signs.
Alfred's Adult Basic All-In-One
Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course is designed for use with a piano instructor for the beginning student looking for a truly complete piano course. It is a greatly expanded version of Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course that will include lesson, theory, and technique in a convenient, “all-in-one” format. This comprehensive course adds such features as isometric hand exercises, finger strengthening drills, and written assignments that reinforce each lesson’s concepts. There is a smooth, logical progression between each lesson, a thorough explanation of chord theory and playing styles, and outstanding extra songs, including folk, classical, and contemporary selections.
RCM Voice Repertoire
A Comprehensive Voice Series serves as the official resource for voice assessments of the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. Featuring an outstanding selection of voice literature and supporting materials, this series offers a truly enriched learning experience to help ensure student success. As in previous editions, Resonance encompasses a rich and varied selection of Repertoire, Vocalises and Recitatives that students of all ages and voice types will find appropriate to their musical interests and level of technical ability.
Vocal Workouts for the Contemporary Singer
The vocal workouts in this much-anticipated follow-up to Peckham’s The Contemporary Singer are based on Berklee College of Music’s highly effective vocal method. This volume will help vocalists develop the voice through good vocal health, warm-up exercises, advanced techniques, stage performance advice and more. Includes companion online audio for ultimate interactive education!
Alfred's Teach Yourself to Sing
Learn to sing and open up a brand new world of musical knowledge with this exciting method from Alfred Music. Beginning with the fundamentals, you will learn about equipment used by singers, vocal health, and getting acquainted with reading music. You will then move right along to breathing, vocalizing, proper warm-ups, and singing songs, lesson by lesson, all while continuing to increase your knowledge of reading and understanding music. You will learn to sing an array of musical styles including pop, jazz, classical, and musical theater. Near the end of the book, you will be introduced to the idea of individual interpretation, which will help you color your songs with your own unique style. The book features a chord and scale chart for reference during and after your lessons.
