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!
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Music for toddlers. A sensory-rich experience bringing joyfulness.
Toddlers, with their boundless energy and insatiable curiosity, are constantly exploring the world around them. As parents and caregivers, always looking for “music lessons and fun activities tailored for toddlers”, we strive to create an environment that not only stimulates their senses but also brings your toddler moments of happiness and calm. One incredible way to achieve this is through music classes and programs tailored to your child’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore how music can become a powerful tool in creating a sensory-rich experience that leaves both you and your little one smiling and serene.
Music lessons crafting a rich experience in kids development.
The Swaying Rhythm of Happiness
Music and its magic touches our souls, and this is no different for your toddlers. When we introduce our little ones to music (even in utero), we open the door to a world of emotions and sensations. The rhythmic beat of a tambourine, the gentle strumming of a guitar, the melodious notes of a piano, or a lullaby, can set the stage for happiness to bloom.
Toddlers are naturally drawn to movement, and music offers the perfect opportunity for them to express themselves physically. Watch as your child’s face lights up when they sway to the music or clap their hands in delight. These simple actions not only bring joy but also help toddlers develop motor skills and coordination.
Visit our website to find out amazing programs that your toddler can get the most of at ABC academy of music https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/classes/ or book your free demo music class for babies and kids.
A Soothing Symphony of Calm
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding moments of calm can be a challenge, especially when you have a toddler in tow. Music, however, can be your secret weapon in creating serene interludes amidst the chaos. Slow, soft melodies, rhyme, and lullabies have a remarkable ability to soothe even the most restless of toddlers.
Consider incorporating a calming music routine into your toddler’s daily schedule. Whether it’s a gentle piano tune before naptime or a soothing lullaby during bedtime, these moments can form a habit and signal to your child that it’s time to relax. Over time, they’ll come to associate music with tranquility, making your life as a parent a little less frantic.
Music Programs Soothing Symphony of Calm
Crafting Sensory-Rich Experiences
Music doesn’t stop at auditory stimulation; it engages all the senses. Encourage your toddler to explore music through various sensory experiences:
Tactile Exploration
providing them with simple instruments like shakers, tambourines, or xylophones to touch and play with. The tactile – kinesthetic – feedback adds a new dimension to their musical journey. ABC Academy of Music offers a world famous program of mixed-age music classes available for babies, toddlers, and kids.
https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/classes/
Visual Delights
create a visually stimulating environment with colorful musical instruments, dancing lights, or even simple bubbles that respond to the music’s rhythm.
Auditory Delights
there are an endless amount of ways to create sounds that keep things interesting. From shakers, xylophones, keyboards, and musical instruments appropriate for babies and toddlers, you will find ways to make a ton of musical sounds (don’t be afraid of the silly ones, kids love those!).
Movement and Dance
encourage your toddler to move their bodies freely while listening to music. This not only enhances their sensory experience but also aids in their physical development. Becoming a family bonding experience.
Nurturing a Permanent Love for Music
Music Programs Nurturing lifelong love for music
Introducing your toddler to music at a young age not only brings immediate happiness, music enhances sensory development and calmness. Music lessons for babies, toddlers, and kids at all ages, lays the foundation for a lifelong love of music. As they grow, you can expand their musical horizons, introducing them to different genres and instruments. Music can become a source of comfort, creativity, and self-expression throughout their lives.
Share what you love. There really is no such thing as a specific ‘music for babies’. Music is great for kids, and you should share the music you love, and also actively try to discover new things for both you and your children.
In conclusion, “music lessons and fun activities tailored for toddlers” are a remarkable way to create sensory-rich experiences that bring happiness and calm. So, gather together, come to listen to your favorite tunes, and let the magic of music fill your child and you.
Watch as your toddler’s face lights up with joy and contentment, and savor the precious moments of calm amidst the beautiful soundscape you’ve created together. On ABC academy of music, you will find a world wide famous program, a music curriculum which suits your and and overall your toddler needs.
Book your free demo class today https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/classes/ looking forward to seeing you!
Follow us in our social channels to know more about the benefits of music lesson for adults
PS – DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING?
Check out our post:
“Family bonding, fun activities, and music programs for kids”
**Link is in progress**
Additional Reading for Your Interest:
Music on early childhood: Social benefits and Emotional
Every day I learn through play
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.
