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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How music stimulates nearly every area of children’s brain
Do you ever wonder how to stimulate your baby’s or toddler’s brains and development? Check out this well informed advice, plus easy and affordable ways to reach that goal!
Music has the incredible power to transcend language and culture, speaking to our souls in a way that words often cannot. For toddlers, this universal language of rhythm and melody holds an even more profound significance. Research has shown that music can stimulate almost every area of a toddler’s brain, fostering cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is a built-in, easy way to connect with the youngest people in the world.
In this blog post, you will explore the remarkable ways in which music engages and nourishes the growing minds of your toddlers.
Music fosters babies’ & toddlers’ cognitive development
Language Skills
- Language acquisition is a pivotal aspect of a toddler’s cognitive development. Music introduces toddlers to new words, rhythms, and patterns, helping them expand their vocabulary.
- Songs with repetitive lyrics, like nursery rhymes, aid in memory and language retention. They become familiar with sounds, syllables, and phonetics through singing along.
Mathematical and Spatial Skills
- Music involves counting beats, understanding rhythm, and recognizing patterns. Combined with structured physical activities, these activities enhance your toddlers’ mathematical and spatial reasoning.
- Concepts such as tempo, timing, and sequencing are naturally learned through music, setting the foundation for future mathematical skills.
Memory and Recall
- Toddlers often amaze us with their ability to remember the lyrics to their favorite songs. This is because music aids memory and recall, reinforcing cognitive development.
- Singing songs with a storyline, like “Eensy, Weensy Spider” helps children develop narrative and sequential memory skills.
Not sure about what program to choose?
Check it out at and learn more about ABC Academy of Music and its tailored programs for kids of all ages https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/classes/
Music classes and emotional development
Expressing Emotions
- Music allows your toddlers to express a wide range of emotions in a safe and creative way. They can dance joyfully to upbeat tunes or calm down with soothing melodies.
- Singing about feelings in songs like “If You’re Happy and You Know It” teaches toddlers to identify and express their emotions.
Empathy and Social Skills
- Singing songs that involve cooperation, like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in a group setting, encourages social interaction and teamwork while developing motor skills through collaboration.
- Music can also help toddlers understand the emotions of others, fostering empathy as they listen to the tone and lyrics of songs.
Promote physical development with music
Motor Skills
- Dancing and moving to music promote the development of gross and fine motor skills. Toddlers learn coordination and balance while grooving to the beat.
- Instruments like shakers or tambourines enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Social Development
- Bonding and Connection
- Singing songs with caregivers and peers creates bonds and connections. Music is a shared experience that promotes social interaction and strengthens relationships.
- Group music activities, such as singing circles, encourage toddlers to take turns, share, and cooperate.
Music-making is a powerful tool that engages almost every area of a person’s brain. It enriches cognitive development, stimulates emotional growth, enhances physical skills, and fosters social interaction. Whether through nursery rhymes, lullabies, or dance parties, parents and caregivers can harness the magic of music to nurture the minds and hearts of their toddlers. So, let the rhythm and melodies fill your home, and watch your little one’s brain bloom with the harmonious benefits of music.
Book your free demo class of Music Together and let your child get the most of our tailored programs, that stimulates emotional growth by activities full of fun at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/classes/
Follow us in our social channels to know more about the benefits of music lesson for adults in Toronto and other areas as well.
PS – DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING?
Check out our post:
“Music for toddlers: crafting a sensory-rich experience bringing happiness and calm.”
**Link is is Progress**
Additional Reading for Your Interest:
Baby Music: the soundtrack to development
The importance of music in the development of toddlers
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.
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.