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? 12 tips to enhance your lifestyle with Music
Playing an instrument, getting music lessons, or listening to music can be a powerful stress reliever. It can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it an excellent way for adults to unwind after a long day.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a complete novice, incorporating music into your daily routine can significantly enhance your lifestyle. In this blog post, you´ll know 12 pro-tips that can help you make the most of your music lessons and experience the transformative power of music in your life.
Tips
Choose the right instrument and enjoy it
When embarking on a musical journey, selecting the right instrument is crucial. Consider your personal preferences, physical attributes, and the type of music that resonates with you. Whether it’s a guitar, drums, piano, violin, or any other instrument, the right choice will make your musical experience more enjoyable. Learning to play an instrument or sing can be a fulfilling and enjoyable hobby!
Think of it this way; instruments have personalities, so you want to be sure you feel interested and excited about it. Trust your instincts. If you played something as a kid and didn’t love it, why go back?
Set realistic goals and give yourself permission and flexibility
Setting achievable goals is essential for progress. Break down your musical aspirations into small, manageable milestones. Whether you aim to play a simple tune or perform at a concert, having clear objectives will keep you motivated and on track. Practicing an instrument or vocal exercises regularly requires discipline and time management. These skills can be translated into other areas of life as well.
Most importantly, you want to find a teacher that can support your busy and/or changing lifestyle from week to week. Your ability to dedicate time to an instrument may change week to week, so you need a partner in your teacher that understands your schedule and can help you both set expectations that you can meet every week, which will make your experience and music lessons way more satisfying. You have to give yourself permission to be flexible this way, and you’ll always feel successful.
Find a skilled teacher and boost confidence
A knowledgeable and experienced teacher can make a huge difference in your musical journey. Looking for someone who aligns with, understands, and supports your musical lessons interests and can provide personalized guidance is essential. Regular music lessons with a skilled teacher is key to accelerate your learning and ensure you acquire proper techniques. As you progress in your musical journey and achieve goals, it can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence.
ABC academy of music count with qualified teachers, check our students testimonials at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/adults/
Practice consistently, for mental and physical benefits
Consistency is key to mastering any skill, and music is no exception. Dedicate a specific time each day to practice, even if it’s just for a short time. Regular practice will help you build memory skills and improve your musical abilities steadily. Similarly, it could be a Physical Activity, some music lessons, such as dance or drumming lessons, involve physical movement. This can be a great way to get some exercise and improve coordination while having fun.
Remember that consistency doesn’t mean that you always practice the same amount…often the key factor is to do what we call approaching the instrument at the same time or on the same schedule on an ongoing basis, even during those busy weeks. If you can only give it 5 minutes, do that! Just be sure that you find a level of consistency that you can support most of the time.
Explore different genres and improve creativity
Don’t limit yourself to a single genre of music. Explore different styles, from classical to jazz, rock to blues. Exposure to diverse musical genres can expand your horizons and enrich your musical vocabulary. Music is a form of self-expression. Learning to create music can tap into your creative side and allow you to express yourself in new ways.
Ideally, you are always discovering new music and fun new challenges that that can provide.
Learn music for mental stimulation
Understanding the fundamentals of music will greatly enhance your musical abilities. Learning about scales, chords, and musical notation will help you read and interpret music, compose your own tunes, and improvise with confidence. This can help keep the brain active and engaged, potentially improving cognitive functions, for piano lessons or any other musical instrument.
As adults this is really important, and can help us ward off neuro-degenerative conditions as we age.
Record and share your progress
Recording yourself playing or singing is a valuable tool for self-assessment. It allows you to pinpoint areas that need improvement and track your progress over time. Plus, it’s a great way to capture your musical journey and memories.
Consider sharing your progress with someone to help keep motivated to ‘finish’ your projects and get to the next ones in your journey.
Join a music community and increase social interaction
Being part of a music community can provide invaluable support and inspiration. Whether it’s a local jam session, an online forum, or a group of like-minded friends, sharing your musical experiences with others can foster a sense of camaraderie and motivation. Taking music lessons often involves interacting with instructors and fellow students. This can lead to new friendships and a sense of community.
Whether you know it or not, there are local musical groups of people around, maybe 1 or 2 people that meet for fun, all the way up to community bands and orchestras and choirs that are performing at regular times throughout the year – a great way to showcase your new skills to friends and family!
Attend live performances
Watching live performances can be incredibly inspiring. Attend concerts, recitals, and music festivals to witness the magic of music firsthand. It can ignite your passion and drive to excel in your own musical endeavors.
It is absolutely magical to watch people – some groups that are huge – do the same thing at the same time, and agree to a beautiful product for others’ enjoyment.
Woman enjoying playing drums
Embrace challenges
Music may present challenges along the way, but don’t be discouraged. Embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Pushing your boundaries and conquering difficulties will make your musical journey even more rewarding.
Lean on your teacher to help keep you grounded and not get lost in your own worries – you’re probably being too hard on yourself!
Stay patient and persistent
Learning music is a lifelong journey, and progress may sometimes seem slow. Stay patient and persistent. Remember that every note you learn and every practice session you complete brings you closer to your musical goals. Progress is not a smooth or straight line with music. There is a lot going on mentally and physically, and not all of the dots get connected at the same time for the best result, but when they do, it is great.
Enjoy the process as a life-long learning
Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Music is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the joy of playing, creating, and expressing yourself through sounds. Cherish each moment and savor the beauty of your musical journey. Music is a pursuit that you can continue to enjoy and improve at throughout your life, providing ongoing personal growth and satisfaction.
Discover amazing music and singing lessons at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/adults/ ABC academy of music.
Music lessons (whether those are: drums, piano, violin, guitar lessons, or any other musical instrument lessons) have the potential to enhance your lifestyle in ways you may never have imagined. By following these 12 tips, you can get on a fulfilling musical journey that brings joy, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for the power of music into your life. So, pick up that instrument, embrace the melody, and let music enrich your lifestyle in profound ways.
Follow us on our social channels to know more about the benefits of music lesson for adults.
PS – DID YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING?
Check out our post:
“The Therapeutic Power of Music”
Additional Reading for Your Interest:
What I Learned from a Life Immersed in Music | Ryan Schreiner | TEDxLSSC
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.
