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 classes reduce negative emotions and stimulate brain activity
Music activities and music programs are great to reduce negative emotions and stimulate brain activity! Music has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, bringing people together and serving as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. Beyond its aesthetic and entertainment value, music also has a profound impact on your emotions and cognitive abilities.
In recent years, scientific research has shed light on the therapeutic and cognitive benefits of music education. This blog post explores how music lessons can reduce negative emotions and stimulate your brain activity.
Music classes has a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether it’s the soothing melodies of classical music, the upbeat rhythms of pop, or the raw emotions conveyed through the lyrics of a heartfelt ballad, music has the power to connect with your feelings and experiences. It can uplift your spirits, provide solace during difficult times, and even help you process complex emotions.
Negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and sadness, are a part of life. However, they can become overwhelming if left unaddressed. This is where music comes in as a therapeutic tool. Engaging in music, whether through listening, playing, or singing, can assist you to cope with negative emotions effectively.
Music allows individuals to convey their feelings without the need for words. Image from Pinterest.
The Benefits of Music Lessons
- Stress Reduction: playing an instrument or singing can be a relaxing and cathartic experience. The act of creating music triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Emotional Expression: music provides a safe and expressive outlet for emotions. It allows individuals to convey their feelings without the need for words, making it especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to articulate their emotions.
- Cognitive Engagement: learning to play an instrument or sing requires and develops focus, concentration, and coordination. These cognitive processes stimulate your brain activity and can help to improve memory and problem-solving skills.
- Self-Esteem Boost: as you will progress in your musical journey, you´ll gain and deepen a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. This boost in self-esteem contributes to increased self-esteem, and counteracts feelings of negativity and self-doubt.
Visit ABC academy of music to learn more about drum lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, sing lessons and other musical instrument lesson for all ages at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/adults/
Stimulating Brain Activity Through Music Education.
Music education is not just about learning to play an instrument or sing; it also has a profound impact on your brain development and on your cognitive abilities.
Here’s how:
No other activity activates as many centers of the brain as the making of music
- Enhanced Brain Connectivity: Learning music involves coordinating multiple brain regions responsible for motor skills, auditory processing, and memory in addition to those of melody, rhythm, and language. This greatly enhances connectivity between many different parts of the brain, fostering overall cognitive development. No other activity activates as many centers of the brain as the making of music.
- Improved Memory: Music education has been linked to improvements in memory, both short-term and long-term. Musicians often have better memory recall and enhanced learning abilities.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Musical training encourages individuals to think creatively, adapt to different musical styles, and improvise. This fosters cognitive flexibility, which can be applied to various aspects of personal and professional life.
- Emotional Regulation: Music lessons teach patience and perseverance, important skills for managing negative emotions. Musicians often develop emotional resilience through their musical journey.
Music is a powerful tool that can significantly reduce negative emotions and stimulate your brain activity. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned musician, engaging in music lessons or simply listening to your favorite tunes can have a positive impact on your emotional well-being and cognitive abilities. So, if you’re looking for ways to boost your mood and enhance your brain function, consider incorporating more music into your life.
Whether you’re strumming a guitar, tickling the ivories, or belting out your favorite song, let the magic of music work its wonders on your mind and emotions. Book your first class at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/adults/
“PS -Section”:
Did you find this interesting? Check out our post
7 reasons why music lessons really pay back!
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Next are some other sources you might be interested too:
Emotional intelligence and music / Maria Iturriaga
Musical training, neuroplasticity and cognition
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.
