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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Playing a musical instrument has a positive effect on teenagers
Let’s discover together the positive effect of music on teenagers, physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Whether you are a teenager or your kids are in their teens, this information is right for you!
Teenagers often experience a whirlwind of emotions and face various challenges as they navigate the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. During this time, it’s crucial to find healthy outlets for self-expression and emotional regulation. One such avenue that can have a profoundly positive impact on teenagers’ dispositions is playing music. In this blog post, we will explore how drum lessons for teenagers, guitar, piano, violin or music lessons in general can contribute to the emotional well-being and overall development of adolescents.
Drums are often associated with rhythm, energy, and catharsis.
Picture from Pinterest.
Drum lessons for Teenagers: rhythmic release
Drums are often associated with rhythm, energy, and catharsis. For teenagers, who may grapple with stress, frustration, or anxiety, drum lessons can be a fantastic way to release pent-up emotions. The physical act of hitting drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments can provide a healthy channel for teens to let out their feelings. Music classes deffinitely has a positive effects on teenagers general health.
When teenagers immerse themselves in drumming, they experience several emotional benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Drumming has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase relaxation. The rhythmic patterns in drumming can help synchronize brain waves, promoting a state of calm.
- Improved Mood: The act of drumming releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It can help teenagers combat feelings of sadness or frustration.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Learning a musical skill like drumming and seeing improvement over time can boost self-esteem and confidence in teenagers.
Guitar lessons: expressing emotions through melody
The guitar is a versatile instrument that allows teenagers to express their emotions through melody and harmony. Learning to play the guitar not only develops musical skills but also encourages self-expression.
Here are some ways in which guitar lessons can positively affect teenagers’ dispositions:
Playing the guitar can serve as a creative outlet for teenagers. Picture from Pinterest.
- Emotional Outlet: Playing the guitar can serve as a creative outlet for teenagers to channel their emotions, whether it’s writing songs about their experiences or simply strumming away to release tension.
- Stress Relief: Playing the guitar requires focus, which can take teenagers’ minds off their worries and anxieties. It’s a form of mindfulness that can promote relaxation.
- Social Connection: Joining a band or playing with friends can foster social connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for teenagers’ emotional well-being.
Let your teenager spirit get the most of music lesson at ABC academy of music visit us at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/instruments/
Piano lessons: cognitive and emotional development
Besides the fun when learning to play the piano it also involves: hand-eye coordination and memorization.
Picture from Pinterest.
Piano lessons offer a unique combination of cognitive and emotional development for teenagers. Learning to play the piano involves reading sheet music, hand-eye coordination, and memorization – all of which stimulate the brain. Moreover, the piano’s versatility allows teenagers to explore a wide range of musical genres, from classical to contemporary.
Here are some ways in which piano lessons contribute to positive emotional development:
- Emotional Expression: The piano’s wide range of tones and dynamics enables teenagers to convey a wide spectrum of emotions through their music, promoting emotional intelligence.
- Improved Concentration: Learning to play the piano demands focused attention, helping teenagers develop better concentration skills that can be applied to other aspects of life.
- Sense of Achievement: As teenagers progress in their piano studies and master challenging pieces, they experience a sense of accomplishment that can boost their self-esteem and overall disposition.
In conclusion, playing music has a profound and meaningful impact on the emotional well-being of adolescents. These musical pursuits offer various benefits, from stress reduction and emotional expression to cognitive development and enhanced self-esteem.
ABC academy of music encourages teenagers to explore music as a hobby or a serious pursuit, it can be a valuable investment in adolescents’ emotional health and overall development during these formative years. Discover more about music lessons at ABC on https://www.music-lessons.ca/
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Additional Reading for Your Interest:
Preferred Books for Katie’s Students
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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.
