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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7 Reasons why music lessons really pay back!
Are you wondering about affordable Music lessons in Toronto, GTA and if they really pay back?
Well, Music goes beyond a monetary investment!
Never the less, whether music lessons in Toronto are worth it and if they pay back in terms of benefits, largely depends on your personal goals and interests. Let’s explore together about the reasons why music lessons pay back, and also why it might be so rewarding.
Understanding that mastery requires consistent practice and dedication, is crucial for maximizing the benefits of music lessons. Besides assess the qualifications, and expertise of potential instructors. A skilled and experienced teacher can significantly impact the effectiveness of your learning journey.
Music Lessons and programs in Toronto that suit your needs, additionally contributes to preserving and appreciating the cultural heritage associated with music.
Here are some factors to consider about Music classes costs, whether in person or online:
The decision to invest in music lessons is a personalized endeavor (attempt) that hinges on careful consideration of individual preferences, goals, and resources. By thoughtfully weighing these factors, you can enhance the likelihood of a rewarding musical education experience.
The value you gain from Music lessons can extend far beyond financial returns. Picture from Pinterest
Skill Development
Engaging in music lessons can be a transformative journey, fostering the development of a valuable skill set. Whether you choose to master an instrument or refine your vocal abilities, the satisfaction derived from becoming proficient in music often becomes a reward in itself. The technical prowess (value) acquired through music lessons can extend beyond the realm of music, influencing various aspects of your life.
Personal Growth and Discipline
Learning music requires more than just talent; it demands patience, consistent practice, and dedication. These qualities contribute to musical proficiency, it could be transferred into improved focus, and work ethic in other areas of life. The discipline cultivated through music education becomes a transferable skill with long-lasting benefits.
Emotional Expression
Music serves as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing individuals to convey (transmit) emotions that might be challenging to articulate otherwise. Whether playing an instrument or composing, the process of creating music becomes a therapeutic outlet, positively impacting psychological well-being and emotional resilience.
Social Benefits
Music often thrives in collaborative settings. Be it through group lessons, bands, orchestras, or individual collaborations. Engaging in musical activities creates opportunities for building new friendships and social connections. Uniting people through a shared passion for expressive art.
Music practice improve skills: discipline, patience, and dedication. Picture from Pinterest.
Cognitive Enhancement and Joyfulness
Numerous studies highlight the cognitive benefits of learning music, demonstrating improvements in memory, problem-solving, and mathematical skills. Beyond the intellectual advantages, music has the unique ability to evoke positive emotions, bringing joyfulness and a sense of fulfillment to our life.
Stress Reduction
The act of playing or listening to music is well-documented for its stress-reducing effects and mood improvement. Music lessons equip individuals with the tools to create their own stress-relief through the art form, contributing to overall well-being and mental health.
Career Opportunities
For those who attain a high level of proficiency in music, a range of career opportunities awaits. From pursuing a career in performance to teaching, composing, or music production, the skills acquired through music lessons can open doors to a fulfilling array of professional paths. As such, investing time and effort in music education, not only enriches personal growth but also opens doors to potential career avenues in the music industry.
Picture from Pinterest.
Pro tips about Music Classes
However, it’s important to note that the personal, or even financial “payback” from music lessons may not always be monetary, and is certainly not instant. While some musicians make a successful career out of it, many others pursue music as a hobby or a side passion. Therefore, the return on investment should not solely be measured in financial terms.
In summary, drum classes, piano, guitar, violin, singing lessons, or any other kind of music lessons, can be deeply satisfying in terms of personal growth, skill development, and emotional well-being. You can ask for Music lessons prices, and affordable programs according to your budget.
Whether they “pay back” or not depends on your goals and how you define success in your musical journey. If you have a passion for music, the value you gain from lessons can extend far beyond financial returns, and it is incredibly rewarding. Isn’t it awesome?
ABC academy of music offers programs that suit your needs, learn more at https://www.music-lessons.ca/toronto/adults/
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Next are some other sources you might be interested too:
How does music affect society?
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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.
