This special episode of What's Your Forte? is a group interview on the many ways to work in the music industry! Our guests today are at different stages of their music careers, and talk about their winding paths towards what they do, a typical day at work and the most exciting (and most challenging) aspects of their work.
Meet our panelists:
Michael Yates (he/him) is a dedicated educator who has worked for the Halton District School for the past nine years. He designed and implemented an instrumental music program built around high standards, engagement and student excellence. Michael's musical journey began at Mohawk College where he completed a three-year diploma in jazz performance. In 2011, he obtained his Honours Bachelors of Music from McMaster University and completed his B.Ed. at Nipissing University in 2013. Michael is currently teaching Grade 6/7/8 instrumental music at Pilgrim Wood Public School, and is also a steady gigging musician in the GTHA.
Shana Bates (she/her) and her husband own KAOS Music Lesson Studios, a community-centric music school located in southeast Oakville. Shana started her working career with IBM but quickly moved into the world of recording studios where she and a previous partner created, developed and ran one of the city's most successful independent recording studios. Shana went on to work in the event production business. Shana now spends her days and nights as a full time mom and business owner. She is a community go-getter and can often be found volunteering at schools and working at various events in the community.
Ryan MacKinnon (he/him) is the Camp and Workshop Coordinator with Bandology, an Oakville-based music non-profit, and teaches privately and with the Burlington Teen Tour Band. Ryan started playing guitar at eight years old and switched over to drum kit when he was 10. Upon entering high school he found a new love in playing classical percussion instruments and completed a Bachelor of Music in Self-Directed Performance at Wilfrid Laurier University. He has played with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, Stratford Symphony Orchestra and Grand Philharmonic Choir. Ryan loves to share all the things that he has learned on his journey to help young musicians excel.