Frank Russo
We know that we feel better when we listen to music, but we may not be sure exactly why. Dr. Frank Russo, a professor of psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, is trying to find out. His focus is primarily in auditory cognitive neuroscience, and he holds additional positions with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the […]
Dr Alan Shiner
If you’re not familiar with Alan Shiner’s name, there’s no question that you’ve heard his work. In fact, you can probably fill in the gaps. 967-11-11, phone Pizza Pizza … Sleep Country Canada, why buy a mattress … African Lion … Everyone loves MarineLand … Sunwing dot … You get the idea. Alan Shiner has […]
Valerie Burke
Valerie, a former Markham councillor, lost her beloved mother to mental illness 40 years ago. Her mother, Ruth Ruddock, was a classical concert pianist, and had performed at both Massey Hall and Carnegie Hall in her younger years. She ended her performing career after having children, but continued to teach piano privately, and accompany students […]
Yolanda Bruno & Michael Bridge
Yolanda Bruno has never known a life without music – literally. Her mother was performing in a recital when she went into labour, and music has been part of her world ever since. Michael Bridge also began performing from his earliest childhood years, and his parents recall him singing while assembling lego sets. By age […]
Colette
Colette first heard about High Notes Avante (HNA) when she saw an ad for the High Notes Galain the local paper in 2016. Her daughter was struggling with anxiety so she thought it would begood for her to come and listen to the stories and music, as her daughter is artistically inclined.“Going to the gala […]
Ernesto Ramirez
When you hear Ernesto Ramirez sing today, it’s hard to believe he almost did not pursue a career using his voice. Hailing from Mexico, Ernesto was always surrounded by music, and did not think that he had any particular vocal talent. “In Mexico, everybody is singing. It’s just part of the culture,” laughs Ernesto. He […]
Jamie Robinson
Jamie Robinson has been ‘treading the boards,’ as they say in theatre, since he was a small child. His debut performance was as the lead in a production of Oliver Twist, and it propelled him to many more productions at his prestigious arts high school. After graduation he reached a crossroads – would he want […]
David Hetherington
David Hetherington did not pick up his first cello until the ripe old age of 9. “I was already late in the game,” laughs David, noting how important it is for professional musicians to take to their instrument early. Thankfully, once he did start playing the strings, he never looked back. A music teacher in […]