Find A Way is now Mint Music Presently we are working on a new Mint Music website. To visit the Toronto Guitar School website click here

Toronto Independent Musician Feature- Julian Taylor

julian taylor Laura Jasmine Photography

Photo by Laura Jasmine Photography

Julian Taylor is an award winning Toronto musician and singer-songwriter. His career began early in life and so far has lead to top-forty singles, countless live performances, international tours, and the release of seven albums. He has performed with acts like Blue Rodeo, Collective Soul, and Jeff Healy among many others. His new band features an array of talented musicians and seamlessly blends genres into something fresh and exciting!

Julian Taylor has collaborated with Mint Music for a number of years, performing at numerous live events and also been a special guest instructor at our Level 2 Songwriting Class.

julian taylor

Photo by Daniela Tantalo

“A true music fan and gifted performer, Taylor’s sound is a culmination of every musical genre that has touched him throughout his life. Equal parts troubadour and soul singer, Taylor emits a raw, emotive and distinct delivery.

Julian’s most recent reincarnation sees him moving towards music that inspired him as a child and in a direction that “just felt natural”. Featuring an impossibly cool and lovable roster of diverse, accomplished musicians; the newly formed Julian Taylor Band released their first single, ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, last summer.

Described simply as “baby-making music”, the new sound takes form as soul-driven pop-rock; inspired by the likes of The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers.

The sound, which has been catching fire, is sure to keep both dance floors and bedrooms alike bumping. Effortlessly, Julian, along with the band’s energy and performance, have been known to transcend the moment and take you to wherever it is that you want to be.” (source)

 

Catch the Julian Taylor Band live at these upcoming events!

June 26th, Stars & Thunder Festival, Timmins, Ontario.

July 15th, RBC Bluesfest, Ottawa, Ontario.

Additional dates can be found on the Julian Taylor Band facebook page.

 


Check out these links to explore more of Julian Taylor’s work!

Official Website

Soundcloud

Twitter

Benefits of Playing in a Band or Ensemble

 

toronto_guitar_school_ensemble

There are proven benefits of music education for both children and adults, however there are unique advantages to playing in ensembles or bands that cannot be gained from individual lessons or certain group classes!

In adulthood joining an ensemble or band- even casually- provides social interaction that can be difficult to forge outside of work as we age. Regular social activity has a myriad of benefits for our mood and overall health, allowing us to live longer and more active lives long into retirement. Having a creative outlet is a great stress remedy and playing together provides a break from daily routines and worries. Collaborate, create, and improve alongside other individuals passionate about the same things you are. Learning to play music with accompaniment further improves your timing, pace, and technical skills.

For children learning to play in a band or ensemble can have huge rewards! Group playing fosters the ability to work and collaborate with others, take turns, to give and receive constructive feedback, and builds crucial social skills. Working with others towards a common goal or purpose is an ability they can take into adulthood that will help them succeed whatever they do. Playing in an ensemble reinforces what your child has learned in their private lessons, seeing how the foundations they’ve studied can be used can motivate them to improve and keep studying.

Most of all playing in a band or ensemble is fun, whether you’re six or sixty!

To join one of Mint Music’s RockBand ensemble groups call us today- 416-707-1077 We have places for any age of musician, skill level, or instrument!

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sources:

Research Suggests a Positive Correlation between Social Interaction and Health“- National Institute on Aging.

“Six benefits to performing in musical ensembles“- Scots College Music Department.

The Joys and Benefits to Participating in an Ensemble“- University of Hartford

Artist Spotlight- Paris Molokwu

 

paris molokwu

Paris Molokwu (stage name- Paris Ltd) is Mint Music recording client as well as a talented local musician! He has been a songwriter for a few years, performing in a local band back in his home of South Africa. We are so excited to share this up and coming artist.

We asked him about his recent recording experience with Mint Music as well as about his background as a musician:

“Towards the end of my first year at uni I had been itching to share my creative outbursts, not knowing how I wanted to do so. Recording as a solo artist wasn’t something I was CRAZY about because it’s kind of like putting yourself up to be dissected. My lyrics are probably a bit too revealing and often touch on shameful moments of my life – I can’t help that I get the best rhymes out of that!

Working with Mint Music was a strike of good luck because Matt (sound engineer) was a perfect fit for the sound I was hoping to explore. As a producer he had an appreciation for my lyricism and how it was a driving force for the music – it was clear that I could feel free to tackle the topics that I wanted to. Matt was also such a cool dude because of how he would listen to my endless rambles about gender and South Africa. Us working together became more worthwhile the more we got to know each other, our conversations were very honest and critical and it was nice having a person challenge the way I listened to myself and others.

I definitely owe Glen a huge thanks for being so dedicated to giving me the best experience I could’ve had with Mint Music and I look forward to working with Matt even more. Glen was is also a rockstar for keeping such good contact with me and checking in. I think the craziest thing is how rewarding it feels having a completed song, not because it feels like I can give myself a pat on the back now, but because of how much better I want to become. I want to push myself to challenge the way people listen to music, the way we treat performance and all of that jazz and it’s great being taken seriously here while being able to have a laugh”

(testimonial provided by Paris himself)

See Paris perform with us at the School Concert, June 23rd 2018 (info here)

Record your own song with Mint Music’s talented roster engineers and producers! Call today 416-707-1077 or email info@mintmusic.ca

Summer Registration is Now Open!

Continue your music education into Summer 2018! Registration is now open for all of our group classes and individual lessons are also available throughout the season.

Check out the full schedule and sign up today!

Call 416-707-1077 or email info@mintmusic.ca

Guitar Level 2 Summer Classes

Level 2 group guitar lessons focused on playing popular songs. The most effective method to learn how to play an instrument is through playing songs. In this Strumming and Song Repertoire Class we will play great songs such as; Oasis – Wonderwall, Waiting On The World To Change – John Mayer, Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles, Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here, Bob Dylan – Knocking On Heaven’s Door, Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven, Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Hotel California – The Eagles, Hard Day’s Night – The Beatles, Guns and Roses – Patience, Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight, U2 – With or Without You, CCR – Have You Ever Seen The Rain and more.

Topics Covered:

– Common popular chord sequences and how to play songs in different keys

– Learn songs to that will build your chord, strumming and fingerpicking repertoire

– How to solo over and play the 12 bar blues in multiple keys

– Tips on improving your ability to read tab and music notation

– Learn how to improve your bar chords and play any chord

– Learn all the notes on the guitar fretboard

– Improve your fingerpicking technique

– Learn scales and techniques the will dramatically improve your guitar playing

– CAGED system

Class Requirements:

Able to read tab and chord boxes. Have completed any Toronto Guitar School Guitar 1 class or are at an equivalent tab reading and guitar skill level. Able to strum in a basic and rhythmic way. Can change easily between G, Em, C, D, A, Am and E and can tune your guitar by ear and/or using an electronic or software based tuner.

“Music is a more potent instrument for education than any other.” – Plato

André Valério

André Valério - Guitar Teacher

Brazilian multi-instrumentalist André Valério is in high demand as a guitarist, composer and arranger. Mr. Valerio’s versatility has taken him around the world to perform in important music festivals and venues in Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico and Brazil. His interest in music began at a very young age after listening to Brazil’s most enduring musical genres, Bossa Nova. Inspired to compose and arrange since as a teenager, André studied classical guitar, jazz and latin music among other styles. His deep passion for music led him to learn six instruments: acoustic guitar, piano, mandolin, cavaquinho, bass, and electric guitar.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

Class 1: Tuesday, July 3rd, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 2: Tuesday, July 10th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 3: Tuesday, July 17th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 4: Tuesday, July 24th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 5: Tuesday, July 31st, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 6: Tuesday, August 7th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 7: Tuesday, August 14th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 8: Tuesday, August 21st, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 9: Tuesday, August 28th, 6:30-7:30 PM

Class 10: Tuesday, September 4th, 6:30-7:30 PM

 

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-pay for this guitar course before the class begins and SAVE Over $107.50!*

You will Receive:

• $50 off the regular course cost of $250

• 50% discount on 1-hour private music lessons (Savings of $37.50)**

• AND one FREE additional guitar class**

Bonus: Those enrolled in our guitar courses ALWAYS receive the discounted rate on all of our classes and courses.

* This offer may not be combined with any other special offers or discounts

** Must be redeemed before the end of the course.

Payments can be made using email transfer by sending payment to the Toronto Guitar School’s official email address info@torontoguitarschool.com Please contact the school directly through email or phone (416-707-1077) before making payment for further instructions.

Payments can also be made in person at the Toronto Guitar School’s Yonge and Dundas location (116 Bond Street) by appointment only. Cheque or cash are the accepted methods of payment at this location.

Payment must be received 24 hours prior to the start of the class to receive the discounted price otherwise the regular course rate of $250 applies. If you would like to join the class as a drop-in student the fee is $25 per class. Drop-ins will not be allowed past the 3rd class. Feel free to email us at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077 if you have any further questions.

Beginner Level Guitar Group Classes

Our most popular group guitar course for beginners, focused on learning to read tab, playing popular songs, and technique. Ideal for brand new beginner guitarists. Prepay before the course begins and take the entire course for the reduced rate of $160.

Requirements:

No prior knowledge of the guitar necessary just a willingness to have fun and make some new friends! If you do not own a guitar do not worry, we have a wide variety of guitars available for rental or purchase.

Learn to:

– Read Tabs, and understand Chord charts.

– Play popular rock songs such as “Wake Me Up When September Ends” – Green Day, “Stand By Me” – Ben. E. King, “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison, “More Than Words” – Extreme, “Sounds of Silence” Simon and Garfunkle and others.

– Play essential chords such as C, G, D, A/Am, E/Em, D7, Dm and F

– Beginner fingerpick and play 12 bar blues

– Learn your major, minor, pentatonic and blues scales necessary to begin soloing and improvising.

– Play multiple parts in a group with other guitarists

– Apply basic music fundamentals to learn any song

For more information please email at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077.

Instructor: Glen Alan

glen alan toronto guitar school ukulele lessons downtown

Musician and educator Glen Alan has been actively involved in the Toronto music and recording scene for more than 20 years. As a music teacher Glen has helped thousands of individuals from children, teens to adults sing, play and write songs more effectively. Over the years Glen has produced and led various seminars and master classes on songwriting, music theory, voice, microphone technique, music business and recording for clients of Mint Music (formerly Find A Way) – a music company Glen Alan founded in 1996.

Since founding Mint Music and the Toronto Guitar School Glen has taught many private lessons and group classes over the years. Glen brings a wealth of over 20 years teaching experience, passion, and fun to every class he instructs. In addition, to his teaching career Glen is a prolific songwriter and has produced and released 2 albums to date and plans to release an EP in late 2018 to support his 3rd album release in 2019. Glen is also a seasoned entertainer performing live on City TV’s Breakfast Television and CBC Radio multiple times and at prestigious venues such as Skydome, The CNE Bandshell and numerous festivals, corporate events and concerts across North America and Europe. His latest group Glen Alan and the Troubadours features Glen singing and playing his own original music accompanied by some of Toronto’s finest musicians.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE:

Class 1: Wednesday, July 4th, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 2: Wednesday, July 11th, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 3: Wednesday, July 18th, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 4: Wednesday, July 25th, 6:30-7:30pm

School Closed Civic Long Weekend

Class 5: Wednesday, August 1st, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 6: Wednesday, August 8th, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 7: SWednesday, August 16th, 6:30-7:30pm

School Closed Labour Day Long Weekend

Class 8: Wednesday, August 23rd, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 9: Wednesday, August 30th, 6:30-7:30pm

Class 10: Wednesday, September 6th, 6:30-7:30pm

SPECIAL OFFER:

Prepay for this guitar course before the course begins and SAVE OVER $107.50!

You will Receive:

• $40 off the regular course cost of $200

• 50% discount on 1-hour private music lessons (Savings of $37.50)

• AND one FREE additional guitar class

Bonus: Those currently enrolled in our 10 session guitar courses ALWAYS receive the discounted rate on all of our other drop-in classes and courses.

* This offer may not be combined with any other special offers or discounts

** Must be redeemed before the course ends

Payments can also be made in person at the Toronto Guitar School’s Yonge and Dundas location (116 Bond Street) by appointment only. Cheque, or cash are the accepted methods of payment at this location.

Payment must be received prior to the prepayment deadline to receive the discounted price otherwise the regular course rate of $275 applies. Feel free to email us at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077 if you have any further questions.

Beginner Ukulele Class Starting July 4th

Our beginner Ukulele Level 1 is our most popular ukulele course! Group ukulele lessons to familiarize you with the instrument, read tablature, improve technique, and play popular songs. Prepay before the class begins and take the entire course for the reduced rate of $200. Don’t wait too long to register and pay for this course as our Level 1 Classes are very popular and even though it may not show on the meetup there are already people that have signed up and prepaid for this course through the Toronto Guitar School website and the school itself.

Requirements:

No prior knowledge of the ukulele necessary just a willingness to have fun and make some new friends! If you do not own a ukulele do not worry, we have a wide variety of ukuleles available for rental or purchase.

Learn to:

– Read tablature and understand chord charts

– Play popular uke songs such as “Rip Tide” – Vance Joy, “Sounds of Silence” – Simon and Garfunkle, “Losing My Religion” – R.E.M., “Let It Be” – The Beatles, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley, “With Or Without You” – U2, “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison, “Stand By Me”, Ben E. King, “Every Breath You Take” – The Police, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” – Creedence Clearwater Revival and more.

– Play in a group and jam with others

– Improve your fingerpicking technique with interesting and satisfying ukulele fingerpicking songs.

– Learn to memorize any song quickly and effectively

– Expand you Uke repertoire with cool and hip uke songs

For more information please email at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077.

 

Toronto Guitar School Instructor: Glen Alan

Musician and educator Glen Alan has been actively involved in the Toronto music and recording scene for more than 20 years. As a music teacher Glen has helped thousands of individuals from children, teens to adults sing, play and write songs more effectively. Over the years Glen has produced and led various seminars and master classes on songwriting, music theory, voice, microphone technique, music business and recording for clients of Mint Music (formerly Find A Way) – a music company Glen Alan founded in 1996.

Since founding Mint Music and the Toronto Guitar School Glen has taught many private lessons and group classes over the years. Glen brings a wealth of over 20 years teaching experience, passion, and fun to every class he instructs. In addition, to his teaching career Glen is a prolific songwriter and has produced and released 2 albums to date and plans to release an EP in late 2018 to support his 3rd album release in 2019. Glen is also a seasoned entertainer performing live on City TV’s Breakfast Television and CBC Radio multiple times and at prestigious venues such as Skydome, The CNE Bandshell and numerous festivals, corporate events and concerts across North America and Europe. His latest group Glen Alan and the Troubadours features Glen singing and playing his own original music accompanied by some of Toronto’s finest musicians.

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

Class 1: Wednesday, July 4th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 2: Wednesday, July 11th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 3: Wednesday, July 18th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 4: Wednesday, July 25th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 5: Wednesday, August 1st, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 6: Wednesday, August 8th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 7: Wednesday, August 15th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 8: Wednesday, August 22nd, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 9: Wednesday, August 29th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 10: Wednesday, September 5th, 7:30-8:30 PM

 

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-pay for this ukelele course before the class begins and SAVE Over $107.50!*

You will Receive:

• $40 off the regular course cost of $250

• 50{9b973d9d2eec33bbcc22d5da8cb0b5bf5b48180228a7b1da8fc659a715e66995} discount on 1-hour private music lessons (Savings of $37.50)**

• AND one FREE additional guitar class**

Bonus: Those enrolled in our guitar courses ALWAYS receive the discounted rate on all of our classes and courses.

* This offer may not be combined with any other special offers or discounts

** Must be redeemed before the course ends.

Payments can also be made in person at the Toronto Guitar School’s Yonge and Dundas location (116 Bond Street) by appointment only. Cheque or cash are the accepted methods of payment at this location.

Payment must be received 24 hours prior to the start of the class to receive the discounted price otherwise the regular course rate of $250 applies. If you would like to join the class as a drop-in student the fee is $25 per class. Drop-ins will not be allowed past the 3rd class. Feel free to email us at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077 if you have any further questions.

Songwriting Level 1 – 10 Week Course

Weekly group songwriting course – all instruments welcome! This class provides you with 1 hour of weekly songwriting instruction in a small group format (limited to 6 people). Participants are invited to share their songs with the class on weekly basis receiving valuable feedback and suggestions from classmates and instructor Glen Alan.

Class Overview:

Come join us for a fun and stimulating class series that will help you develop your own musical style and songwriting ideas. We will discuss a Ability to play and accompany yourself on an instrument of your choice is helpful, if not your instructor will be able to do so. Every participant will have access to an electric or acoustic guitar, ukulele, and piano/keyboard but bringing your own instrument (aside from the piano) is encouraged. Having some basic theory knowledge or enrolling concurrently in our Theory 1 course at 7:30 PM on Thursday (just before this class) is highly recommended.

Course Outline – Topics covered will include:

Lyric Form and Structure – learn tools and techniques for writing better lyrics and rhymes. The Importance of Melodic and Lyrical Hooks – Learn how to create great hooks and where to place them in your song for maximum effect.

Motives – Why they are the backbone of every hit song, how to pick them out, and create and employ them in your own songs

Musical terms such as verse, pre-chorus, chorus, bridge, middle 8, intro, outro, vamp will be defined and thoroughly discussed.

Song structures that are common to popular music will be introduced and explored. (AAA, ABA, ABC, AB, compound and compound/hybrid musical forms etc.)

Basic song arrangement techniques for:

A) solo performance – instrumental, piano or guitar and voice

B) typical rock band (drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and voice) will be covered.

Helpful tips and habits will be shown that if put into practice will accelerate your musical development & songwriting chops

The use of the piano as an arrangement tool will be covered

The importance of rhythm and space in melody and arrangements

Analyse hit songs, and discover common chord progressions used by Master Songwriters

Start to learn how to notate your own rhythmic and melodic ideas so you can effectively communicate your music ideas to others.

Use motives, hooks, lyrics, melody, harmony, and arrange your song in ways that guarantee you always keep the listener engaged from start to finish.

Participants will perform their songs for the group in class, and have the opportunity to perform at our school concerts and other performance venues in Toronto. Selected students will also have the opportunity to have their songs professionally recorded at Mint Music’s Recording Studios.

Learn how to market and promote your songs and how to actually make a living as a songwriter.

Instructor- Glen Alan

glen alan toronto guitar school ukulele lessons downtown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV7V071f2dQ

A graduate of the Humber College Jazz Music program, Glen Alan has performed in venues in Canada, the US, and Europe. Glen has his Grade 8 Piano Certification with honours from the Royal Conservatory and teaches guitar, ukulele, piano, songwriting and theory at the Toronto Guitar School and Mint Music. Some of the people Glen has worked and performed with include Keifer Sutherland, David “Soulfingaz” Williams, Jackie Richardson, Don Ross, Brian Dickenson, Natalie McMaster, Mark Dubois, Lenny Soloman, Steven T Hunter, Tim Bovaconti, Paul Delong, Wendell Ferguson, Don Francks, Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell.

In 1996 Glen founded Mint Music (formerly known as Find A Way) and the Toronto Guitar School in 2014. Mint Music today is a thriving music school, recording studio, video, and live event company. Glen Alan is a songwriter, musician and music producer with over 20 plus years of professional music industry experience.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Class 1: Thursday, July 5th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 2: Thursday, July 12th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 3: Thursday, July 19th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 4: Thursday, July 26th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 5: Thursday, August 2nd, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 6: Thursday, August 9th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 7: Thursday, August 16th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 8: Thursday, August 23rd, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 9: Thursday, August 30th, 7:30-8:30 PM

Class 10: Thursday, September 6th, 7:30-8:30 PM

SPECIAL OFFER:

Pre-pay for this guitar course before the course begins and SAVE Over $107.50!*

You will Receive:

• $50 off the regular course cost of $250

• 50% discount on 1-hour private music lessons (Savings of $37.50)**

• AND one FREE additional guitar class**

Bonus: Those enrolled in our guitar courses ALWAYS receive the discounted rate on all of our classes and courses.

* This offer may not be combined with any other special offers or discounts

** Must be redeemed before the course ends.

Payments can be made using email transfer by sending payment to the Toronto Guitar School’s official email address info@torontoguitarschool.com Please contact the school directly through email or phone (416-707-1077) before making payment for further instructions.

Payments can also be made in person at the Toronto Guitar School’s Yonge and Dundas location (116 Bond Street) by appointment only. Cheque or cash are the accepted methods of payment at this location.

Payment must be received 24 hours prior to the start of the class to receive the discounted price otherwise the regular course rate of $250 applies. If you would like to join the class as a drop-in student the fee is $25 per class. Drop-ins will not be allowed past the 3rd class. Feel free to email us at info@torontoguitarschool.com or phone 416-707-1077 if you have any further questions.

Find A Way Music School Voted #1

The results are in and Find A Way Music School has been voted number 1 in the Music School category by East York Mirror Readers in August 2014. A big shout out to all our satisfied clients and over 30 music teachers who work hard every day to inspire and help our students attain their musical goals and dreams. Click here to view the award. Find A Way is listed as winning the music instruction category.

Find A Way’s Music School offers individual music lessons in bass, cello, clarinet, drums, flute, french horn, electronic keyboard, guitar (acoustic and electric), kora, piano, saxophone (alto, soprano and tenor), trumpet, trombone, ukelele, violin, viola and voice. Find A Way’s Recording Studio offers individual music lessons in Ableton, Cakewalk, Cubase, studio engineering, FL Studio, Logic, mixing, Protools and much more. Classes and Workshops are also offered in live sound, microphone technique, mixing, music theory, songwriting, studio production techniques and voice. Find A Way’s instructors are musicians actively engaged in the music industry who hold a degree or diploma in music and hold a minimum of 10 years teaching experience.

Find A Way Music School Voted Number One by East York Mirror Readers

Now Accepting Guitar and Violin Students At Danforth Music School Location

Fall lessons have resumed for our second season at Lucsculpture located at 663 Greenwood Avenue on the corner of Greenwood and Danforth. Our guitar instructor Mike Butler and violin instructor Leena Athparia are both accepting new students. For more information on our rates and teachers please visit the following link https://findaway.ca/wp21/school or call 416-707-1077.

BNI Danforth Visitor’s Day – Sept 18th 2013

Title: BNI Danforth Visitor’s Day
Location: 535 Danforth Ave Toronto, ON M4K 1P7
Link out: Click here
Description: If you are an entrepreneur looking to grow your business join a roomful of successful peers at a special breakfast meeting and learn how BNI Danforth can help you generate more client/customer referrals for your business. Find A Way Founder Glen Alan is the President of the BNI Danforth networking group. For more information please visit http://www.bnidanforth.com
Start Time: 06:45
Date: 2013-09-18
End Time: 08:30

New Greenwood and Danforth Studio Location!

Find A Way is pleased to announce a new studio location in the Greenwood and Danforth area. Both vocal and piano lessons will be offered at this location. To book a lesson or to inquire about availability please call 416-707-1077

New Downtown Recording Studio Location!

Find A Way is pleased to announce our new Recording Studio Location. The studio has been relocated to 75 Sherbourne Street, Suite 323 (corner of Sherbourne St. and Adelaide St. E.) Toronto, Ontario, M5A 2P9. Our new location includes a separate video editing suite and a larger multi-room recording studio space designed by the world renowned studio designer Martin Pilchner. Haydain Neale, Daniel Lanois, Katheleen Edwards, Colin Linden, Mike Bullard, Chris Rouse & Lorraine Reid, Mark Jordan, Nick Blagona, Rik Emmett, Jeff Healy and Jim Cuddy are just a few of the clients that have recorded there over the years. We will be updating our website with photos of the new studio space soon.

Ken Sproul Releases New Video for “Paradise Blues”

Find A Way Client Ken Sproul released a new video for his song “Paradise Blues”. The video was completed through a joint partnership between Cinefocus Canada and Find A Way Studios. The script was written by Ken Sproul and the video was directed by Glen Alan. The recording of “Paradise Blues” was produced by Glen Alan and recorded at Find A Way Studios by Greg Kolchinsky in December of 2011 and features Ken Sproul (vocals), Glen Alan (backing vocals and programmed bass), Steve Hunter (keyboards) Tim Bovaconti (guitars) and Paul Delong (drums).

Find A Way is Moving!

As of July 1st 2012 Find A Way has moved to 7 Watson Avenue near Jane and Bloor. Although lessons will continue over the summer at our Jane and Bloor location the recording studio will reopen in the fall of 2012 at a downtown location yet to be determined. We’d like to thank our clients for their patience during this time of transition and wish everyone a happy and relaxing summer.

Find A Way Now Offers Complete Video Services

Find A Way now offers complete, state of the art video production services. If you are thinking about recording a song and doing a music video Find A Way is your one stop solution to make your video and audio dreams come true!

Glen Alan’s song “Sun’s Up” Recieves Honourable Mention

Glen Alan’s song “Sun’s Up” received an honourable mention in the Sixth Annual Great Lakes Songwriting Competition on Nov 23rd 2009.  The Great Lakes Songwriting Competition was established in 2003 and has been running for over 5 years.  The Great Lakes Songwriting Society provides workshops and supports songwriters in the development and recognition of their craft.  The competition is run by songwriters for songwriters and they guarantee that every song will be heard at least twice from beginning to end.  The except below was taken from the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest website (www.greatlakessongs.com)

We, the Michigan Songwriters, are dedicated to running a fair, unbiased contest in which each song is judged on its own merits, whether you’re a well-known songwriter or a talented amateur who’s never performed in public. Our judges are chosen with musical diversity and experience in mind.

To find out more about The Great Lakes Songwriting Society and the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest go to http://www.greatlakessongs.com/index.htm

To hear more of Glen Alan’s music go to http://www.sonicbids.com/glenalan or visit http://www.reverbnation.com/glenalan

Glen Alan releases 6 song EP on June 27th 2009

On Saturday June 27th Glen Alan released a limited edition 6 song EP entitled “The Many Faces Of Glen Alan”. The CD features 6 original compositions by Glen Alan and retails for $12.00 and if purchased at the Toronto Dollar booth at the St. Lawrence Market (South Building on Saturdays only from 9 am -2 pm) a portion of the proceeds goes to the Toronto Dollar – an organization that sells a local currency that is accepted by vendors in the south building of the St. Lawrence Market and at other participating locally based merchants throughout Toronto including Find A Way and Eternal Spring Organics The CD will soon be available for purchase on Find A Way’s website.  To order your copy now please call (416) 707-1077 or email info@findaway.ca

This special compilation entitled “The Many Faces Of Glen Alan” features Glen Alan on lead vocals, background vocals, and keyboards with Find A Way voice student Fenton Fong singing lead on Sun’s Up.  Additional background singers include Gail Berry, Nicholas Komiotis and Mike Rocha.  Paul Donat plays fretted and fretless electric bass, Larry Crowe plays drums with additional percussion and string programming by Glen Alan.  Lead electric and acoustic guitar playing was done by Tim Bovaconti and additional electric guitar by Devrim Eldelekli and Andrew Frost.  On Subway Bandit Danny McErlain plays piano and Ka-Cheong Liu plays acoustic bass.

All songs except Subway Bandit’s bass, piano and lead vocal tracks were recorded at Find A Way Studios by engineers Sebastien Chorney, Kevin A Cameron and Mike Rocha.  The “Subway Bandit” bedtracks were done a Kinck Sound Studios in 2002.  The freshly released EP “The Many Faces Of Glen Alan” was produced by Glen Alan and mixed by senior engineer Sebastien Chorney.  The track order of the EP is as follows:  1. Sun’s Up  2.  Nearest Star  3.  Free Another Heart  4.  Shattered World  5. Virtual Paradise  6. Subway Bandit.

No Nonsense performs at J D’s Bar and Grill

No Nonsense A Cappella Quartet sings in Collingwood June 4th 2009

No Nonsense performs at J D’s Bar and Grill in Collingwood, Ontario for Dennis McAndrew
No Nonsense members from left to right:  Glen Alan, Mike Hughes, Trevor Hanley and James Carson.

Glen Alan performed with the Acappella Quartet No Nonsense on June 4th 2009 at J D’s Bar and Grill in Collingwood to a standing room only crowd at Dennis McAndrew’s retirement party.  Dennis McAndrew was the quartet’s vocal music high school teacher that helped nurture the acappella quartet when it began.  The Quartet is well known in the area for its tight harmonies and unrivaled sound and has been together for over 15 years.  The members are Trevor Hanley, James Carson, Mike Hughes and Glen Alan.  Dennis McAndrew made an impromptu saxophone solo on “One Fine Day” which added to the excitement of crowd seeing No Nonsense perform once again in their local stomping ground.

Dennis McAndrew when asked about his role in shaping the quartet’s sound commented,  “I really did nothing.  These guys already had it.”   Glen and his band mates know that this dynamic music teacher actually played a large roll in nurturing and encouraging their passion for music.  “I still remember bringing in the first acappella song I ever wrote aptly entitled “Finding The Way” and Dennis taking the time outside of class to listen to it”, says Glen.   “I remember Dennis saying “I like it Glen – very cool, but I think you need a bridge here.”  I was back in no time with a newly written bridge.”

MR Quartet Masters CD at Find A Way Studios

MR Quartet and Richard Fortin along with Senior Engineer Alan Hardiman and Glen Alan master MR Quartet’s debut CD at Find A Way Studios. This Jazz CD features original tunes written and arranged by MR Quartet.

John Amos to record “Train Song” at Find A Way Studios

Former CPR Engineer John Amos was in the studio today working on his song “C.P.R. Fast Freight 901” a song that John wrote in 1962 the celebrates the legacy of the steam engine and is a snap shot of the railroad culture of that era. John now 87 wrote this song in 1962 and will be recording it at Find A Way Studios on June 7th 2008. Produced by John this song will feature Devrim Eldelekli on guitars, John Amos on vocals and violin, Glen Alan on piano and backing vocals and will be engineered by Sebastien Chorney.

Devrim Edelekli records at Find A Way Studios

Devrim Edelekli was in the studio for acoustic guitar overdubs on the Bruce Thompson composition “Sun’s Up”. The session was produced by Glen Alan and engineered by senior engineer Sebastien Chorney.

Find A Way Celebrates “April Fool’s Day”

Find A Way president Glen Alan was hard at work the evening before April Fool’s Day concocting a Cycle Related April Fool’s joke for the Find A Way Website.

Find A Way Makes World’s Most Advanced Quinticycle!

Find A Way has found a way to build the world’s most advanced quinticycle. Designed by Glen Alan and senior engineers Sebastien Chorney and Alan Hardiman, the quinticycle exceeds the standard width of a Hummer while employing advanced features such triple titanium bicycle rims, air brakes and an advanced emergency peddle powered anti-gravity propulsion system. The Find A Way quinticycle employs a proprietary system of gears, pulleys and electro-magnets to achieve blistering speeds in excess of 120 km/hr. Production of the quinticycle will commence in the summer of 2008 pending CSA approval.
Also in development and possibly being launched next April Fool’s Day is the deca-bicyclette. Often referred to as the “DB Limo” this French-inspired oversize luxury version is designed specifically for the environmentally conscious rock star and want to be celebrity. The Deca-bicyclette is more than 3 car lengths long and comes equipped with silver platted water bottles, dual gold plated bike bells, 10 triple titanium forged bike U-locks, 9 sets of Dolby Surround Audio CD Players with Headphones, a bread pantry and an over sized rear carriage for luggage. The Deca-bicyclette is an easy way to gain status within environmentally conscious social circles and is produced and assembled with care at Find A Way studios.

MP3 Teaser released for Bruce Thomson’s song “Cycle Mania’

Cycle Mania is the latest offering from Find A Way Artist – Bruce Thompson.  Bruce hopes this will help promote cycling and help raise awareness towards cycling related issues.

“With the growing concern over the negative impact human activities are having on the environment cycling makes more sense than ever.  The bicycle is a affordable, clean, and healthy alternate to fossil fuel driven vehicles.  We need to support this great mode of transportation by putting pressure on our elected leaders to put the bike at the fore-front of government transportation initatives.” – Bruce Thompson.

Almost a year and a half in the making, Cycle Mania promises to the most exciting Bruce Thompson recording to date.  Cycle Mania features Bruce Thompson (keys and vocals) Tim Bovaconti (Guitars), Andrew Frost (Guitars), Richard Fortin (Guitars) Peter Fuscoe (Bass) and Sony Recording Artist DB Clifford (Drums).

Tim Bovaconti Records at Find A Way Studios

Tim Bovaconti was in the studio to work on the Glen Alan composition “I Am”. Tim Bovaconti has toured and recorded with Canadian songwriter Ron Sexsmith for many years and more recently with rock legend Randy Bachman.

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