To sing and belong: St. John's music studio offers Christmas cheer and inclusivity

Shine Music recently opened its doors to the public in St. John's, inviting visitors to listen to its young choirs rehearse for an upcoming winter recital.

About a dozen girls, between six and 12 years old, stood in a row beside a cardboard cut out of Taylor Swift and sang her holiday song Christmas Tree Farm. Their teacher provided the melody on a piano and plenty of encouragement.

"I think it's really fun because you just get to be yourself and sing," said 10-year-old Hailey Ryan.

That group, along with two other choirs, will perform on Dec. 14 at The Lantern in downtown St. John's.

Emily Martin, the studio's owner, said she began Shine Music eight years ago in her basement, while running music programs at Easter Seals. The studio grew quickly, she said, with so many inquiries that she had to bring in additional instructors. Today, Shine Music has a team of seven teachers.

Martin says the studio offers lessons for all ages and abilities, tailoring each session to the individual student. That includes individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, those who have faced difficult situations and people with physical disabilities.

"We have a studio that welcomes and celebrates everybody," said Martin.

"My mom had a disability, so I understand the struggles of trying to feel accepted."

Every program, recital and new initiative at the studio, she says, is created with her mother in mind and guided by a focus on inclusion and accessibility. The choirs are not divided by abilities — everyone has a place.

"My goal is to have a space where everybody feels welcome, celebrated and validated knowing they can go out into the world and find safe spaces do exist," Martin said.

Expressing with music what words can't say

As the choir harmonized their parts, parents gathered to watch. Then, Santa Claus himself made an appearance, taking time from his busy holiday schedule to greet the children.

"They're trying really hard," Claus said. "They're all good boys and girls. The music is fantastic."

In another room, four-year-old Zoey Judd practiced I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas with her teacher, Grace MacDonald.

Zoey said she loves music because "it's so musical," and her teacher is "so nice."

"[The kids] are precious," said MacDonald.

Along with teaching, MacDonald will soon offer music therapy at the studio as a board-certified music therapist. She says her favourite part of the job is that students are encouraged to make music for joy, not competition — a contrast to her own experience as a young musician.

MacDonald says music also has the power to heal, offering a way to process emotions through instruments or lyrics that resonate. Music, she says, provides a safe distance from emotional pain.

"Music can help us express ourselves in ways that words can't," she said. "It helps to fill in the blanks."

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