Margot Hamilton's personal journey into music began with piano lessons, and then progressed to French horn and viola. However, it wasn’t until a grade 9 extra credit choir course that Hamilton discovered that she not only had an ear for music but a strong voice. “I always loved to sing and would annoy my family by blasting musicals through the house, but didn’t know I actually had talent until then,” says Hamilton. “ I started voice lessons in grade 10 and fell in love with it.”
Margot HamiltonA performer in operas, choirs, several concerts, and even milk commercial, the most memorable performance for Hamilton occurred during her Grade 9 voice exam. “ It was a German song, when I got to the second verse, I couldn’t remember any of the words so I just started singing with German-like sounds,” said Hamilton. “ Since nobody spoke German, nobody knew. I often use that, as an example for my students, sharing that if you make a mistake, keep going and act like that was what you meant to do. Most of the time, no one will even notice.”
However, Hamilton discovered that full-time performance wasn’t for her and so she decided to venture into teaching. As with any new venture, there were a few hurdles to overcome, including learning the tools and techniques of instructing children. After the birth of her daughter, Hamilton decided to teach Kindermusik while offering a few voice and piano lessons to supplement her income. In the mean time, her son was diagnosed with autism. “Through working with him, I learned a lot about how to teach and to break things down into teachable concepts,” said Hamilton. “ I think this really helped me to grow as a voice/piano teacher and I really found a passion for it.”
In 2011, Hamilton was approached by Cingolani Academy of Music and Performance Arts, who were looking for a buyer for their studio. “It was serendipitous,” shares Hamilton. Since taking over the studio in August 2011, Hamilton has expanded the space from 3800 to 5800 square feet. With 9 teachers on board, the Melody in Me offers classes in piano, voice, guitar, musical theatre, Kindermusik, acting and a triple threat program.
Brynn Sutton plays the pianoThe Triple Threat program is a two-hour intensive program, in acting, vocal and dance geared for 10 to 18 year olds. The end result is a performance at the Mady Centre of Performing Arts. For 11 year old, Brynn Sutton, this year’s production, Once on this Island Junior, will be the fifth production that she has done with the Melody in Me, Brynn has been with the studio since the age of 7, beginning with piano, and then progressing to voice and the triple threat program.
“All the teachers take the time to get to know their students, and tailor their teaching in according to both their needs and interest,” shares Brynn’s mother, Tara Marshall Sutton. "It is a collaborative approach.”When asked about when a parent knows a child is ready for music, Hamilton shares that there really is no magic age. However, there are a few things to look for including a love for music, and physical and emotional maturity. Passionate and dedicated, Hamilton’s love for music and theatre is contagious. Her hope is a simple one, to continue to teach and perform while sharing the beauty of the arts with the Barrie community.
