creative

In an age where iPads and television are very prominent within our children’s lives, it can be worrisome to think about the loss of curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking. When our children spend too much time on these devices, it causes a dependence and can have an impact on their mental health.

Children are creatures that do not need much to keep entertained. They can be happy colouring, painting, playing dress up, amongst many other activities! There are no limits to a child’s imagination, and it is very important that as parents and teachers, we help cultivate it! Giving a child the tools to get creative and let their imagination run free is an important component for both their cognitive development as well as their socio-emotional development.

 

Limit screen time

First and foremost, children’s screen time needs to be limited. Studies show that children spend an average of 4-6 hours of screen time per day! Although there are ways to monitor our child’s devices, we are not able to know all the time what they are watching. This means that there is a much higher risk of our children being exposed to violence, sexual content, cyberbullying, amongst other things. On top of these issues, too much screen time can also disrupt our children’s mental health. Some of the most common problems are with sleep, mood, and social anxiety.

As a parent, you can also influence how your children spend their screen time. There are plenty of educational shows and games to be found on the internet. Click here for free online kid’s stories!

 

Stock up on Craft Suppliescreative

Making sure to have craft supplies available is a great way to keep kids busy and off their screens. Try to prepare a craft box full of supplies that children can use to be creative. Make sure the craft box is accessible to them anytime without needing to ask for help to get it. Include a variety of different things such as glue, crayons, cotton balls, and basic craft supplies. Once your child creates something new, ask question such as their thought and story before their creation. Asking these questions can them process their artistic expressions.

Another idea would be to create a gallery in your home for your children’s art and crafts. By framing or putting pieces on display, your children will feel appreciated and perhaps motivated to create more!

Try one of our STEM activities for inspiration!

 

creativeStorytime

When a child is very young, it is common to read stories to them before bed. As they get older, we stop incorporating stories in their upbringing. Stories are a great way to let a child’s imagination wander. Instead of reading to them, try setting aside a time to do activities involving stories. Whether reading a chapter of a book all together, writing a story together, writing poetry, or having them read on their own, stories are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to creative thinking!

 

 

 

Play Pretend!creative

Every child loves to play pretend and get silly with dress-up clothes and props. It is nice to have a dress-up trunk available to children to reach in and step into a new character of their own imagination. This is also a great way for siblings to do an activity together or have friends over to play! Make use of old Halloween costumes, dance recital costumes, or thrift store finds! You can even incorporate stories from story time and act out scenes that the children created or read in a book!

 

 

 

creativeArtistic Pursuits

Ask your child what sort of activities they would like to be a part of outside of school. Many times, parents decide what activities they will put their children in, without asking the child first if that is what they would like to be doing. First, make sure any class your child is taking is something they actively enjoy. If it feels like a chore to them, it will not be aiding in their creative thinking. Whether it is a one-time workshop or weekly lessons, let your child decide the route they take in their young lives. There are plenty of options to choose from including dance, art, music, photography, language, and writing.

 

Get Involved!

Many times, parents are busy and when it comes to play times, they let their children play on their own or with their friends. Although, it is very important to be a part of these creative moments as well as the more serious moments. You will get to see first-hand what your child’s creative process looks like and what they are more receptive to.

Try sparking a child’s ‘what if’ questioning which help trigger creative thinking. Asking what if can lead to thinking outside the box. Ask question that can spark their imagination such as “what if animals could talk”. Questions like these allow children to think about the world in new and creative ways, not only logical ways.

creative

Saskatoon has immensely developed over recent years into a thriving city with so much to offer! There are a wide variety of activity option for any age!

A couple weeks ago, we posted about creative workshops in Saskatoon for adults, but now it’s time to take a look at what there is to offer in the city for the little ones! Children are like sponges so why not allow them to soak in all that Saskatchewan has to offer!

 

SaskatoonCreative Kids Sask

Creative Kids Sask is an organization that offers programs for Saskatchewan kids between the ages of 4 – 19. The organization believe in helping children explore their creativity without the financial burden. With Saskatchewan being one of the provinces with the highest child poverty rates in the country, this organization works towards providing opportunities regardless of economic barriers.

“Creative activities are fundamental to the positive growth and development of children and youth”

 

Nutrien WonderhubSaskatoon

Nutrien Wonderhub is located on Spadina Crescent and is Saskatchewan’s first children’s museum! Parents can take their children to wander through the museum which offers two levels of interactive exhibits. Along with the museum, Wonderhub offers classes, workshops, and camps for kids!

“All of our classes and workshops incorporate STEAM learning and encourage children, families, and adults to understand and appreciate the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.”

 

SaskatoonWe Move Sask

We Move Sask is a business that offers a variety of children and adult classes focused on dance and music. Music Together is a mixed-age class that allows children to get creative and experiment with music! Children can join anywhere from ages 1 – 7. Parents can attend the class as well and join the ‘family zone’ to experience this workshop together!

“It is a highly effective learning dynamic because it allows every child to personally create their own musical challenges and successes”

 

U of S Art Classes

The University of Saskatchewan offers art classes for children between the ages of 9-11 and 12-17. Class sized are kept small (8 students or less) in order to give each child the attention and focus they need from the instructor. Some of the classes offered include: visual arts intensive, sculpture, comics & graphic novels, journaling, and drawing.

“Classes are delivered live/synchronously through short lectures, demonstrations, time to work on projects, instructor feedback, and class sharing.”

 

SaskatoonRemai Modern

Remai Modern is a public art museum located on Spadina Crescent in Saskatoon. There is a center inside the museum called the Cameco Learning Studio which is meant to be a creative space for workshops and events. There are a variety of classes held throughout the month which are sometimes free! The activities are focused on artmaking and education on the creative arts.

 

SaskatoonWanuskewin Heritage Park Authority

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority is a non-profit organization set in the Northern Plains, dating back to over 6,000 years ago. It was once grounds for herds of bison and a gathering place for Indigenous peoples. There are still archaeological findings being discovered here, shedding light on the depth of the culture that once lived here.

“Wanuskewin strives to grow and develop as a centre of excellence and a place for gathering, sharing and learning.”

WHPA is open to all visitors whether you would like to simply wander the galleries, attend an event, or go on a tour. Along with day visits, there is also the option to stay overnight in a traditional Tipi. This allows guests to relive stories and walk in the footsteps of the indigenous tribes that once walked these grounds.

 

Western Development Museum

The Western Development Museum is located on Lorne Ave in Saskatoon and is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan. The collection holds over 75,000 arkeological artifacts found throughout the province. The museum is open to the public year-round and people are able to wander through the museum or attend one of the varying educational programs or special events.

“The WDM’s mandate is to collect, preserve, and exhibit objects of historical value and importance connected with the economic and cultural development of western Canada and to stimulate interest in western Canadian history. Our vision is a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter.”

The WDM has an Education Room and hold a variety of activities throughout the day for children. The activities are for kids from the ages of 3 – 6 and give the children the chance to learn and play with hand-on artifacts in an interactive way! There are three different zones of learning, the schoolhouse zone which allows kids to play school as if they were in the 1900s, hands-on zone which allows kids to participate in sensory engaging activities, and the cozy story zone which allows kids to sit back and relax for story time.

cloud
  • STEM activities are a great way for kids to learn and have fun! For those of you new to this term, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM is very important within the educational curriculum because it teaches children critical thinking skills and plays with creativity to help with innovation! STEM activities can range from very basic and easy but can also be very complex and time consuming. Depending how much time you have, try some at home STEM activities to get your children excited to learn and be creative!

There are thousands of STEM activities to be found on the internet, plenty of which can be done at home with little supplies needed! We will be posting some easy at-home STEM activities for some inspiration. This week, we are going to learn how to make a cloud in a jar!

STEM activitySupplies Needed:

  • Glass jar with a lid (mason jar)
  • Cup of hot water (not boiling, but hot)
  • Ice (a few cubes)
  • Aerosol spray (something like hairspray)

Step 1: Pour hot water (not boiling) into jar and close lid

Step 2: Swirl the jar around to heat up the jar

Step 3: Fill lid (upside down) with ice cubes, not yet placing it onto the jar

Step 4: Spray aerosol into jar and quickly place ice filled lid on top of jar

Step 5: Watch the cloud form inside the jar. Take the lid off to watch the cloud escape from the jar.

 

What is happening?

Well, clouds need a few things in order to form. There needs to be a mixture of warm, moist air which was the reason for swirling the hot water around to warm the jar at the beginning. Secondly, clouds form from a cooling process which was why we added the ice sitting on top of the jar. Lastly, clouds need a nucleus in order to allow water vapor to condense which was created when we added particles with the aerosol spray!

Here is a great link from the NASA Climate Kids website that further describes this process in a kid-friendly manner!

 

If you are interested in trying out another fun, easy (& yummy) STEM experiment, check out or ‘Ice Cream in a Bag’ STEM activity up on the blog!

If there are any STEM activities you would like to see on the blog, reach out and let us know!

candle

Candles are a great accent to your home décor and keep your home smelling heavenly! In stores, candles can be quite pricey though so why not try your hand at this simple tutorial! This is a great afternoon project that gives you the chance to get creative with your designs. There are endless ways to customize your candles and candle holders to fit any season! Candles also make great gifts for family and friends.

Supplies

  • Candle-making wax
  • Candle wicks
  • Essential / fragrance oils
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cup
  • Heat-proof container
  • Double boiler
  • Thermometer
  • Chopsticks
  • Mason Jar

Instructions

To begin, make sure you clean your workspace and wipe down all surfaces. To figure out how much wax you need, fill the mason jar with the solid wax and transfer it into a measuring cup. You will need to double the amount of wax in the measuring cup so that the melted amount can fill the mason jar. The next step is to melt the wax, waiting about 10 – 15 minutes and stirring constantly. Once the wax is fully melted, you can add the fragrance oils of your choosing!

Next, you will need to fasten the wick to the bottom of the mason jar before pouring the wax in. This can be done by dipping the bottom wick into the melted wax and quickly attaching it to the bottom of the container, holding it in place while it hardens. Once the wax has cooled a bit and the thermometer reads 140 degrees, you can pour it into the mason jar. Keep a little extra wax if you need a top up in the end.

Hold the wick while you pour the wax and afterwards secure the wick in place with two chopsticks, one on either side. If the wax hardened with cracks on the top, you may then reheat the extra bit of wax to top up the container for a smooth finish. The last step is to cut the wick shorter and voila, enjoy your final product!

Decorative Options

There are endless ways to get creative with your candle making designs. Whether you decide to decorate the mason jar or to add something extra to the candle mix, you can be free to get creative! One simple way to add a unique touch to your candles is to add fresh flower petals or pieces of shrub, like rosemary. If you want to add some colour the mix, try melting a wax crayon with the wax! Mason jars aren’t the only option for containers either, you can try upcycling something unused in your home, such as an old teacup!

 

 

ice cream

STEMSTEM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are many creative projects for kids that incorporate the educational component of STEM. Incorporating STEM into daily activities fosters learning, growth, and curiosity. Not only does it help kids learn new things but can also spark new interests, helping them to know themselves better which can be very helpful for the future!

Nowadays, it can be easy to hand kids a tablet or remote for the T.V but this makes it especially important to foster and support educational activities. With summer break right around the corner, it can be fun to plan a few different STEM activities to learn and play! One easy and fun activity is ice cream in a bag. Ice cream in a bag is a fun project which involves science and chemistry!

Supplies

  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ½ cup whipping creams, milk, or half-and-half
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup salt
  • Ice cubes
  • Sandwich bags
  • Gallon-sized bags
  • Towel
  • Timer

ice creamProcedure

First, you need to combine the sugar, whipping cream, and vanilla in one sandwich bag. Next, combine 4 cups of ice cubes and ½ cup of salt to a gallon-sized bag. Next, you will need to add the sandwich bag into the gallon-sized bag. Wrap a towel around the bag and shake the bag for approximately five minutes. Afterwards, add 4 cups of ice cubes to a new gallon-sized bag and transfer the ice cream sandwich bag into this one. Wrap a towel around and begin shaking again for approximately 5 minutes. Once you finish shaking the second time, the ice cream should be frozen and ready to enjoy!

ScienceSTEM

There is science behind this fun little project for the reason the ice reacts. Water is made up of fast-moving molecules but when temperatures drop, the molecules slow down and begin to line up in a pattern, thus forming ice crystals. As ice melts, the water droplets are still in a low temperature environment, slow-moving, and re-crystallizing.

There is a different reaction that happens between the bag of ice with salt added and the other bag with only ice. You will notice that the bag with ice and salt gets a lot colder and melts a lot faster. The reason for this is as the ice begins to melt, the water molecules mix with the salt. The salt interferes and does not allow the water molecules to create a newly crystallized patterns and therefore remain as water droplets. The rate of re-freezing is a lot lower in this bag although the temperature is colder. The reason for this is because the ice cubes are absorbing the heat available but the salt causes something called a ‘freezing depression’. During the freezing depression, it is possible for the bag to have a temperature of below 0 without actually freezing the water. The interference of the salt can change the temperature at which water freezes in its pure form to a temperature even colder than below 0.

 

bath bomb

 

Creating your own bath bomb is a fun project with a great outcome! Jumping into a hot bath after a long week is a great way to unwind and relax, but even better if you have all the bubbles, great smells, and beneficial properties! Bath bombs can be pretty pricy in stores but are fairly easy to make and very customizable.

 

 

 

Supplies:bath bomb

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • ½ cup Epsom salt
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Few drops colouring pigment
  • 2 tbsp oil (coconut, almond, olive)
  • 12 – 15 drops of essential oil
  • Bath bomb mold
  • Optional: dried flowers, sugar cake decorations

bath bombInstructions

Begin by measuring out and mixing together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together all wet ingredients. Next, add the wet ingredients into the larger bowl of dry ingredients. Make sure to add slowly since the reaction of the citric acid causes the ingredients to begin fizzing. The last step is to add the mixture into the bath bomb mold. You can use a variety of molds such as a muffin tin, candy tray, or actual bath bomb molds that you can buy online. Let the bath bombs sit and dry in the mold for at least 24 hours before taking them out.

Essential Oils

When customizing your bath bomb, think about specific benefits you want. When steaming up your bathroom with a hot bath, it is a good idea to add essential oils with some beneficial properties. Not only do essential oils smell great but each aroma can provide different benefits such as stress relief, treat fungal infections, promote sleep, and balance mood. Aromatherapy has become very popular and is seen as a natural alternative medicine to support health and well-being. Here are a few examples of types of essential oils and their benefits:

  • Lavender: known to relieve stress and promote relaxation
  • Rose: reduces anxiety
  • Lemon: reduces inflammation and boosts mood
  • Peppermint: alleviates headaches

bath bomb

 

Other than scents, you can get super creative with bath bomb shapes, colours, and decorations! Try adding layers to the mold to make a fun multi-coloured bath bomb. Another way to get creative is to add dried flower petals such as roses, which will also have a great smell! You can also add exfoliating ingredients to your bath bombs such as coffee grounds or sugar! There are countless ways to get creative and have fun making new bath bomb recipes!

If you want some other self-care recipes check out last weeks blog here!

 

maker

Michael Kowalski is a Maker from Ontario and a founding member of KWArtzLab, a not for profit Maker society. Located in the Waterloo region, KWArtzLab wishes to provide tools, community connections, and learning opportunities for Makers in the area.

Beginning of KWArtzLabmaker

Michael developed this space for creators lacking the means and proper space to create! KWArtzLab is operated solely by volunteers and there are no hired employees or staff. Therefore, it is not freely open to the public and people must join as a member. Members need to pay a small fee and will then receive a key card with 24-hour access to the shop. To govern the workshop, there is an election that takes place each year. At the annual meeting, seven directors are elected, and are meant to serve for a term of 1 year.

 

 

makerWorkshop

The workshop has a variety of tools available such as 3D printers, an electronics workbench, and much more! There is a section available for laser cutting which includes a 2×3 ft. bed which can cut materials such as plywood, acrylic, and fabric. Another section is made for fabric arts which includes heavy duty sewing machines, a serger, and a CNC embroidery machine! Lasty, there is also a ‘heavy lab’ where Makers can work with wood and metal working tools such as lathe, mitre saw, bandsaw, drill press, MIG Welder, and a CNC router.

 

 

 

Eventsmaker

During normal times, KWArtzLab holds weekly events and meetups for Makers to create and learn from each other. An example of the events held are the robot club meetups, oil/lube/filter workshops, and open nights for the public! Adapting to the times, KWArtzLab now has many virtual events and workshops available. Still, the team is hoping to hold their first post-COVID meetup at the beginning of July!

 

 

 

Community

There have been many interesting projects made at the KWArtzLab workshop with talented Makers from all over Ontario. Projects have included a massive 3D printed statue, hex tile murals, and furniture. This is a place where there is a balanced mixture of science, technology, mechanics, and art! People come to the KWArtzLab full of ideas and inspiration to create, thriving off the enthusiastic environment. People can feel free to create as the please in a positive environment, free of judgement, with the support of their peers!

If you are interested in learning more, check out the KWArtzLab website here!

 

wonderhub

Nutrien Wonderhub is a local organization and museum which focuses on intergenerational creativity! The purpose behind the organization is to foster curiosity and lifelong learning through interactive and hands-on exhibits and programs. The Wonderhub museum is located on Spadina Crescent in Saskatoon. The mission of the organization is to combine play and education by bridging the gap between school and home!

Mission and Values

The values of Wonderhub focus on curiosity, child-centricity, and sustainability. They wish to make the establishment more than just a museum but an inclusive meeting-place. They want to use our natural wonder and curiosity as a catalyst for educational experiences. Wonderhub offers both in-house and outreach educational programs, made for playful learning!

“The Nutrien Wonderhub community extends far beyond the walls of our home at the Mendel. Through outreach programming, affiliations with community-focused events and initiatives, and our own signature events, we continue our commitment to creating interactive, inclusive opportunities to play, learn, and grow.” – Nutrien Wonderhub, 2021

History

Nutrien Wonderhub first began back in 2002 when a group of passionate volunteers came together to create the Children’s Discovery Museum. Up until 2009, the museum was mobile, with volunteers working with supplies and educational material out of their van. In 2009, they were able to secure a space at the Saskatoon Market Mall and quickly became a mecca for families with young children. The following years showed much success with hosting international travel exhibits, debuting the Kid Approved capital campaign, and obtaining the fundraising goal of $14.5 million to help build a world-class children’s museum. Now, the museum is up and running for the general public. The museum offers general admission or memberships for those who wish to visit more often. There are both individual and family memberships which offers great discounts, special pricing on camps and programs, and access to private events.

Museum & Exhibits

wonderhubThe museum offers exhibits, workshops, and a variety of rooms. There is also a café with quick grab & go snacks and gift shop on site. The gift shop has a selection of toys and learning tools available for purchase so you can keep learning at home!

There are three levels to the museum with wide variety of exhibits, each one offering unique displays and educational toys. One of the most popular exhibits is the ‘Cosmic Commotion’ which is the only permanent installation from internationally acclaimed artist Toshiko Horiuchi in North America. The installation is a giant crocheted structure where kids can climb about, popping up in different pods. The other exhibits allow guests experiment with sound, light, colour, wind, and art. The exhibits have all been created with a purpose, whether it be to trigger sensory development, imagination, motor skills, collaboration, or creativity. Each exhibit is a fun experience not only for the children but for parents too! Wonderhub believes in a method where the child leads the way, without timeline, which guarantees a new and enjoyable experience at each visit!

Programs, Classes, Workshops, and Camps

wonderhub

Along with the exhibits, there is also a workshop, create spaces, and a gathering place which gives guests the opportunity to get involved and attend different programs. The workshops include 3D printing, laser cutting, drilling, and sanding. The create spaces are made for guests to collaborate and explore creativity. The gathering place is a tree-lined space which is used for groups to come to share stories and experiences.

There is a selection of eight different programs available from Pre-K all the way to Grade 6. Each program offers an interesting approach to creative learning and experience. One of the programs called ‘Rock On’, offered for Grades 3-6, focuses on rock formation and erosion to learn how landforms are shaped. Another program called ‘Clang! Bang! Boom!’ explores the science of sound by introducing pitch, volume, sound waves, and vibrations. This program is offered for Pre-K to Grade 4 and gives children the opportunity to create their own sound makers.

The classes and workshops offered incorporate STEAM learning to encourage a balanced education. For those of you new to this concept, STEAM learning is a method that focuses on a blend of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Summer camps are also up and running which allows campers to experience both the indoors and outdoors of what Wonderhub has to offer! The summer camps are made for kids ages 5-9 and are offered as either day camps or week-long camps. The camps are a great way to keep kids busy, give them a chance to make new friendships, and gain independence in a fun, open, and educational environment. Throughout the camps, campers will get to explore the museum, work together on projects, and interact with the hands-on exhibits and workshops. Each workshop, class, camp, and program are meant to be inclusive and celebrate community!

 

If you are interested in learning more about Nutrien Wonderhub, check out their website here!

 

plants

Indoor plants are a great addition to any house as they add life and colour and can be very therapeutic. There are many benefits of having indoor plants such as reducing stress levels, boosting productivity, and improving indoor air quality. Indoor plants are also known to boost creativity and trigger inspiration! Cultivating your own greenspace may be just what you need to brighten up your home and freshen your perspective. There are many cute designs for indoor gardens that you can find online and can give you ideas on how to utilize the space available. Listed below are some great plants to start your own indoor garden!

1. Succulents

Succulents are a beautiful and trendy plant to have in the house. There is a wide range of succulent varieties you can choose from including Burro’s Tail, Crown of Thorns, and Jade Plant.

 

 

 

2. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is easy to grow and multi-beneficial! The leaves contain 99% water, vitamins, and amino acids to create a gel. The gel can aid for injuries, cuts, and burns through topical treatment. It can also be consumed and is full of antioxidants.

 

 

3. Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, comes from the southern hemisphere and has natural holes that develop in the leaves. It is an easy to care for, low maintenance plant, perfect for at home or in the office.

 

 

 

 

4. Snake Plant

Snake plants come from Africa and are one of the most common indoor plants and are super easy to maintain. They are great at absorbing carbon dioxide and therefore purifying the air. With their ability to remove harmful indoor toxins, they act as a defense for allergies.

 

 

5. Ferns

Ferns are another fan favourite amongst the indoor plant options. They range in size, so you’ll need to do some research in advance based on the amount of indoor space you have as some ferns can get up to 6ft. Some of the most popular indoor ferns are the Staghorn Fern, Boston Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, and Lemon Button Fern.

 

 

 

Herb Garden DIY

These are just a few examples out of countless options for indoor plants! Another idea would be to make your own multi-beneficial herb garden! Herb gardens are both beautiful and can be a great addition to the house – plus they can be handy when cooking! Not to mention, growing herbs indoors means they have a year-round growing cycle without the worry of weeds!

To start your own herb garden, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • Planter
  • Soil / Organic Fertilizer
  • Herb seeds

Luckily, herbs are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in most soil types. A few of the best herbs to grow indoors include parsley, basil, and cilantro. First, you will need to pack the soil into the pot, making sure there is plenty of drainage for the excess water. Next, plant the herb seeds and add some water. Some seeds take longer to germinate while other can sprout faster.

To make sure there are enough nutrients for the plants to thrive, continue adding organic fertilizer to the planter. Make sure to keep your planter somewhere it can get direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. If a flower begins to form, pluck it off as it can take the energy away from the leaves of the plant for growing. Also make sure to snip the plant once it begins a healthy growing cycle to make sure it doesn’t get too top heavy! Other than that, there isn’t too much maintenance other than making sure the plant gets enough water and sunlight!

music

musicIn the past few weeks, we have showcased a variety of new Makers. This week we are introducing local musician, John Demchenko. John is passionate about music and has been making electronic music out of his home studio, under the name of ‘Allegorical Shadows’. He has always been interested in the musical world and has been learning and creating his own music for approximately ten years! John is a Maker because he loves creating things and having the ability to connect with other Makers within the community. He states that “being able to express one’s creativity is something you can’t really measure, but it is a very satisfying experience”.

Other than electronic music, John has taken an interest in a wide variety of other music genres. With his music education and skills, he now has a deeper appreciation for all music industries as he now knows the effort it takes to bring a piece to life.

Workshops

Along with creating his own music, John is also interested in helping other along their musical journeys. He mainly focuses on helping people beginning into the electronic music sector. John will be showcasing an online workshop “Getting Started with Electronic Music”, posted on our page at a later date. John believes that electronic music is a great start for people who are musically interested but may not have the space or the budget to afford expensive instruments.

Getting Started

musicJohn has a few helpful tips for those of you interested in getting started with electronic music. Firstly, you will need to have access to a computer or smartphone and able to download a free software. John suggests not to fret if you have never learned an instrument before as “with technology today you can pretty much create any kind of music you like using virtual instruments”. In the beginning, you’ll want to start off with the basics and to allow yourself time to learn and develop skills at your own pace. The internet is a great place to learn, especially with platforms such as YouTube. You can look up any lessons you are keen to learn and at any level as well! If you are more serious about the art of electronic music, there are plenty of online course available which will allow you to learn more technique and allow you to expand your skills. Most of the softwares allow you to change and edit along the way as part of the learning process.

If you want to see more from John, check out his Facebook page here and his SoundCloud channel here!

 

 

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