This special episode of What's Your Forte? is a group interview on the many ways  to work in the music industry! Our guests today are at different stages of their music careers, and talk about their winding paths towards what they do, a typical day at work and the most exciting (and most challenging) aspects of their work.

Meet our panelists:

Michael Yates (he/him) is a dedicated educator who has worked for the  Halton District School for the past nine years. He designed and  implemented an instrumental music program built around high standards,  engagement and student excellence. Michael's musical journey began at  Mohawk College where he completed a three-year diploma in jazz  performance. In 2011, he obtained his Honours Bachelors of Music from  McMaster University and completed his B.Ed. at Nipissing University in  2013. Michael is currently teaching Grade 6/7/8 instrumental music at  Pilgrim Wood Public School, and is also a steady gigging musician in the  GTHA.   

Shana Bates (she/her) and her husband own KAOS Music Lesson Studios, a  community-centric music school located in southeast Oakville. Shana  started her working career with IBM but quickly moved into the world of  recording studios where she and a previous partner created, developed  and ran one of the city's most successful independent recording studios.  Shana went on to work in the event production business. Shana now  spends her days and nights as a full time mom and business owner. She is  a community go-getter and can often be found volunteering at schools  and working at various events in the community.   

Ryan MacKinnon (he/him) is the Camp and Workshop Coordinator with  Bandology, an Oakville-based music non-profit, and teaches privately and  with the Burlington Teen Tour Band. Ryan started playing guitar at  eight years old and switched over to drum kit when he was 10. Upon  entering high school he found a new love in playing classical percussion  instruments and completed a Bachelor of Music in Self-Directed  Performance at Wilfrid Laurier University. He has played with the Guelph  Symphony Orchestra, Stratford Symphony Orchestra and Grand Philharmonic  Choir. Ryan loves to share all the things that he has learned on his  journey to help young musicians excel.