…music, I would argue, is a part of what makes us human.
– David Byrne
Cynthia Kinnunen
Music maker
Educator
Community musician
Doctoral researcher
Based in Guelph, Ontario, Cynthia offers engaging instruction and support to students of all ages, with a focus on adult learners. She provides community and online classes, workshops, and is director of the popular Royal City Ukulele Ensemble program. Cynthia is also contract teaching faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music.
She is currently in the midst of a PhD in Music (Community Music concentration) at the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her research interests include social musicking; community ensemble learning and interrelationality; and transitions and well-being/flourishing across the lifespan (women in midlife and beyond, in particular), with methodological focus in creative, arts-based, a/r/tographic, and narrative inquiry research methods. Of course, she is always curious about the ‘ukulele in pedagogical, social and community contexts, as well.
She holds a Master of Arts in Community Music, Bachelor of Arts [Hons] in music (piano), Grade Ten Conservatory piano certification, and a diploma in arts/non-profit administration. Before rediscovering her love for music-making and teaching in 2012, she spent 15+ years in marketing and communications, fund development, and event planning. Over the years, she has studied piano, flute, bassoon, oboe, voice and ‘ukulele, and has performed and arranged in a variety of musical genres.
She is a Level 3 graduate of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) Teacher Certification Program, has served as a clinician in the program, and has worked for James Hill as part of his Uketropolis team, supporting a global network of engaged music teachers and learners. She has taught and performed at a variety of ‘ukulele festivals, retreats, and events over the years, including Ukulele Festival of Scotland, Tropical Winter Ukulele Fest (Finland), Midwest Uke and Harmonica Camp, You Can Uke Voice and Ukulele Retreat (Colorado), Mighty Uke Day (Michigan), Port Townsend Uke Fest, James Hill’s Ukulele Hot Springs, and more. She was also the founder and director of Royal City Uke Fest.
She’s married to her best friend and bass player (Transit Lounge) and is a mother of three: her most important roles.
-Adult class participant
“Cynthia’s classes are so exhilarating. With her knowledge and supportive, positive approach she is able to get everyone to perform at their best while giving them confidence to challenge themselves. She is so prepared and professional while instilling lots of fun into the classes. Her method of combining basic techniques with actual progressive, enjoyable songs is masterful. Every student is challenged no matter whether you are a beginner or someone who needs a refresher/reminder. She has brought the joy of music back into my life. Super teacher!”
-Elementary school principal
FABULOUS! Cynthia’s kind and enthusiastic approach has delivered outstanding results with our students. They progressed extremely quickly in learning this great little instrument under her guidance. Cynthia successfully led students into becoming a great group of performers. After only 3 short months, over 50 students performed in front of an audience during a school-wide assembly. Thank you Cynthia!