LJL Studios

This was quite the day with this wonderful family

Gobblefest 2020!

Happy Monday everyone! This week's Whitney Pier Music Foundation spotlight is on drum instructor and vocalist Ian Macintyre. Ian joined the WPMF way back in May... of 2018 because he wanted to become a mentor to students who were eager to learn about performing music in a band setting; since joining, Ian has accomplished all that and more. He has gained more confidence as an instructor as well as how to be flexible teaching students of different skill levels during his two years at the WPMF. Ian says his favourite part of being in the Whitney Pier Music Foundation has been playing music with people who are receptive to new ideas while providing guidance as well. Ian’s favourite artists include Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Black Sabbath, Tom Petty, Steely Dan, Rush and Fleetwood Mac. Some of his musical goals are to continue to grow and become a better musician and educator. Finally, Ian adds that the Whitney Pier Music Foundation provides excellent opportunities for developing musicians to play music together as they learn how to utilize their skills to serve the music. #whitneypiermusicfoundation #WPMF #drummer

Next in the Whitney Pier Music Foundation student spotlight is vocalist and guitarist Danielle MacDonald. Danielle joined in July 2020 after hearing such amazin...g things from her sister Shellie and niece Destiny, and knew she wanted to get in on the action. If you recall Shellie’s bio from last month, her and Danielle make up the country/folk band Hearts of Kin who are currently recording their debut album with LJL Studios. Since joining WPMF, Danielle feels like she gained a new family after performing and connecting with an amazing cast of fellow students, instructors and mentors; she feels truly honored to be able to work with such a talented crew of musicians! One of her highlights with the WPMF is performing music with a full band, which is an experience like no other, she adds. On her own and with Hearts of Kin, Danielle normals performs with just vocals, acoustic guitar and sometimes harmonica, but at the Whitney Pier Music Foundation, it's been a very different experience with a full band of drums, bass, keyboards, and electric guitar; but it’s been one that has been very rewarding. Danielle’s favourite musician of all time is John Prine, and has recently fallen in love with and been inspired by the music of Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit. One of Danielle’s musical goals are to improve her skills and ability on lead and slide guitar, which she will no doubt succeed with. Even though she lives a distance away in PEI, Danielle can’t wait to get back at Menelik Hall with the rest of the members of the Whitney Pier Music Foundation! #WPMF #whitneypiermusicfoundation #heartsofkin #singer #guitarist #whitneypier #menelikhall #capebretonmusician #novascotiamusician

These gals have something really special going on in the studio

Hearts of Kin & Team Fender

Now is your chance to get to know these two singing sisters a little better. Shellie Tobin and Danielle MacDonald make up Hearts of Kin; a sister harmony duo wh...o are heavily influenced by the late, great... watch the video to find out! Check back for more from these two this week for their artists spotlight here on Open Doors and if you have a chance, give their page (Hearts of Kin) a follow to keep up with their progress on recording their orginal tunes at LJL Studios.

A little social distancing live stage practise @ Whitney Pier Music Foundation.

Exciting things happening at LJL Studios, Hearts of Kin debut EP, Artist development, Studio Recording prep 101, guitar control Private lessons and small group courses ... Come and join the fun

The Whitney Pier Music Foundation would like to recognize the kindness of Taylor Burton, a resident of Whitney Pier, for this amazing donation!!! Taylor is giv...ing back to his community and sees the important role the WPMF has in the local music area where students of all ages can play and share these donated instruments!! Thank you for your musical gift, and drop down anytime and enjoy some tunes

Very talented lady... Shellie Ann Tobin and her sister Danielle MacDonald are doing some amazing things in the studio !! Your in for a special EP release

WPMF and LJL Studio working with our students ... Artist Development ... Studio Prep Student .. Maria Georghiou

Couple of students from WPMF @Nik MacDonald and Ray Yang taking in some artist development studio prep .. playing along to some Hearts of Kin ... set up for guitar tracks for tomorrow

Happy Monday everyone! We would like to introduce you to Destiny Dawn Tobin, a long-time student here at the Whitney Pier Music Foundation. Destiny joined the p...rogram in February of 2019, and since then has gained extensive knowledge about her instruments, music theory and stage presence; as well as meeting skilled instructors and life-long friends. Destiny absolutely loves the WPMF program and applauds the opportunities it provides like musical growth, mentorship, and the ability to perform with some of the community's most talented musicians; she also enjoys the fact that it is an all-ages program. On stage, you'll find Destiny playing guitar, harmonica or singing lead/harmony vocals. Currently, Destiny is going into her last year of high school at RRHS and plans to pursue social work afterwards. Her musical goals include learning new instruments like lead guitar, writing more original music in addition to recording it, and expanding her musical ability. She loves artists like Fleetwood Mac (especially Stevie Nicks!), Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns N’ Roses, and Pink Floyd.

We are so excited to share some HUGE news with you!! Hearts of Kin is preparing to make an official announcement that you won't want to miss!! Stay tuned!!

Very exciting announcement coming soon ... stayed tuned

Some nice fender tones for some new tunes

Isolation day 50?