On April 23, 1959, in a small Shakespearean town called Stratford, Kayla
was born. Her love of music started early when her mother would sing beautiful
songs to her as a baby. In nursery school, music was her favourite time
and marching with instruments was the highlight of the day. Kayla always
loved to perform skits and sing for whoever would watch.
At the age of nine after watching a cousin sing and play the guitar,
Kayla decided that this would be her instrument. Soon guitar lessons began,
and by the age of twelve, Kiwanis Music Festival competitions were entered.
Kayla received first placement in both guitar and vocal performances in
every category along with scholarships and trophies. Her adjudicator invited
her to study with him in London, Ontario. By the age of fourteen, Kayla
began teaching guitar in her home-town.
At the age of eighteen, Kayla packed up her guitar and moved to Toronto
to study music at York University. After receiving her honours music degree
–BFAmu , Kayla continued performing live for adults in a trio call
Triad , where she wrote and performed jingles for advertising firms and
wrote musical theatre pieces.
One summer, an opportunity to work at a prestigious summer camp came
along. Little did Kayla know that her summer job at Hillcrest Camp would
change the direction of her music for life. While singing and performing
for the children, Kayla found her niche. She realized that the joys of
music she remembered as a young child could be re-kindled while performing
for young people. She has been writing and performing childrens’
music ever since and her songwriting has guided her to three recordings:
live television performances on YTV and Treehouse; and a cross-country
and international tour.
On one such performance in November at Minkler Auditorium in Toronto
Kayla found her best friend Ralph the dog. The two have been performing
for children together ever since and look forward to future events to
come.
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