Discover “In the Key of Q”: A Celebration of Queer Music and Stories. Join host Dan Hall on “In the Key of Q,” a podcast celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and stories from around the globe. Tune in for queer music, charts, and diverse voices, and join the conversation using the hashtag #queermusic. This week, welcomes singer-songwriter and pianist Tophy D…

London, UK. In the Key of Q is a music podcast, gaining popularity with its diverse content and engaging discussions. Hosted by Dan Hall, this week’s show features Lorrakon, a queer, non-binary, self-described “oversexed atheist” who discusses their experience growing up in Los Angeles and the stereotypes and misconceptions associated with the city…

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with Melbourne-born Australian non-binary singer-songwriter, Max Lawrence. Lawrence talks about their musical background and how they began writing songs at 16. The episode explores Lawrence’s creative journey as well as their personal journey of gender expression, rejection and acceptance in the suburbs of Melbo…

Welcome to the latest episode of In the Key of Q, a podcast that shines a light on the LGBTQ+ community and their stories. In this episode, Conleth Kane talks to Dan Hall about his journey growing up gay in working-class Northern Ireland during the Troubles. He shares his personal struggles with violence and bombings in his hometown and the challen…

This week, presenter Dan Hall meets with artist, producer, composer and DJ Bright Light Bright Light. Although living now in New York, he was brought up in Neath in Wales. And since rising to fame has toured and recorded with some of the best names in Pop history, including Cher, Sir Elton John, Erasure and Scissor Sisters. In the episode he talks …

Dan Hall hosts “In the Key of Q,” a show that features queer music, chat, and stories from around the world. The show’s guest, Jxckson, is a pop artist from Austin, Texas. Jxckson, a Black and LGBTQ+ musician, talks about his experience of growing up and realising that race and sexuality have an impact, and now he proudly identifies as a Black arti…

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Paul Andrews, Nick Vaan, Vincent DiGeronimo and TIN. Paul talks about the challenges of developing Bell’s Palsy and his movement towards a more beat-driven sound. Nick discusses his upcoming new album, ‘Magnificent Obsess…

This week, presenter Dan Hall catches-up with four previous guests and hears their latest tunes. Returning to the microphone are Billy Mick, Venn Smyth, Cory Stewart and Carrington Kelso. Billy talks about his imminent new album, and his development of a one-man cabaret show for the international cruise ship market. Cory discusses his brilliant com…

Winter recitals at The Lane School of Music are next week. Our students have been preparing for months! We aren’t kidding! It takes that much time to set yourself up for a successful performance. Rebecca and Zara are here with five tips to help you get ready for your next recital. They have advice on choosing repertoire and outfits, practicing and …

Rebecca and Zara are back with more interesting instruments! This week we are learning all about the clarinet. And no one is better to give us the ins and outs of this member of the woodwind family (and a few of its cousins) than Kelly Sanchuk. Kelly is a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Saskatchewan. She is also one of The Lane School of Music’s…

The Hockey Sweater is a Canadian children’s book by Roch Carrier. It tells the story of a boy in Quebec who gets the wrong jersey in the mail and is forced to play hockey with a group of Montreal Canadian’s fans, while repping the Toronto Maple Leafs. In February, The Toronto Symphony will be presenting this book in concert form. How cool is that? …

Music is a big part of any celebration, and the holidays are no exception! We have created a list of holiday musical classics to make your season even more merry and bright. It includes classical, jazz and pop music inspired songs and shows. Watch and listen live or cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy at home. How will you be adding music…

The music world is VERY small! Today’s guest is extra special because she is the parent of one of Rebecca’s former violin students and a fellow music studio owner. Rhonda Hanson is a music teacher and soon to be accredited music therapist based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At her music studio, she runs a very important and unique program called Sing It…

In this episode Zara steps down from hosting duties to be a KQTM guest! She is joined by soccer teammate and Lane School of Music student Norah to compare playing sports and taking music lessons. From an outside perspective they may seem to have no connection. But, both involve winning, practicing, scoring, building skills and teamwork. They often …

Tania Miller believes that anybody can be a conductor, just like her! Tania grew up in small town Saskatchewan and now conducts orchestras all over the world. She even conducted Rebecca in the RCM orchestra 15 years ago. And no, her job does not involve driving a train. She shares with us what the conductor does up on the podium, what the white sti…

If you’re in Toronto between October 14th and November 4th, head over to The Four Seasons Centre to see the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Carmen by Georges Bizet! Carmen is one of the most well-known and commonly performed operas in the world. It is a tragic love story, full of earworms and a very energetic children’s chorus. In this episo…

Fall lessons are back in full swing! How did you prepare over the summer? Did practicing not quite fit into the summer schedule amongst beach days, soccer games, and camping trips? It’s always ok to take some time off, but here is some advice to re-start practicing after a long break. Rebecca and Zara have three easy tips to get back to music makin…

Welcome to season 3 of Kids Q The Music! We are getting ready to bring you another year of musical adventures. To kick off this season, Rebecca and Zara are reminiscing about their favourite episodes (remember all the “fluffy noises” when our LSM students came up with new definitions for the word tutti?) and making a wish list of who they want to i…

Season 2 of Kids Q The Music brought us tons of laughs, helped us discover new and interesting music, and allowed us to meet very talented musicians from across the country and abroad. In this episode, Rebecca and Zara are revisiting five of their favourite moments from the past year. (It was so hard to choose only five!) Did your favourite musical…

We often think opera singing is for grown-ups only. It requires advanced technical skills and a deep understanding of music and languages. But did you know there have been tons of roles written for children? Very famous examples are the Three Spirits from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. The Spirits, played by children, help guide the main character, Tami…

The Musical Terms Trivia Show is back for a second round! This time it’s a violinist party. Rebecca and Zara are joined by Siobhan and Corinne to give fresh definitions to four musical terms. These Lane School of Music students are experts when it comes to following musical directions. They know when to cut violin strings, how to whistle a song fro…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Don+ is an independent artist and writer who has been writing and making music since 2013. He gained recognition with his first EP Raw Rhythm and Words (Apple / Spotify), which debuted in the top 40 on t…

You know the saying the show must go on? No matter what happens backstage or onstage, musicians must present their performance to the expectant audience. While events that could de-rail a performance are, for most musicians, just a scary thought that never comes to fruition; Lane School of Music violin student Brooksley experienced this firsthand. …

Taylor Gray is this week’s guest. He is an R&B artist based in Los Angeles and curator of the popular playlist "Flavor Waves" on Apple Music and Spotify, which has garnered the attention of artists such as Victoria Monét and Ro James. (1:22) Highlight - Gray talks about his childhood musical influences, growing up in a house playing neverending Pri…

Kids grow quickly, but unfortunately their instruments will always stay the same size. There comes a point when your mini musician isn’t so mini anymore and will have to say goodbye to their best musical friend. This is what happened to two of the Lane children just a few weeks ago. Zara has a new violin named Kevin or Bob (name pending) and Charle…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Billy Mick released his first single in 2019. He's performed at Pride and Gay Days events. And in America's pandemic lockdown continued to release songs and music videos. The autobiographical studio albu…

Have you ever met an opera singing bassoonist? Rebecca and Zara have, and she’s only nine years old! Olivia Pady is a quint (mini bassoon) player and member of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company’s principal chorus. The CCOC works in collaboration with the Canadian Opera Company, allowing its young members to perform in professional operatic prod…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Levi Kreis is a multi-award winner. Having gathered himself awards from Critic's Circle, Out Music, and most excitingly, the Tony's. Born in Oliver Springs, Tennessee his music features a fusion of style…

Rebecca, Zara and special guest co-host Chirps have complied a playlist guaranteed to make you fall in love with classical music. Get ready to be transported to outer space, the forest, a carnival, and into a beehive by orchestral scores, narrators and familiar melodies. These five pieces are sure to be loved by kids and parents alike! Playlist: ht…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Sonicfluxx was born and raised in Florida in the United States. And in January 2020, his first single Nothing Will Ever Be the Same debuted at number two in the UK's LGBTQ charts. Quickly following this …

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Xantheartist counts an impressive hundred thousand streams on Spotify. He's only three years into his music career, but has already secured a number one record with his cover Hapsburg Lippp. Before trans…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is from Edmonton, Alberta in Canada. His music combines personal experiences, passion, and is inspired by artists as varied as Vanessa Carlton, John Mayer and Metric. He is an educator,…

Have you ever fallen out of your practice routine? It happens to every musician at some point, and it can feel cumbersome to get back on track. If this sounds like you, take this as a sign that April is your month to get back on track. (Especially if you are a Lane School of Music Student trying to become a practice star during practice month!) Reb…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Lloyd Best performing as Dead Method is an alternative pop artist based in Cardiff, Wales. They started a solo career in 2018 and they've gone on to support 65 Days of Static and Public Service Broadcast…

Where do you find musical inspiration? For artists, simply looking up to the sky can stimulate the creative juices. Many musicians have been inspired by birds, rainbows, stars and the sun. For Halifax based-pianist Jennifer King, her musical inspiration comes from the moon. Jennifer has released two solo piano albums O Mistress Moon and O Mistress …

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Gentleman Reg hails from Toronto in Canada. He's a singer songwriter, drag artist, DJ and makeup artist. He has released seven full-length albums with various bands, including Light Fires, and Regina Gen…

Writing and producing an opera is no small feat. It marries the art of music and theatre, so it’s nothing without a gripping storyline! In this episode, Zara is re-writing the plots to three popular operas, based their title, main characters and a single plot point. The first, is the story of a prince named Tamino who turns the world into cheese. T…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. A-Natural founded Natural City Music recording label and has himself won two international independent music awards. He's opened for T-Pain and has written and produced for multiple major artists. In 202…

Student’s enrolled in the Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School have the unique opportunity to focus their studies on visual or performing arts. Those students who successfully audition as music majors, are taught by Deborah Pady. Deborah joins us this week to discuss how she teaches and inspires her students to compose…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Benjamin Stewart has been making music for over 10 years and has written and recorded since the age of 12. They define as non-binary. Living an authentic life in America's Mississippi state. In November …

Zara has finally realized her greatest dream, playing the piano! After many Kids Q The Music guests advocated for playing both violin and piano, Rebecca won mom of the year but signing her young violinist up for piano lessons. They discuss what to expect at your first lesson, the difference between online and in-person lessons and what kind of pian…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is Brandon James Gwinn, a Live Nation touring artist and Billboard number one indie music producer. He won the Richard Rogers award for musical theater writing. Previous winners include…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week's guest is QBoy. Born Marcos Brito he is a DJ, music artist, producer, rapper, and dancer. He was raised in Basildon, Essex and La Gomera, Canary Islands, being of half-British, half-Gomeran de…

Rebecca and Zara are joined by another mother-daughter musical duo in this week’s episode! Patricia Ahern is a baroque violinist who plays with the world-renowned, Toronto based orchestra, Tafelmusik. Her daughter, Liliana Mahave, is a music major in the Claude Watson Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School and is already making a name for herse…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. This week we're taken over by the Song Surfing podcast! It's a music discovery podcast showcasing the best indie music from around the world! Hear an eclectic mix of music spanning many genres and discov…

If are a long-time listener of Kids Q The Music, you know Zara has been wishing with all her might for a piano. Well, her wish came true and has opened a new door of musical exploration. We are thrilled to introduce Zara Lane, composer. Zara discusses the compositional process and techniques, and even performs her own pieces. Her current catalogue …

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Featuring new material made public for the first time, LGBTQ singer Paul Andrews discusses his five favourite songs plus the one track that he'd chosen as a gateway song into his catalogue. Series 2 of I…

A message from presenter and producer Dan Hall about series 2.Oleh Dan Hall

Four-year-old Jialiang Zhu just wanted a piece of birthday cake and ended up with a piano. It was a happy accident though! Jialiang is now a professional pianist based in Toronto and is the only pianist in her piano trio, The Bedford Trio. Don’t worry, she clears up that confusion for us! She shares with us how the trio formed, what kind of music t…

In the Key of Q is a weekly podcast featuring Queer musicians from around the world as they share stories, inspirations and of course their music. Just one week until the launch of Season 2 with QBoy! But until then pull up a chair and listen in on TyMcKinnie and I talking gentrification, COVID and dating, not dating, dating, not dating, definitely…