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Writer's pictureMary Ann

Thirsty Thursday Featuring Bonnie Milne



Thank you for chatting with us! For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? My Grandmother was a pianist and when I visited her home, I would play the keys whenever I could from a very young age. My Mom also played the piano and my Dad the guitar. My brothers and I all took music lessons and we loved to play and sing. At around age 11, I began composing and enjoyed performing my pieces for my family and friends, which then turned into school performances and onward. I was given the name of a recording studio by a friend and have enjoyed working with Adam Fair of Villa Sound ever since. I reached out to music teacher colleagues of mine and we have been rehearsing pieces from my latest album and newest singles to perform live.


What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? Stream's Gathering, movements 1 and 2 are very important to me. Growing up, we had and still do, a beautiful family property with a flowing stream running through it, surrounded by large trees. My family and friends would gather here on holidays and celebrate being together, there are many great memories from here. I began writing this piece when I was young and my Mom would say, "Dear, it is so pretty and you have to finish it someday." Years passed and busy-ness with my own family happened and then Mom passed away. I have since completed it and added a second movement. My Brothers tell me that it makes them think of Mom too, so it is special for us. It also includes the emotional journey of my life with ups and downs or jubilant major parts and minor intense parts musically speaking.


How was it filming the video for "Uncertain and New Beginnings?" My recording engineer Adam Fair of Villa Sound also records videos for his clients and I had always thought his backyard was beautiful with a smaller unused barn and gorgeous big trees. I asked him if we could record my latest singles, "Uncertain" and "New Beginnings" in his yard and he said, "sure, let's do it!" Canadian winters can be very chilly and snowy, but on this particular day it was a balmy -7 and only lightly snowing. However, I still had to run into the studio several times as my fingers would get quite chilly and we stopped for lemon-ginger tea between pieces. My fans have told me that it was worth the temporary uncomfortableness as the winter scenery in the background suits my pieces perfectly!


At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs? Composing music for me is about passion, well-being and JOY! I wish this for others as they listen to my music and I hope that it helps them in

some way. I would like my music to be the "go to" piece or pieces that fans listen to when they are feeling a certain way and it helps them feel better, be uplifted and at ease. Fans often tell me that my music takes them on an emotional journey which makes me happy since they are joining me in my journey.


When/where do you do your best writing? Through a friend's connection, who has since passed away sadly, I purchased a piano from a 90 year old former Music Teacher, Harvey

Bradley. It is a gorgeous 1849 quarter grand Chickering Piano, built in Boston. Harvey came across it in a barn years and years ago, and had it completely restored. The wood and carving details are simply stunning. Since it has been in my home, I have been composing non-stop! I call it magical and a gift! I still like to notate my music on staff paper as somehow it provides a sense of accomplishment for me. Harvey and his wife Ruth and I have become great friends.



Favorite music to listen to while you cook? I enjoy listening to a variety of instrumental music while I cook, sounds that are chill and relaxing after work. I love the sound of the piano and cello together and it seems to match perfectly the aromas in the kitchen as I cook.


How do you drink your coffee? I drink my coffee with two creams and one sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon!


What is your favorite breakfast? My favourite breakfast is a soft boiled egg, slice of cheese, cup of fruit, (usually cantaloupe) and one tablespoon of peanut butter with chia seeds and coconut with my delicious coffee.


What is the one place you have always dreamed of dining? Thinking locally, I would have to say "360 The Restaurant" in the CN Tower in Toronto. My sons and I have toured the tower but have never eaten in the revolving restaurant which is 350 meters high! Apparently

the food is delicious as well.


If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I would like to be sponsored by HelloFresh, a meal kit delivery service. I am a busy working and composing single Mom and this company takes the worry of meal planning and shopping right out of my hands! You choose your meals a week ahead of time from their large selection of family

friendly or carb smart recipes and the ingredients arrive at your door in a box, easy peasy! Then you follow the instructions of how to cook your meal with the included ingredients and 30 - 40 minutes later, you have a tasty meal for your family! I find that I am learning different

ways of cooking things and so are my sons. We have so much fun, listening to music and cooking in the kitchen together. THANK YOU Hellofresh!


Twitter: @BMilneMusic (BonnieMilneMusic)


Bonnie Milne, born and raised in a small central northern town in Ontario, studied classical piano from a young age. Around age 11, Bonnie realized that she could create music and played her compositions for family and friends. She continued on with studying Music in University and completed her Teaching Degree adding vocal music as a focus too. Bonnie taught both piano and vocal lessons to numerous students over the years. In addition to managing her own business, she began teaching music in elementary schools. She is now working as the Arts Facilitator for her Board, and implementing a "music education program" in all elementary schools. Bonnie's goal, along with the Music Teachers in her Board, is to "Inspire Music for Life" for their students.


Bonnie's instrumental music is described as flowing, melodic, playful, deeply emotional and even intense at times. She has her own sense of dissonance to harmony that is unique to her, moving from major to minor and back, creating an emotional journey for the listener. Bonnie enjoys performing in the outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty. Bonnie was inspired by the greats of classical music such as Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin, but also drawn to more contemporary instrumental musicians such as Ludovico Einaudi, David Tolk, Piano Guys, and the popular sounds of Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette and Taylor Swift, to name a few.


Bonnie believes that music is a tool for well-being. She sees how her own sons as well as students and adults are affected by the calming sounds of her compositions. In a world where anxiety is on the rise, music should be a "go to" for support, she says. One listener remarked, "I have to tell you, I work with special needs kids and a little boy in particular that is non-verbal, wheelchair bound and has CP. I played your music for a few of them at their break today and they calmed down and listened and really seemed to respond. It's very calming for them...and me! So thank you!!"

Bonnie’s newest album is 2021’s “Anticipation” and her latest single releases are 2022’s “New Beginnings” and “Uncertain.”


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