ORMTA BARRIE BRANCH
Nonprofit Organization
Cyndi Van Arragon
Cyndi was born and raised in Barrie, ON. She started her music career at the age of 4 with piano lessons. Studying with Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Kent and finally Maude Flemming. At the age of 15, she became the church pianist. Often improvising simple descants and duets with the organ. From that point on until the present, her life has been revolving and growing around the subject of music.
In 1984, Cyndi began her journey with voice lessons. She studied singing with Jane Black of Barrie, Paul Coates of Stratford and Father Paul Massel of Peterborough.
In 1985, she trained under Ruth Muxworthy and received her certification to teach all three levels of MYC (Music for Young Children). This program is excellent with incorporating the ORFF, SUZUKI and CONSERVATORY teaching methods. She taught MYC in her parent's basement for two years. It was during this time that the concept of structured chording, improvising accompaniment while working from a lead sheet, was inspired. In 1987 she returned to school and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Redeemer College with a major in music in 1989.
In 1995 Cyndi attained her A.R.C.T. in voice. Receiving both Performers and Teachers certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
During her time of music study, Cyndi was involved in the Barrie Kiwanis Music Festival and the Stratford Kiwanis Music Festival. Winning the Rose Bowl in Barrie, as well as many other awards and scholarships through out the years. In 1991 she competed in the finals for the Provincials in Hamilton, ON.
Cyndi is a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
She has been teaching voice, piano and theory in her home studio in Barrie since 1989. Teaching during the day was her desire, that began at the Holland Marsh District Christian School (1990-2001), continued with Unity Christian High School in Barrie (2003-2017) as well as with Timothy Christian School (2003-present), offering the same disciplines as her home studio. By following the curriculum surrounding the RCM syllabi, preparing students for their graded exams, many of her students have acquired their grade 11 and 12 high school art credits.
A Number of Cyndi's students have won awards and scholarships at the Barrie Music Festival. Because of her love of chording and desire to equip students to develop their own style and creativity as a musician, many of her students are actively involved in bands and worship teams. Those who love to perform are active in church play productions, Broadway productions and theatre companies such as the Kempenfelt Community Players, Theatre By the Bay, Moving Art Centre in Barrie as well as Sight and Sound in Pennsylvania USA. Cyndi will work with the student, helping them prepare for their best audition possible.
Cyndi has been an adjudicator at local music festivals, conducted local youth choirs and church choirs, been involved as a vocal coach for worship leaders, involved with a number of contemporary bands inside and outside of the church setting. She has performed on local television for several music specials and has been a part of several recording projects, as well as commercially for radio and television. On a personal note, in 1989, Cyndi recorded and produced her first ever project of Hymns and Classical songs entitled A New Commandment and sold out within the first six months of debuting the project. Cyndi has lead worship at local churches, women's conferences and has performed in concerts, local recitals and Christian Women's clubs. Currently, Cyndi is involved with the worship team from her church. Leading out in vocals, offering harmonies and playing keyboards whenever needed. She also performs as a guest soloist and pianist for a local Christian retirement home.
Cyndi continues her professional development as a music lover and teacher by attending workshops whenever possible.
Cyndi loves music, and hopes to instill and inspire her students to aspire to their best possible ability, whether as a performer or music appreciator. For her, music is a gift and a blessing.
