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Miriam Kemppainen began piano and violin studies at a young age, her talents nurtured by active support from her parents. As a tribute to all music educators, Miriam also credits her junior high and high school music teachers, Mrs. Zena Miller and Mr. Ian Grant, for instilling in her the love and joy of music. A part of this early journey included successful participation in local and regional music competitions, both in the orchestra and as a soloist.

Under the tutelage of Russian violin virtuoso, Victor Danchenko at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Miriam entered the Bachelor of Music Education program at the University of Toronto, graduating in 1986 as a string specialist. While at U of T, her studies included vocal pedagogy with Ms. Helen Simmie, which triggered her life-long love affair with the human voice and a pursuit of personal vocal excellence.

Upon earning her OISE with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1987, Miriam embarked on a fulfilling career as a music, drama and English teacher in the private school system, with a focus on vocal, choral and instrumental music in the elementary and secondary divisions.

For the last 20 years, Miriam has devoted herself to vocal music through extensive studies with Gordon Wright and Dawn Willingham-King, and also through her home teaching studio. Her great delight is helping her students find their voices, and using a myriad of teaching tools to grow and develop those voices. Miriam has also successfully prepared many students for RCM exams as part of their vocal journeys.

In her career, Miriam has served actively as a soprano soloist, chorister, and choral and orchestral conductor, performing and conducting in a variety of church and concert settings.

Miriam is excited to be joining the Toronto Music Alliance family and sharing her love of singing with her students.