Letter from the Founder

My Musical Journey

From a very young age, I’ve been deeply immersed in music. My father is from Sri Lanka, and my mother hails from Prince Edward Island, giving me a wonderfully diverse mix of cultural influences in my childhood. Growing up, my world was filled with music from all corners of the globe, and these influences shaped my love for the art form in such a unique way.

Through my elementary years, my mother, sister, and I attended the Ontario Womyn’s Drum Camp, a retreat where facilitators from all over Canada would gather to teach classes and workshops focused on supporting women’s participation in the ancient and sacred rite of drumming. This experience exposed me to an even wider array of percussive musical teachings, including West African Drumming techniques using the Djembe, Dundun, Samban, and Kenkeni drums, as well as the West African Shekere. I also attended classes in Traditional Belly Dancing, Nu Traditional Afrikan Dance Movement, and Bhakti yoga chanting. Being surrounded by so many strong female influences helped shape the woman I am today, and these experiences fueled my deep love for music and movement.

My passion for music continued to grow, and I soon began singing, which led me to teach myself piano and guitar so I could accompany myself. In addition to my love for Western music, I trained in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, which introduced me to the rich traditions of South Asian music and movement.

As a teenager, I was accepted into the Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s Integrated Arts Program, where I had the privilege of studying both vocal and instrumental music while also pursuing a minor in dramatic studies. This intense training during my high school years set the stage for much of what would come. During this time, I completed my Grade 8 RCM Voice Training exam and Theory & Rudiments RCM exam, pushing myself further into the depths of music education.

A key experience in my musical development was attending the New York Summer Music Festival during summers off from high school. This summer intensive for gifted musicians brought me into contact with some of the finest young musicians from around the world. It was here that I truly realized the importance of musical integration from infancy, as many of the students I worked with had grown up surrounded by music—just as I had.

Despite my deep connection to music, my university years led me down a different path. Although I initially pursued a double major in music alongside Politics at Acadia University with the intent to continue my studies in music, my focus ultimately shifted. I transferred to Wilfrid Laurier University and began my double major in criminology and policing, on my journey to become a criminal prosecutor. During this time, music slowly faded out of my life. I stopped singing in the car, and the music that once filled my days seemed to disappear.

The Return of Music

This all changed when I became a mother. My son Parker James was born prematurely, which presented numerous challenges and anxieties for me as a parent. With his early start, there were countless doctors’ appointments, milestones to watch for, and a great deal of worry. But one of the most beautiful things that came from this experience was the rediscovery of my love for music.

As I sang to him and rocked him, music came flooding back into my life. It was the connection that helped me bond with him through the sleepless nights and filled our days with joy, despite the worries. Seeing how music was shaping my son’s development and bringing him comfort brought me back to my roots. The music that had been absent from my life for years became a constant once again, and my passion for it has only grown since then.

Over the past 18 months, my love for music has returned in a different way. As I watched my son grow and develop, it became clear to me how essential music is to a child’s development and overall well-being. Music not only helps children express themselves, but it also fosters creativity, emotional growth, and social development. Watching my son engage with music, see his face light up when a familiar melody plays, and hear him begin to explore the sounds and syllables he can say is something I cherish deeply.

Tiny Tunes Collective Is Born

My journey with Tiny Tunes Collective began with a deep love for music and a passion for sharing that joy with others. However, what truly gave me the confidence to start this business was my most recent experience as a private nanny.

When I began caring for another baby alongside my son, I noticed just how different the two of them were. If my son is a ball of energy, the baby I nanny for is a ball of snuggles—he is much more laid-back and loves to chill. I found myself playing music for him for hours at a time, and in the process, I started to create what would become the Tiny Tunes programming, simply by entertaining him! Watching this baby’s personality blossom as a result of the music was a revelation. It wasn’t just helping my son—it was helping him too, and I just wanted to share the immense value of early musical exposure.

This realization gave me the confidence to create Tiny Tunes Collective—a place where I could bring the joy and benefits of music to as many families as possible. Watching how music has enriched my son’s life, especially considering how challenging his early start was, has been truly life-changing. And now, I want to share that magic with you and your little ones. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching children experience the joy of music and how it enriches their lives and helps them grow.

Thank You for Joining Us

Tiny Tunes Collective is not just a business for me—it’s a reflection of my personal journey with music, family, and growth. I’m so grateful to have each and every one of you join us on this journey. I’m excited to continue sharing the magic of music with you, and I look forward to seeing how it shapes the lives of your little ones just as it has shaped mine.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I can’t wait to see you at our next class, and I’m so happy to have you with us as we continue this exciting journey!

With so much gratitude,
Davina MacDonald
Founder, Tiny Tunes Collective