Mary-Jane Russell
I'm a multi-disciplinary Artist exploring new avenues of sharing creative work through 'Humble iN' Creative', a musical edutainment company that I co-own and co-founded, with my partner Mark Daum in 2020.
To that end, we're in the process of developing Music oriented programs and products using various media (for online and in-person use), that seek to educate, entertain and hopefully inspire people to be more creative.
In our experience, as veteran Music educators and otherwise, Music continues to be a life enhancing and consciousness raising endeavour for us, and so sharing it far and wide has become our mission.
Within the company I wear several complementary hats: Composer, Writer, Session Musician, Voice Actor, Humorist, etc.
I'm also currently teaching Piano and Voice at Hamilton School of Music, and occasionally perform, as we build our company.
Hello,
Mary-Jane Russell
NOW: The Musical Artist
• Co-Founder/Composer/Performer @ 'Humble iN'Creative', moving forward Present
together with my creative life partner, Mark Daum, as we study and grow as
composers, performers, teachers, and storytellers.
• Musical & Animation Production House Co-Owner: Humble iN’ Creative since 2020
• Multi-instrumentalist/Composer/Educator
• Developing as a Character Voice actor telling stories for and along with
Mark's glorious Face characters.
• Audio Book Narrator & Spoken Word Artist
• I’m a veteran singer/song writer and collaborative composer/improviser
• Singing & Piano Instructor: Hamilton School of Music 2017 - present
• Backing Vocalist/Arranger on over 50 album projects. 1970 - present
• Vocal Coach for Recording Artists 1995 – 2019
• Composing Collaborator with Mark Daum 2014 - 2016
• The MJs Vocal Quartet
• Vocalist/keyboardist in Hen Party Hamilton Ontario 2006 - 2008
• Album Backing Vocalist for Ian Gillan ‘Gillan’s Inn'
@ Phoenix Theatre - Toronto
@ Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY 2006
• Haze (Folk Noire Ensemble) Backing Vocalist/Keyboardist 2000-2003
• Fat Shadows @Bottom Line/The Other End, Greenwich Village, NYC 1990
• Vocal Co-Producer/Chorister for Sister Sled - A Cappella Christmas 1996
• Solo Performance:
- Windsor Symphony Orchestra: Guest Soloist 1966
- Soprano Soloist, St. John’s Anglican Church in York Mills 1972-1978
- Original Concert, Artword/Artbar - Hamilton 2014
• Chorister : Toronto Mendelssohn Choir : - 2nd Alto 1993-1995
- 1st Soprano 1972-1978
IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS
• Booking Agent: Mississippi Bends - US Tour 2015
• Publicist: Tia McGraff - UK Tour 2014
• Concert Promoter: “Cool Summer Nights Concert Series” 2006
- (8 weekend evenings of R&B, Blues & Folk) Dundas Arts Centre
• Business Managing Partner: Nick Blagona - Engineer/Producer 1989 - 2020
• Producer Management: Janus Production Management Services, Inc. 1990 - 2020
• Merchandising Manager: “Rhythm of The Saints Tour” Paul Simon 1991 Canada
• Vice President/Treasurer/Secretary: JPMS, Inc. 1991 - 2014
• Talent Scout, Contract negotiator & Grant Writer
• Professional Music Industry Consultant: helping Canadian Artists keep their creative rights
• Proprietor & General Manager of Professional Recording Studio: 1992 - 2019
• Psychotropic Studio - Toronto, Dundas, a division of JPMS, Inc.
• Post-production consultation for manufacturing, branding and marketing
• Booking Agent: Axiom Agency - Ottawa 1981 - 1985
• Commercial Facilitator: McClear Pathé Studios: Toronto 1992 - 1993
EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Music: University of Toronto (incomplete) 1970 - 1972
• A.R.C.T. in Vocal Performance: Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) 1972
- full scholarship (3 Years) Vocal Performance
• A.R.C.T. in Vocal Performance: Western Conservatory of Music 1968
- Highest Provincial Medalist Levels V, VIII, IX Vocal Performance
• Grade IX Pianoforte: Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) 1971
- High Honours
• Grade IV Harmony & History: Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) 1972
• Facilitation: Culture Canada 2003 - 2004
Interests:
Children, People, Knowledge, Spiritual development, Humour, Choral Ensemble Conducting,
Acting, Exercise and Health, Community Theatre and Education, More Music, Reading, and on
the back burner: Aeronautics, Meteorology, Golf, Dancing
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Mary-Jane Russell @ Work and Play
