Mike Whitla spends most of his time singing to children. He is the founder and director of Rainbow Songs®, which runs participatory music programs for the very young with their parents.

For the past 15 years Mike has been a Toronto based performer, composer, producer, and teacher in many different musical idioms including jazz, classical, Indian, Latin-American, folk, and popular styles.

Mike has a degree in Music from York University, has studied the Orff method of early childhood music education and studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory. Travels to Japan, Korea, Bali, Republic of Georgia, Turkey, Guatemala, Cuba, and Europe have exposed Mike to musics of many cultures. Proficient in a wide range of musical styles, Mike uses a wide array of instruments, common and unusual, in teaching music to children. He has also taught music appreciation and exploration classes at the Royal Ontario Museum summer camp. His studio, Deep Down Productions, specializes in recording and promotion of World Music.
In 2000 Mike recorded his first CD of music for children, "Elephants Have Wrinkles". His new CD, “Early Morning Knee-Slappin’ Tunes” is the recipient of a 2005 Parent’s Choice Award and a 2005 NAPPA Award (National Parenting Publications Awards) as an outstanding children’s recording. Mike is also the recipient of a 2006 Indie Music award as "Favourite Children's Artist for 2006".


Mike has been an inspiration to thousands of adults and children who have experienced his unique approach to learning music. He is also a passionate cyclist, environmentalist, husband and the father of two boys, Jake and Kyle.
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