Makayla is a member of the Cameron Clan.

Her ancestors hale from the Shenval Tenant Farm, Menzies Castle Estate, Dull, Perthshire, Scotland.

17 February, 1904

Makayla’s paternal grandfather, Allan Bruce Cameron, was born in Heywood, Victoria.

He was a second generation Australia.
 

Allan was an accomplished Musician, being proficient with the piano, organ, trumpet and cornet.

23 July, 1940 - World War Two

Aged 36 years, at Caulfield, Victoria, Allan enlisted into the Australian Infantry Force (2AIF).

He joined as a Band Musician at Hamilton, Victoria.

His Service Number was VX48493.

Allan went on to become a Signaller in the 2/24 Battalion.  He was a Rat of Tobruk.

Allan then went on to perform with an AIF Big Band in Europe.  He then returned to Australia.

18 October, 1945 - Post-World War Two

Allan discharged from the 2AIF at the rank of Sergeant.

7 August, 1985

At the age of 81 years, Allan passed away.

He was buried in Wangaratta Cemetery, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia.

Allan willed his upright piano to Makayla’s younger brother, who rarely played it.

This was the piano on which Makayla practiced her classical skills and composed many musical pieces.

6 October, 1978

Makayla was born in Box Hill, Melbourne, Victoria.

Her father is Australian, and her mother is a Dutch Burgher Sri-Lankan.

In 1997, for personal reasons, Makayla legally changed her surname to Ryan.

In Melbourne, Makayla undertook classical piano lessons from the age of 7 to 14 years.

Through the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Victoria, Makayla completed three piano exams –

Preliminary Grade (achieved an A), Grade 1 (achieved an A) and Grade 2 (achieved a B+).

Bored with learning Classical pieces, Makayla switched to learning popular pieces for one year.

Mid-2002

Makayla commenced performing as a Volunteer Civilian Vocalist in the 2/14th QMI Army Reserve Band. Soon later, Makayla discovered that Allan joined the 2AIF as a Band Musician.

Soon later, Makayla discovered that Allan joined the 2AIF as a Band Musician.

She felt a deep sense of family connection and pride. As a Musician, she was a chip of her grandfather's block.

Makayla has little ability to sight-read piano print music.

She plays by ear. She can hear a song a few times and play it with the melody, bass notes and some chords.

She has thousands of songs in her head. With a little practice, she can "pull out" a song and play it.

Makayla won Fourth Place in the
1999 96-Five FM Vocal Challenge.

With her recording and performance of the Christian worship song,

‘The Potter’s Hand’ (Lyrics and Music Copyright © 1997 Darlene Zschech).

She won First Place in the
2018 Sydney Eisteddfod Singer/Song-Writer Contest.

With her performance of her original Musical Theatre song,

‘Planting Kisses’ (Lyrics and Music Copyright © 2015 Makayla Ryan).