Kara's Musical Journey with Healing Music Seeds
Kara Entao's Musical Odyssey
Kara Entao's musical journey is a testament to the enduring power of passion and determination. From her early days tinkering on an old keyboard to becoming a dedicated scholar of Healing Music Seeds (HMS), Kara has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her musical craft.
Introduction to the World of Music
Kara's love for music ignited at a young age when she discovered an old keyboard in her home. "I recall that we had an old keyboard in our house that, around the age of 4, I would fiddle around with," Kara said. Her musical curiosity began when she independently played 'Mary Had A Little Lamb' on the piano, prompting her mother to enroll her at Natomas Music Square. Even after 13 years, vocal and piano lessons remain integral parts of her musical development.
Milestones and Musical Evolution
Kara's tenure at HMS is characterized not by distinct milestones but by a continuous commitment to growth. "My growth as a musician is something that continuously develops, slowly but surely," she shares. While there may not be specific moments that define her journey, the experiences at Natomas Music Square, including exposure to different instructors and participation in various ensembles, have shaped her musical ability over the past 13 years.
How has the nonprofit organization played a role in supporting and contributing to Kara’s growth as a musician?
In Kara's words, "Healing Music Seeds is an amazing opportunity for me to get more in touch with my musical side." Her involvement with the organization has inspired her to reflect on the deeper significance of her musical journey, its impact on the world, and the positive changes she can effect through her musical talents. For her senior project, Kara plans to organize a fundraiser event at her school to support HMS.
Inspirational Mentors
Kara speaks highly of her mentors and teachers at Healing Music Seeds. Cindy Su, the founder of HMS and owner of Natomas Music Square, was Kara's initial piano teacher and has been a source of unwavering support throughout her musical journey. "Ms. Cindy had been incredibly patient with me when I was a piano student and introduced music to me in a variety of different forms," Kara recalls.
Erik Stillabower, her current ukulele instructor, fosters an environment where Kara feels comfortable exploring her personal music taste. These mentors have played a crucial role in shaping her artistic identity.
Exploring Diverse Musical Genres
Throughout her musical journey, Kara has had the opportunity to explore a wide range of musical genres and styles. She has been part of various ensembles, delving into genres like jazz, pop, and others. While she may not consider herself a follower of mainstream music, her eclectic musical tastes include Vocal Synthesizer artists and video game OSTs.
Vocal synths, such as Vocaloid, Utau, and SynthV, are unique in their ability to simulate human speech using pre-recorded samples. "I have a very special relationship with video game OSTs," she shares, emphasizing the importance of music as a storytelling medium in the immersive world of video games. Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the player's connection with the narrative, and Kara's love for this genre has influenced her own compositions.
Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
Kara acknowledges that her journey as a musician has had its share of challenges, but she views these obstacles as opportunities for growth. While her tenure with Healing Music Seeds is still relatively short, she is determined to use these experiences to develop her resilience and musical abilities.
Music as a Community Building Tool
Healing Music Seeds has provided Kara with an avenue to give back to her community through music. Her senior project fundraiser for HMS is just one example of how her involvement with this organization allows her to make a meaningful impact. By using her musical talents for a greater cause, Kara highlights the transformative power of music in fostering unity and support within her community.
Kara's Vision for the Future
While Kara may not pursue music as a professional career, she intends to continue supporting and leveraging her musical knowledge for various causes in the future. The values and lessons instilled by Healing Music Seeds will serve as a foundation for her contributions to nonprofit organizations and music groups down the road.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
In Kara's own words, aspiring musicians are advised not to expect instant progress. "Development is gradual and requires determination and perseverance," she emphasizes. The path to success, she believes, is rooted in hard work and a deep love for the art of music.