It is a joy to honor Marina this month! Marina stood out to our staff after performing at the Spring Concert back in June. Like many other students, this was not only her first time playing at a Music Time Academy concert, but also her first ever public performance in front of any crowd. Despite her nerves, Marina rose to the occasion and gave a strong performance of "Dream Echos"  - an accomplishment that both she and her family are truly proud of. With the Spring Concert performance behind her, Marina now is now no longer shy of playing piano for her friends and family. Her growing confidence and love of music, we believe, is a much greater accomplishment than any single performance.

When we first met Marina not long ago, she was a complete beginner to music. Although she had never played piano before, Marina's interest in the instrument quickly blossomed, motivating her to practice regularly throughout the week. And wouldn't you know it, with steady practice, her piano skills also quickly blossomed, too! Amazing!!

Keep up the dedication, confidence and excitement, Marina! We cannot wait to see where it could lead you.

A: What do you mean by "bohemian"?

L: Street artists, poets, musician all with many different styles and, of course, all sorts of different venues. There is a big metal scene and a big alternative rock scene, and lots of jazz and South American Folk Music, which is really what I grew up listening to with my parents.

A: What brought you back to the United States?

L: I came here to visit my friends that had stayed with my family through an exchange program. We were a host family, so I acquired a bunch of sisters throughout the years. I am an only child, but I have about 10 sisters from all across the United States. We all get along really well and they kept saying, “Come visit, you can stay at my house.” That is why I came. And, I wanted to see more of the world, so I went and stayed with some of my friends. It was supposed to be just a six month trip but then I found my way into two bands and ended up staying.

A: What do you like best about living in the Bay Area?

L: The weather! I love the weather. It is the same as in my city. But besides that, the people. It was so easy for me to connect & play music with people here - it worked out like a charm! I lost all my fears and anxieties that I had about music. One of my first bands made me go to the recording studio and it ended up being such a liberating experience. After recording with that band, I started playing with another band. We booked show after show! It’s hard in that you have to work hard, but it is way easier to be a musician here than in Chile. Better pay, easier to get gear and to record, there are just so many connections to have with so many people.

A: And what bands are you with right now?

L: Right now I am in 3 bands. One is called Gala, with my sister. She sings and plays piano, writes the songs. Then I have Gringa, which I have been playing in for three years. We will be going on tour in Brazil. Also, Room For Dream, which I am in with Nicholas Lyon-Wright. We are recording an EP. Gringa has an EP out already. 

A: Is there anything you would want to say to the students reading this, some advice or encouragement?

L: I think many students don’t really listen to music, not really. So my advice is always, more than just looking at tabs, more than just reading sheet music, listen, and listen carefully. I am going to go off on a hippie tangent about all that music makes us feel is in the listening. Are you going to get the same kick out of reading a piece of paper? I feel that there is a much better understanding of music in listening not just seeing it on a page.