All About Kennedy
I’d like to introduce Kennedy Carsten, our Teacher’s Assistant at HeartStrings School of Music. She’s an artist, dog lover, and an aspiring entrepreneur. She’s a full-time college student at PCC, plays multiple instruments, and truly enjoys working with kiddos. She’s also Miss Lila’s favorite daughter (and her only daughter). Here are some fun questions to get to know Kennedy better:
What instrument(s) do you play?
Guitar primarily, but I have played violin in the past, and I am currently learning piano. I also enjoy singing.
How long have you been playing music?
I started playing music when I was 7 years old, when my mom started teaching me piano. Then, when I was 9 years old, I started learning violin at school and played in the Strings Project at Pacific University. While I learned these two instruments, I started teaching myself how to play guitar. I played my first open mic when I was 11, and I sang a Billie Eilish song. I go through long periods of inactivity, but I try to keep playing when I can. I’m a bit of an on-and-off learner, so I can’t seem to stick with just one thing.
What’s your favorite song to play right now?
Demolition Inevitable by Leon Riskin on the piano.
What's a song you want to learn in the future?
Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin on the piano.
If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Empathetic, creative, and organized.
What do you love most about helping in music classes?
I really enjoy watching the spark that kids have to learn music. When they get passionate about something they're learning, it warms my heart to know that I was a part of that. I love watching their improvements and seeing when things click for them.
What do you do at HeartStrings School of Music?
During school hours, I am a Teacher’s Assistant. I help teach group classes and lead activities for the kids. However, I also do a lot of work behind the scenes! I help Ms. Lila with design work, lesson planning, making handouts and teaching materials, keeping the studio clean, video editing, and any odd jobs she might need help with around the studio.
What’s your “superpower” in music?
I have a good ear. It’s honestly a strength and a weakness. I can pick things out pretty easily on the piano or guitar by ear, and I am pretty good at harmonizing when singing my favorite tunes. But I have a lot of trouble learning the theory side of things.
Are you more of a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl 100%. If I could sleep in until 11am-12pm every day, life would be perfect.
Do you have a personal motto or statement you want everybody to know?
You’re not living your life “wrong” as long as you’re not hurting anyone. Don’t let others dictate your choices or your feelings. Harm can take many forms; from extreme, obvious actions to smaller things like how you speak to people. As long as you’re mindful and not intentionally causing harm, you’re doing just fine. Be kind. Rewind.
