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12 year-old Katie played keyboards in one of our rock bands at the school. Katie was painfully shy in band practice but was always eager to contribute on the keyboards. Her secret weapon, however, was her voice. Katie could pretty much sing anything but would only agree to sing one song in the upcoming concert.

At the concert Katie’s band ripped through some rock ‘n’ roll classics as the crowd cheered with approval. The band launched into Katie’s song, Wonderwall by Oasis. I noticed her fighting back tears a few beats into the music. Her cue to sing was just 8 counts away. Her rock band teacher looked at me in a panic. I gave him a “just relax, keep going” look. The band began to sound like a broken record, cycling through the chord changes again and again.

It became self-evident that Katie was not going to sing. So I signaled to the teacher to sing the song instead.  Seemingly out of nowhere, Katies big voice belted out “Today is gonna be the day…”.

I looked over at Katie’s mom as she exhaled and collapsed her head on her husband’s shoulder in relief. It was a glorious moment for Katie as she broke through her wall of fear.

Katie was a different kid the next time she stepped onto the stage. She looked like a rising star and even engaged in banter with the audience.

Creating moments like this is what Tampa Fine Arts Academy is all about; helping kids be better and more confident versions of themselves.  

We are extremely grateful to be able to help thousands of kids gain invaluable life skills through music.

Let us know if we can ever help your child be a better version of himself/herself.