My name is Kaya Giroux and I have been a Voice Instructor here at Sunburst for a little under a year. I was very scared at first because I had only ever taught a few people and had just finished my undergraduate degree (yes, teachers get scared too!). However, as I got to know everyone I started to ease into a teaching flow. For everything I have taught my students, they have taught me something in return. Being a teacher at Sunburst has made me a better musician, caretaker, colleague, and overall person.

I have absolutely loved getting to know each and every one of my students at Sunburst. A really special moment for me was seeing five of my students get up and sing in front of an audience for the first time at our recent student recital. I have also loved and appreciated each and every note, drawing, and candy I have received from my students. Another highlight for me was performing some Puccini with Bank at the staff recital. I also can’t forget to mention that during my time at Sunburst, my best friend, Jacob, got hired as a fellow voice instructor which made working even more fun.

I am so proud of each and everyone of you for having the courage and dedication to pursue music studies. Studying voice isn’t the easiest thing in the world. As I have said a thousand times before, it is the only purely internal instrument. I will be leaving Sunburst on July 15 to continue my own vocal studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, this time getting my Master of Fine Arts degree in Vocal Performance. This will allow me to follow my own dreams of being an opera singer, which I have wanted since I was a little girl. My time at Sunburst has led me to a job at Songbird Studios, the equivalent of Sunburst in San Francisco. I will miss all of my students, colleagues, and friends so much. I have nothing but gratitude for my time here and I can’t wait until our paths cross again. Never forget to sing from the heart.