Best Wishes from Kaya!

Alex Stanton • July 3, 2023

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.

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By Alex Stanton December 4, 2024
December 2024 - Issue #88
Musicians Gift Guide
By Alex Stanton December 2, 2024
The holidays are fast approaching and you’re trying to find the best gift for all of the amazing musicians in your family. There’s a lot of noise out there, but we at Sunburst are HEAR to help!
By Alex Stanton November 5, 2024
Get ready for an action-packed November at Sunburst! From Winter Recital signups and group program enrollments to free jam sessions and a heartwarming food drive, there’s something for everyone this month. Dive into our latest newsletter for all the details on events, new instructors, and ways to give back!
October 31, 2024
Join us in donating to the JFCS Food Pantry! Check out our guide on what items they need most and find a link to make a financial contribution directly on their website.
By Alex Stanton October 24, 2024
Sign-ups are now open for our Winter Recitals! Each teacher will be hosting one or two 45-minute sessions during the first two weeks of December. Students can sign up through the link below, or feel free to reach out to us here , and we’ll be happy to assist with the registration process. Here are a few key reminders about the recitals: Participation is free, but we do welcome donations to our Scholarship Fund . You can contribute when you check out, or we’ll also be accepting cash donations at the door. Thank you for your support! Each recital session lasts about 50 minutes, featuring 12–15 students. We anticipate an audience of 40–60 people. Friends and family are encouraged to attend! If you plan on bringing more than four guests, please let us know in advance so we can arrange seating accordingly. If you’re unable to attend your teacher’s assigned session but still want to perform, let us know! We’ll do our best to accommodate you in another session. Adults are welcome to participate in their teacher’s session or in a special BYOB adults-only session on December 13th! Not all teachers will attend the adult session, so be sure to discuss this with your instructor ahead of time. Regularly scheduled lessons and programs may overlap with some recital times, so we kindly ask everyone to be mindful of this when entering and leaving the building. We're here for any recital-related questions (or anything else!), so don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see everyone perform this winter!
By Alex Stanton October 9, 2024
We’re gearing up for our Winter Recitals, offering fun fall group classes, and celebrating Spooky Season with our annual Halloween Party! 🎃 We’ve also got the Sunburst Cabaret, Piano Club, and a Free Improv Workshop lined up. Plus, check out our special tribute for Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month, and join us in wishing our talented instructor Mila Shadel the best as she embarks on her next adventure. ❤️
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