Introducing: Karina!
Hello! My name is Karina Colon Fuentes, I am the Music Therapist and Music Teacher at A Suite Sound’s Waxahachie Center. I also teach beginner piano and ukulele, and vocal lessons for all stages!
Some of my favorite things include:
Singing: I have loved to sing since I was very little. My earliest memory is probably when I was six years old!
Books: I read romance, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery; although I do like to explore other genres.
Rabbits: I have two! One of them is a five year old female Mini Rex named Oreo and the other is a one year old Lionhead male named Simba. They’re both my emotional support companions! (Simba is officially registered as my Emotional Support Animal)
Theatre: When I was in high school, I participated in almost every play and musical. Now, I find myself going to see shows often and I will most likely audition for one during this year.
Why did you decide to pursue music therapy?
I changed my major a total of at least 6 times during my college career. I was constantly in my advisor’s office crying about being undecided on my path. After deciding to take a college’s voice class on a whim and enjoying my time, my professor encouraged me to pursue music. I did not know how to read music, I did not know how to play a single instrument, and I had never trained my voice officially until then. That was the scariest, hardest but one of the best decisions I ever made. I dedicated many, many, MANY hours to learn music, started singing classically–performing in several competitions, recitals, choirs, and performances– started to learn piano and then begrudgingly guitar. Through it all, I found my very hidden confidence, and discovered that I enjoyed mostly finding meaning through the music. In my first semester of music therapy, I sat in my advisor’s office worried that I may have to change my major once again…. needless to say after my first practicum experience with a client I knew that I was continuing.
My favorite songs to use with clients include:
Brave by Sara Bareilles
My Girl by The Temptations
I See the Light from Tangled
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
My current favorite instruments/props:
Portable drum kit pad
Otomatone
Visuals (Canva is my bestie)
Books!!! (I love to go thrifting for these)
Garageband
My “Why” in music is…
Music is a universal language. Music feels raw, real and personal. Music can express feelings or emotions that are difficult to put into words. I love music therapy because it helps represent the human experience. I celebrate each and every one of my client’s wins, their paths, their way of being. I always want to safely promote my client’s growth and confidence.
***
Contact us and let us know if you would like to begin your musical journey
with Ms. Karina!
