Meet Kaia D’Souza – Vocal Teacher at Maxx Music
Meet Kaia D’Souza, one of Maxx Music’s amazing vocal and piano teachers. Kaia has been taking lessons for piano for about 10 years and vocal lessons for around 7 years. However, she’s been singing for as long as she can remember! A lover of musical theatre and jazz, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. A self-proclaimed chatter box, Kaia is a fun and friendly teacher who we know will prove to be an invaluable, well-loved member of our team. And a little-known fact… she took lessons herself at Maxx Music herself in her younger days!
Find out more about Kaia in our short interview.
Do you enjoy performing solo or as part of a band?
I have performed solo on numerous occasions at school events, such as assemblies and award ceremonies. I’ve also performed solo at a lot of family functions, including birthdays. However, I am currently in a band that loves to play some classic rock and is in the process of writing a few original songs.
Why did you decide to teach singing?
I used to go to Maxx Music myself, and I loved all of my teachers and the environment, so I always wanted to go back and be that person for someone else. I love music because of the joy it gives me, so I teach to hope I can show other people how to feel that joy and appreciate their amazing talents.
How has your upbringing influenced your music style?
Growing up in an ethnic family, we love to have fun and party. There was always music playing in the house, whether that was some Dire Straits or Etta James or Eric Clapton. My dad loves anything blues or rock and that’s all we really grew up on. Additionally, there was always a family party on the weekends where continuous music was playing and everyone was dancing. I think that is where my love for music began, just through seeing how all of my family find so much joy in it. When I was younger, I never used to really sing any jazz or rock, it was always just the latest pop song which never suited my voice very well. I think I realised more and more over time the songs that I liked to sing and what fit my voice best, and coincidentally it was always some powerful rock classic or a soulful jazzy song.
What were some of the first vocal pieces you fell in love with?
Honestly, I think the first piece I fell in love with to sing was a song in Hairspray the Musical. It was “I Know Where I’ve Been” by Queen Latifah. I had to sing a musical themed song for a school assessment, and I just fell in love with this song. There was so much passion and meaning in the song. I could feel every word she was singing; it was just so powerful. I have a big voice, so it was one of the first songs where I felt like it really suited my tone and showcased my strengths.
I then fell into a spiral of jazz music and absolutely loved all things Etta James. Specifically, I fell in love with “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. There was so much soul in these songs, and you could really feel and see everything she was singing. When an artist can move you and cause you feel what they’re singing, I feel like that is what makes me fall in love with the song.
Outside of music, what are some hobbies or interests you have?
Outside of music I love to hang out with my family and friends – family very much including my dog 😅 I am a big talker, and my favourite activity is just sitting around with my family and talking for hours. Once we have a chat going, it’s hard for us to stop the conversation! 😂
I also love to play netball with my friends and have been playing for 10+ years. I am currently undergoing a Bachelor of Psychology and am loving the course so far. I hope to complete my bachelor and continue with the further study requirements to become a registered psychologist someday.
Inspired to learn? Find out more about singing and piano lessons.
