Music showed her what she wants to do for life.

My name is Liana Nash, and I am a sophomore Music Education major at Western Connecticut State University. My journey with KEYS began around 8th grade, when I joined the Orchestra as a cello student. At that time, I was beginning to discover my interests in music and what it meant to be part of a musical community. Joining KEYS gave me a place to learn, grow, and explore my passion for music alongside other students.

As I became more involved in the program, I began exploring new opportunities and joined the Choir and Jazz Band as well. Being part of different musical groups allowed me to experience different sides of music and continue developing as a musician. Each new opportunity helped me become more comfortable participating in the KEYS community and gave me experiences that would eventually influence what I wanted to pursue in the future.

During my junior and senior years of high school, I began volunteering with KEYS. This allowed me to experience the program from a different perspective. After spending years as a student, volunteering gave me the opportunity to become more involved and see the program in a new way. It also gave me the chance to contribute to the community that had already become an important part of my life.

Now, I am grateful to be able to give back to the program as an intern for the Summer Camp and Saturday Ensembles. Returning to KEYS in this role is especially meaningful because I have experienced the program in several different ways — first as a student, then as a volunteer, and now as an intern. Each stage has given me a different perspective and has helped me appreciate the impact that KEYS has had on my growth.

Over the years, KEYS has been a place where I have grown not only as a musician, but also as a person. My experiences with the program helped me discover how much I enjoy teaching, working with children, and creating a sense of community through music. Through these experiences, I began to understand that music is not only about learning an instrument or performing. It can also bring people together and create a strong sense of connection and belonging.

These experiences ultimately helped me realize that Music Education is what I want to pursue. Looking back on my journey, I am grateful for all the opportunities KEYS has given me, from joining the Orchestra as a young cello student to returning as an intern. KEYS has played an important role in helping me discover what I enjoy, what I value, and the direction I want to take in my future.