Ash Cortez, 12, is a talented young artist who began her musical journey with LAMusArt in 2018. At the age of 7, Ash joined LAMusArt to learn piano, following in the footsteps of her father who fondly remembered taking art lessons at LAMusArt when he was a child. Ash's siblings also joined in on this artistic adventure, with her older brother taking up guitar and violin and their younger sister participating in the choir.
Ash's artistic voyage at LAMusArt has been diverse and inspiring, as she’s explored various avenues of music. She’s taken piano, violin, and voice lessons with guitar being their standout favorite. Ash has expressed interest in branching out to woodwind and brass instruments, and even starting formal lessons for the ukulele! Not limiting her artistic pursuits to LAMusArt, Ash also takes artistic classes at school, practicing with and performing in her school’s Mariachi group.
Among the mentors who have left a profound impact on Ash's journey, Mr. Hober stands out as their favorite teacher. Ash shared, "My favorite teacher is Mr. Hober, and he's taught me so much more than I could've ever learned by myself for the guitar, from different chords to different styles of music to learning how to play songs by ear.”
When asked about her most cherished memory at LAMusArt, Ash reflected on their first guitar recital where she was able to perform her favorite guitar songs and where she found their love for public performance!
When asked about the importance of the arts, Ash offered a heartfelt perspective, stating, "I think that the arts are important because it helps tell stories and express emotions you can't express any other way and it helps people everywhere connect." Outside of the arts, Ash finds happiness in spending quality time with friends and family, reading, watching movies, and, of course, listening to music, which has become an integral part of their life.
As for their future aspirations, Ash aims to become a lawyer or politician, and she believes that the skills she’s acquired at LAMusArt, particularly in self-expression, will be invaluable in her chosen career.
When asked what she is most proud of, Ash expressed their pride in the progress she’s made with their various musical instruments and recitals they've successfully performed in. She’s even learned to play the ukulele on her own!
When Ash was asked what she would say to someone considering joining LAMusArt, she emphasized the connection between the arts and self-confidence. She gave a powerful message of perseverance: "No matter how hard whatever you're doing is, never give up. Look in the mirror and tell yourself how amazing you are. Quitting may seem good at the time, but you'll regret it."
Ash Cortez's journey at LAMusArt is a testament to the power of arts education. LAMusArt is proud to support such an inspiring student on our creative paths.
