Kealani Petito | Student Profile

Here at Youth Music Project we have students of all ages and are fortunate enough to not only see these students grow musically but into young adults. Kealani Petito is one of the many students we have had the pleasure to see grow into the young artist she is today. Since Kealani moved to Oregon in 2016, she has been a vocal and piano student at Youth Music Project. Over the years her passion for music has grown so much that she applied and was accepted to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She will be pursuing a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) degree focusing on Musical Theater. We sat down with Kealani to ask her a few questions and this is what we learned:

What inspired you to pursue a degree in music/ music related degree?

“What inspired me was the sheer passion I hold for performing arts and singing. I also was lucky to be introduced to it from a very young age. I also connected with performance, whether it was goofing around with friends or singing in a musical — I truly love it. I was also fortunate to be absolutely astonished and inspired by my mentors along the way. The teachers I’ve had in the arts, directors, performers, and peers have all been able to help me recognize the importance of fine arts. They have all inspired me to pursue what I really love. I am so grateful for this next opportunity and am excited to do this not only for personal passion, but with a purpose to tell a story — and hopefully inspire others as I have been.”

How do you feel Youth Music Project has helped you as a musician?

“Youth Music Project has helped me stay connected with what I love to do on a close and personal level. The one-on-one and group support I’ve received is immeasurable and really helped me develop new skills within myself. Youth Music Project has aided me in growing vocally and I believe
this is mainly due to the genuine support I have received.”

Any advice you would give current Youth Music Project students?

“Stick with what you love, truly! Don’t follow through with something that doesn’t feel right and go where your heart leads you! It may sound cheesy, but it’s really true. If you are truly passionate about something, follow it. Be open and ready to grow. The instrument curiosity and knowingness to keep searching for the light is what has always helped me! Lead with your truth and find the joy in it. Thank you, Youth Music Project, for being with me through high school, I am grateful!”