Singer . Educator. Author
Ana is a singer, music therapist, educator and author with experience in world music pedagogies.
She teaches Konnakkol, the South Indian rhythmic system known for developing ultra-resistant rhythmic foundations in students and musicians of all levels.
She offers comprehensive training in vocal culture, taking a holistic approach that prioritizes vocal health while preparing singers to excel as competent musicians.
Ana's approach to music education transcends Western classical training, encompassing essential musical foundations and seamlessly integrating best practices from diverse global traditions.
She is the creator of Pakinda Musik and its unique music education program "The Land of Sounding Colors"® that skillfully uses storytelling to introduce children to the enchanting world of music.
Ana's commitment to excellence and innovative methods make her an attractive choice for those seeking a transformative musical journey.
*Ana is a member of the NSRMTA (Nova Scotia Registered Music Teacher Association)
Konnakkol Lessons
Konnakkol is a language and a teaching system that will take your rhythmic skills to another level.
5,000 years old, this South Indian art is considered one of the most elaborate rhythmic systems in the world. It is increasingly sought after by musicians and students from all over the planet, as it ensures the following results:
Freedom playing over any given meter...no matter how odd or complex you think it might be.
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Improve your execution and conception of time -
Master subdivisions -
Open new creative doors for your improvisation and/or composition skills -
Improve your articulation (vocal or instrumental) -
Sharpen your musical imagination -
Improve your concentration -
Furthermore, this art is mentioned in Ayurveda and is part of the Yoga culture, so it brings countless benefits to your physical and mental health.
What will you learn in a Konnakkol lesson?
This language has a large number of syllables (sol) that form words and phrases (Solkattu).
In each session, you will receive a series of exercises to recite these syllables over a given Tala (a specific meter that we mark with different movements of our hand).
Is it difficult?
No.
The pedagogy is highly intuitive and advances gradually.
Before you know it you are reciting complex phrases, at high speed, over equally complex meters.
Yet, it is an art that does require practice consistency.
The following video is a good example to understand how we go through different levels to gain speed
Konnakkol Kids
Konnakkol Fun
Singing lessons
Ana offers a program based on music from different parts of the world to develop a healthy, flexible and precise voice that can expand to different musical styles.
The sessions have a very holistic approach, while we perform exercises that improve our musicality and technique, we explore music theory and understand every aspect of how we live and create music in our mind and body.
You'll learn:
Anatomy and data to develop a technique that keeps your voice healthy and allows you to explore its potential
Auditory Training
Rhythmic training
Musical theory
Musical cognition
Expand your range, flexibility, tuning, dexterity, and more.
Note: Are you interested in focusing on the technique and repertoire of Western classical music?
In that case Ana is not the right teacher for you : )
Learn Indian Musical Pedagogy
Recognizing the value that Indian music has brought to her musical career and as an educator, Ana offers lessons and courses in Indian Music Pedagogy for those music teachers interested in integrating new activities into their sessions and approaching new concepts and practices that will expand their scopes.
Explore the online course to go at your own pace or write to schedule 1-on-1 classes
Born in Mexico City on November 17, 1987.
Graduate of the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles California
Major in Konnakkol
Master's degree in Music Therapy from the University of Barcelona and
Specialization in music pedagogy from Shankar Mahadevan Academy in Bangalore, India.
Ana is a singer, author, music therapist and music educator specialized in world musical pedagogies, as well as neurodevelopment.
Her career has been highlighted by her commitment to fostering a love for music, especially among children. Through a unique and innovative approach that transcends Western classical training, her teaching methods encompass essential musical foundations by creatively integrating best practices from diverse global traditions.
She is the founder of Pakinda Musik® and creator of the program "The Land of Sounding Colors"®, which skillfully uses storytelling to introduce children to the enchanting world of music in an organized and fun way. She is also the author of other children's reading works, as well as fiction and non-fiction pieces.
Her dedication to music knows no age limits. She works enthusiastically with both children and adults, adapting her teaching to meet the needs and aspirations of each student. She offers comprehensive training in vocal culture, adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes vocal health while preparing singers to excel as competent musicians within an ensemble.
She is proficient in Konnakkol, the intricate rhythmic system of South India, and is certified as a teacher of this art by the World Konnakkol Academy in Bangalore, India.
Her vocal prowess encompasses a broad spectrum of world music styles, having herself undergone an unconventional musical education, with a particular emphasis on both Latin American music traditions and Carnatic music (classical music from South India). She is currently a disciple of Vidushi Tejaswini MK (Carnatic singer) and Sri. BR Somashekar Jois (Konnakkol artist).
Along her career she has shared stage with amazing musicians, such as Stevie Wonder, and she has participated in lessons and workshops from Mike Stern, Sofia Rei, TM Krishna, Kaushiki Chakraborty, Sriram parasuram, and many others.
Her teachings are based on the belief that music has the power to generate health and well-being, enriching the lives of those who engage in it.
"In my role as an educator, I draw on a wide range of music pedagogies from different cultures, researching and living their teaching methods, in order to design unique, personalized curricula that serve the unique journey of each student under my guidance. My goal is to instill a lifelong passion for music, foster creativity, and foster the growth of aspiring musicians, all while celebrating the rich diversity of musical traditions from around the world."