ABOUT KALA
Karla woman behind "Sound of Kala". Kala is used as an artist name to create a boundary between her personal and public self. Once told by a bhutanese monk that a 4-letter name would fit her better, she decided to use Kala as a softer synonym for her work. Karla is certified music therapist, singer-songwriter & sound healer with a strong voice and vision. Her work is intuitive and focusses on helping people find their authentic inner voice and connecting with themselves and others.
"I started singing in a choir at the age of seven and since then music became part of my life. It was clear to me that my goal wasn't to become a professional singer. Singing and songwriting has been such an important tool in my personal healing journey that I didn't want to pressure my art into being successful. I rather feel the freedom of creativity and decided to study something that combined my interest in the human psyche with my passion for music.
Life brought me to Amsterdam where I finished my Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy in the summer of 2021. 'Sound Of Kala' is the manifestation of my vision to support people on their own path & share my voice with the world.
I have been facilitating different events in Switzerland, Bhutan and the Netherlands and Portugal over the last years.
My sound can best be described as a dreamy mix of vulnerability, playful tunes and soul whispers."
EDUCATION & Experience
Jan 2021 - Current
Muziekschool Amsterdam
May 2021 / Nov 2021 & 2022
Conservatory Arnhem (ArtEZ)
Feb 2021 - Jun 2021
Gemiva-SVG
Sep 2019 - Jul 2020
Joriskring, Stichting Lievegoed
Sep 2017 - July 2021
University of Applied Sciences Leiden, The Netherlands
While finishing my study I got the opportunity to start working as a music teacher with the special needs group of the Music School Amsterdam. This meant I could directly implement my theoretical knowledge of music therapy and gain the practical experience of what it means to teach kids on the spectrum.
In May and November I had the pleasure of being a guest teacher at the Conservatory of Arnhem (ArtEZ). I held a presentation about "Specific Didactics", educating the students about music therapy and the various uses, techniques and benefits of it for people on the spectrum, ADHD* and for people with a handicap.
My four month internship at "Gemiva-SVG" gave me experience with people that suffered from acquired brain injury, aphasia* and dementia. I held weekly sessions with individual patients as well as two therapy groups. In this time I did research and wrote my thesis about the effects of music therapy in supporting the grieving process of people who suffer from brain injury.
During the nine month of my internship I learned a lot about myself and the importance of healthy boundaries as a therapist. I gained experience in working with children & youth with mild to severe handicap, often cross diagnosed with various syndromes, ASD* and/or ADHD*. It taught me patience, how to nonverbally communicate through music and to celebrate the smallest moments of succes with a client.
After four years of diving deep into the theory of music, therapy and gaining practical experiences as a music therapist I gratuated with a Bachelor of Art Therapies. My study was based on antroposophical principles and a holistic view of the human mind, body and psyche.
1* Autisme Spectrum Disorder
2* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
3* Aphasia is the loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage