| Friday, July 30, 2010 |
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Kari Hansen doesn't read music, yet she is a musician, with two CDs out since 2003.
"I play by ear," says Hansen. "If I hear a song I can figure out how to play it. I never thought anything of it. I just thought everybody was like that."
Although as a child she read music during flute lessons, on piano she prefers to use her natural talent of which she inherited plenty. Her father was a professional musician and music teacher for more than 20 years. Both sides of her family have musicians. She started playing the piano at age 4, after hearing the song "Do-Re-Mi," her first recollection of interest.
"I did try to take piano lessons in second grade," smiles Hansen. "But I didn't last very long, because I felt like, why do I want to learn your way if I already know how to play? Because once I heard the song I was like, 'OK,' and then she'd say, 'You have to look at the music,' and I'd say, 'Why?' So, I tried, but I liked my way better."
All her music has been instrumental, from a digital keyboard, which has many various tones such as guitar, organ and strings. Hansen classifies her music as meditational, as it induces a state of calm and relaxation, even if she does use it as an outlet for her feelings.
Her first CD, "Paper Doll Angels," was inspired by a vision she had while at a retreat. Under closed eyelids Hansen saw several angels holding hands, emanating peace and warmth. "Imago" is her second CD, named after the root word for image. The word caught her attention, and then she kept encountering butterfly images. At the same time she was going through major transformations in her life. By her music she hopes to convey these inspirations.
"At shows I'll have a booth and play my music, and some people will come over and say, 'Ah, what is that song you're playing?' It's been very interesting to see that," says Hansen. "I think they're feeling it, too. Just being that vessel, to have people pick up on that same kind of feeling, has been pretty gratifying to me."
Though she also has played at art galleries and holistic festivals, such public displays didn't always come easily. Hansen had to master her fear of an audience. It was a struggle she finally overcame by the discovery that her gift could console others.
"I had terrible performance anxiety," Hansen recalls. "I did fine as long as no one was watching me play. What really helped was I played at Sacred Heart in a music program for people who are waiting for people to come out of recovery. I felt so blessed thinking that my music may help where words might not."
Hansen is the sole producer, with a little help from "above," she adds with a smile. Her recording studio is her living room. She also does all the marketing and promotions for her company, Instrumental Meditations. Her husband helps with the business end.
None of her music is on paper. It's all in her memory or recorded. Her future plans include more CDs – she already has completed six new songs, but inspiration must come first.
"You just wait and be receptive," says Hansen. "It works through you. You can't force it."
