Magnolia Music School: Where Joy and Confidence Take Center Stage
Interview by Heather Anderson
When longtime Bay Area musician Kat White opened Magnolia Music School, she knew she wasn’t just creating another place for lessons - she was building a creative home. A warm, community-rooted sanctuary where kids (and parents) could discover the joy of making music without pressure or perfectionism.
Kat, a performer, songwriter, and music educator with more than 15 years in the local scene, brings a rare blend of artistry and heart to her teaching. From children’s songwriting labs to parent-toddler singalongs and youth choirs with names like The Warblers and The Nightingales, Magnolia offers something for every age and stage - anchored in connection, creativity, and fun.
You opened Magnolia right around your birthday. What felt aligned about launching when you did?
It honestly felt symbolic - —like Magnolia was my baby. I turned 37, and while many of my friends were celebrating motherhood in the traditional sense, I realized this school was my way of nurturing something new. It was my birthday and Magnolia’s birthday, and it felt perfectly meant to be.
You’re not just a teacher - you’re a lifelong musician and songwriter. Can you share a bit about your background as an artist?
I’ve been singing since I was a little musical theater kid, but I really fell in love with music in my late teens when I started learning guitar and other instruments from friends. Over the years, I’ve been part of several Bay Area bands - from a soulful women’s trio to a children’s music duo- and released a solo kids’ album called In the Eye of the Owl in 2019.
I also play and record music with my husband, Joe Sikelianos, and have released a few solo singles as well. One of the most magical projects I’ve worked on was co-writing a song with one of my students for The Inventor, a stop-motion animated film about Leonardo da Vinci, written and directed by Jim Capobianco (one of the creative minds behind Ratatouille). Collaborating with kids creatively is one of my favorite things—it keeps the music fresh and joyful.
“Music is meant to be shared. When kids play together, they naturally develop accountability, empathy, and teamwork.”
You’ve brought that creative spark into Magnolia with a new songwriting class. What inspired you to add it?
Honestly, songwriting with kids started happening naturally during my regular lessons. It began as a way to help them connect more deeply to their practice - when a child writes their own song, they can’t wait to share it.
It’s also such a powerful outlet. Writing music helps kids express emotions that words alone can’t capture. I wanted to demystify the process and show them that anyone can write a song. All you need is a few chords and your voice. Watching them discover rhyme, rhythm, and melody - and seeing that spark when they realize, “I made this!” - that’s everything.
Right now, the songwriting program is for ages 9 to 11, but I’m planning to expand it to include both younger and older groups, as well as summer workshops. I’d love to eventually build a class where students learn an instrument through songwriting itself.
You’ve been teaching for more than a decade. What inspired you to start your own school instead of teaching elsewhere?
I reached a point where I was turning students away because I simply didn’t have space to grow. But I also dreamed of creating a physical environment that reflected how I wanted music to feel -—beautiful, cozy, inspiring.
Having our own space allows me to create that sense of belonging. I wanted kids to walk in and feel instantly at home. Parents tell me they feel that energy too—people linger after class just to hang out. That’s when I know we’ve created something special.
Magnolia feels like a creative sanctuary. What did you want families to feel when they walk through the door?
My goal was warmth and wonder. I worked with interior designer Kate Hanzo, who’s also a Magnolia parent, and she completely understood the vision: a vintage schoolhouse meets eclectic art studio vibe.
The building itself dates back to the 1920s—it has hardwood floors, built-ins, and big, sunny windows. We layered in vintage touches like my grandmother’s handmade stained-glass lamp hanging by a record player, a mid-century couch I found on Facebook Marketplace, and a hand-painted spinet piano with magnolias on it.
There are red velvet curtains, a dramatic “mystery room,” and plants everywhere. It’s cozy, whimsical, and just a little bit theatrical. I wanted every corner to feel like an invitation to play.
How would you describe the range of programs and instruments at Magnolia -from babies through teens?
We really do have something for everyone! Our Family Singalong class (for ages one to five) is a wonderful screen-free way for parents and toddlers to connect through music. For school-age kids, we offer private lessons in guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice, as well as group choirs and songwriting classes. We also have group guitar and ukulele classes for total beginners.
Our choirs currently serve kids ages six to thirteen, and we’ll be expanding even further soon. We also offer mixed instrument classes for kids who have a little experience playing and want to join a band with kids at a similar age and experience level. In these classes, you get to play your primary instruments but also try out new ones, and learn how to make music as a team.
What makes Magnolia’s approach to music education different from other schools?
We emphasize expression over perfection. There’s no pressure to hit every note; it’s about finding your voice and enjoying the process.
We use chord charts and tablature instead of traditional sheet music, which makes it accessible to anyone - even total beginners. Our classes are song-based and hands-on from day one. I want kids strumming, singing, and smiling right away.
Our student showcases are cozy and laughter-filled. Mistakes are met with grace and humor, not judgment. It’s about building confidence, connection, and creativity.
You talk a lot about confidence. What are some of the small moments that show you a student is really growing—even before they hit the perfect note?
One of my favorite examples is a student who joined our choir at age eight. She was so shy she almost didn’t sign up. Less than a year later, she was strumming her ukulele and singing solo on stage—beaming with pride.
Those moments of transformation, when a child realizes they can do this, that’s the magic. Watching their fear turn into excitement is why I do what I do.
How do you weave collaboration and community into the way you teach?
Music is meant to be shared. When kids play together, they naturally develop accountability, empathy, and teamwork. They want to learn their part because they don’t want to let the group down.
Playing or singing in an ensemble also gives them perspective—they see where they started, where they’re headed, and they get inspired by each other. Our student showcases, which feel like cozy open mics, are full of encouragement and applause.
We also invite teens to act as assistants in our group classes and choirs. The younger kids look up to them, and it creates this beautiful cycle of mentorship.
Your Family Singalong class gives even the littlest ones a chance to make music. What do you love most about it?
It’s just pure sweetness. There’s something magical about watching parents and toddlers sing together—screen-free, silly, and connected.
We use shakers, scarves, and puppets, so it’s very sensory. And it’s as much for the grown-ups as it is for the kids. Parents get to relax, sing, and connect with each other while their little ones explore rhythm and melody in the most joyful way. Sara Jayne is the magic force that guides our singalong. She has a truly special ability to connect with little ones at their level and get them excited to participate in music.
For kids ready to try an instrument, how do your beginner ukulele classes set them up for success?
Ukulele is such a perfect first instrument! It’s small, simple, and forgiving—you can make beautiful sounds right away. That early success keeps kids motivated.
It’s also portable, so it goes everywhere, and the skills easily transfer to guitar later on. I often tell parents: if your six- or seven-year-old is eager to play guitar, start with ukulele. It’s fun, it’s friendly, and it builds the confidence they’ll need for bigger instruments.
And for older kids, tell us about your pop and indie-style choirs—the Warblers and the Nightingales.
Our choirs are my pride and joy! The Warblers (ages 6–8) are all about getting silly, moving their bodies, and learning the joy of singing together. We do partner songs, rounds, and always include at least one Taylor Swift song—because, of course.
The Nightingales (ages 9–13) take it a step further with two-part harmonies, solo opportunities, and pop hits like Million Reasons by Lady Gaga. They pour their hearts into it—it gives everyone goosebumps.
Both choirs perform at the end of each semester, always joining together for one big number. It’s high-energy, touching, and full of community pride.
You’ve even hosted events with local Girl Scout troops—how do community partnerships fit into Magnolia’s mission?
We recently welcomed a troop of Brownies for a songwriting workshop. We built a pretend “campfire,” sang classic songs, played rhythm games, and even wrote them their own troop anthem. It was adorable!
I’d love to do more partnerships like that—especially helping Junior Scouts earn their Musicians Badge. And we’ve also started hosting community concerts in our grand room, where local artists perform and students open the show. It’s such a sweet way to connect generations of musicians.
For parents who want to nurture their child’s love of music but don’t know where to start—what’s your advice?
Start by listening together. Play different genres, talk about what you notice, and ask your child what they love. Help them identify how music makes them feel. That kind of active listening builds a real relationship with music.
At Magnolia, if your child is little, start with Singalong with Sara Jayne. If they’re ready to play, our Beginner Ukulele class or Warblers Choir are perfect first steps into the world of music-making.
What’s one thing you hope families remember about Magnolia Music School—and how can they join in the fun?
That Magnolia is a place where expression matters more than perfection. It’s about connection, creativity, and joy.
Whether you’re singing, strumming, or just soaking up the energy, Magnolia is here to make music feel magical again.
🎶 Explore classes and programs at Magnolia Music School
🎶 Join a Family Singalong or Youth Choir
🎶 Follow Magnolia on Instagram for updates and events
🎶 Sign up for the next songwriting workshop
You can also find Kat White on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.