From singing at small events to performing at large festivals, sophomore Nathalia Souza has dedicated herself to becoming a working musician who values sharing her love for music with a positive mindset. 

Souza’s earliest music-related memories consist of on-and-off guitar and piano lessons from ages five to 12. Before moving to America from Brazil in seventh grade, she was part of her church’s musical group and sang every weekend. Deeply encouraged and inspired by her father, a musician who plays the electric guitar and drums, Souza’s world was quickly transformed into one of rhythm and passion.

“I think my dad is the type of person who would always be like, ‘Yay, you can do it!’” Souza said. “All the times I would feel upset, he would be like, ‘No, you got this, just stay positive. Just put the effort on music because this is your future.’”

Souza’s father’s consistent support also led her to formally perform for the first time when she was 13.

“My dad works with marketing and talking to people all the time, so he knew some people that owned a beauty salon,” Souza said. “They were going to have an event there and my dad was like, ‘Oh, my daughter sings and plays piano. Do you think it would be a great idea for her to sing at the event?’ and that was the first event I ever sang at.”

Souza had to leave the house early that morning for the event, and although it was not large and people frequently walked in and out, it left a lasting impact on her.

“I worked for three hours, and in the first hour everything seemed so awkward for me,” Souza said. “After the three hours I was so stressed and nervous still, but I felt a good feeling.”

Trying to perfect the notes and tempo of the songs while learning how to work the equipment was foreign, but it set Souza up for familiarity in the long run and gave her a taste of what formal performances felt like.

“It was the first time I worked with what I loved,” Souza said. “It was bad; however, I knew it was just because it was the first time. The first time is always intimidating, but the shyness and nervousness pass.”

With time, Souza eventually learned to conquer her fears of performing and now sings two to three times a week as a job at Alma Gaúcha, a Brazilian steakhouse in Worcester.

“The job I’m working at right now really taught me to be extroverted and talk more because sometimes I’m an introverted kid, but working at a restaurant and singing at a restaurant really requires me to talk to people and be like, ‘Hey, this is my job, hire me!’” Souza said.

Souza also enjoys performing at Algonquin’s talent shows and cultural festivals. Sophomore MaiQi Xu is impressed with how Souza moves the audience with her voice.

“Whenever she sings, everyone’s put into a state of awe, everybody goes silent,” Xu said. “She definitely sings with emotion and gets her thoughts out.”

Xu remembers when Souza came to her house once, and as they sang karaoke, Xu’s family was amazed by her incredible voice.

“People definitely notice her singing because her voice is very strong, very emotional and kind of resonates,” Xu said.

When Souza performed at this year’s talent show in January, Xu recalls how many teachers approached and praised her.  Seeing the positive reactions, Xu admired Souza’s talents.

“I feel really proud for her because she’s my friend and she’s really talented,” Xu said. “A lot of times, she often chooses music pieces that are emotional and she really sings her heart out in the songs.”

As a tribute to Souza’s Brazilian culture, she favors a genre of music called Música Popular Brasileira, also known as MPB, and enjoys singing in both Portuguese and English.

“I would say that MPB songs are really poetic and they make people reflect about life,” Souza said. “I love to sing old Brazilian songs; every time I do so, the Brazilians who are listening to me start to sing too and get happy in a way.”

Souza’s connection to her culture and music speaks volumes to what music truly means to her.

“Music…it’s my life,” Souza said. “Sometimes when I listen to music, when I sing, it feels like I’m at home. Music’s like air, just breathe it. It goes inside, just feel it.”

Although Souza loves showcasing her talent, she also recognizes that music can take a toll on performers.

“Working with music, it’s really difficult sometimes,” Souza said. “Sometimes it can really make you tired, make you sad. There’s bad days, but I would say don’t give up. Just keep going because this is a passion you have for your whole life, it’ll never go away. Music is everywhere, it will never go away. And most importantly, music is in you, so keep going.”

Souza realizes self-doubt is normal, and she offers advice for others who struggle with negative thoughts.

“It’s normal to doubt yourself, to be like, ‘Wait, what am I doing?’” Souza said. “That’s just human. You have to accept this part of you, but do not give up. Keep going, because the more you keep going, the more you’ll see that it’s worth it.”

As for the future, Souza knows music is something she will never leave behind. 

“I’ve been thinking about [a musical career] a lot,” Souza said. “To be honest, I’m not sure, but… I don’t imagine myself without music. It will be there somehow, as a hobby or as a job. I plan to keep performing, keep having that passion. It’s a big part of me, I could not imagine a version of me without music. There’s no Nathalia without music.”