Student Spotlight: Tentana Kahar
January 21st, 2026
"Watching Tentana learn and perform music has been deeply meaningful. Seeing her step onto the stage with focus and commitment reminds us that music builds inner strength as much as technical skill."- Tentana's parents
Tentana Kahar is a 12-year-old violinist who has been studying at the Music Institute of Chicago for three years with violin faculty member Davis King. She first started with piano, but she was drawn to the violin because of its “delicate and sweet sound.”
She began as a Suzuki student on a cardboard violin, and once she transitioned to a real instrument, Tentana says her curiosity deepened.
When asked what makes playing the violin special, Tentana says, “Playing an instrument is special to me because it is a skill that is unlike others.”
She explains that learning violin has helped her develop skills beyond the practice room. “Learning an instrument has impacted me outside of the practice room by teaching me patience, focus, and how to keep working even when something feels difficult. It has helped me become more disciplined in my schoolwork and more confident when facing challenges.”
Music has also become a way for Tentana to connect with others. “I’ve made friends through music, which has made my life outside of school more fun and meaningful,” she shares.
Her parents have noticed the same growth. “Since beginning music lessons, we have seen Tentana grow not only as a musician but also as a person. She has developed perseverance, emotional maturity, and the confidence to approach challenges independently.”
They credit the growth to Tentana’s teacher. “We have also been very fortunate to find such a wonderful violin teacher, Davis King, through MIC,” they share. “He is warm, energetic, and has a special gift for inspiring and encouraging students to love music and to work through difficulties with confidence and joy.”
Some of Tentana’s favorite experiences come from performing. She remembers, “My favorite memory was performing the second movement of Bach’s Double Concerto with Ms. Midori Goto. It was so fun and inspiring to be able to play alongside the legendary Midori Goto.” She adds, “My proudest musical achievement so far was playing Haydn’s Concerto in G Major as a soloist with the Academy Orchestra at the Cremona Music Festival.”
Tentana has also earned top prizes in several prestigious competitions, including the Illinois Bach Competition, Sejong Music Competition, Cremona International Music Academy Competition, and the DePaul Concerto Competition. Since 2021, Tentana has attended weekly rehearsals with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) every Saturday. Over the years, she has served as concertmaster in four different CYSO ensemble levels, gaining valuable leadership experience alongside her musical training. She is also a recipient of the Frank Little Merit Scholarship at the Music Institute of Chicago.
“Watching Tentana learn and perform music has been deeply meaningful,” her parents reflect. “Seeing her step onto the stage with focus and commitment reminds us that music builds inner strength as much as technical skill.”
Music has become a part of the family’s daily life. “Practice, rehearsals, performances, and shared listening experiences have created a rhythm that connects us as a family,” her parents share. Even outside of music, Tentana takes on a variety of activities. She enjoys solving challenging math problems, listening to music, baking, reading her school books, and swimming.
She believes that learning music is important because it “opens a world full of endless possibilities and new opportunities.” Her parents add, “Music education shapes far more than musical ability. It teaches persistence, deep listening, and dedication to long-term goals—lessons that extend well beyond music itself.”
“In addition, we are deeply grateful to MIC for creating such a welcoming environment and for providing students with meaningful opportunities that bring them close to the stage. Through performances on professional stages, inspiring masterclasses, and valuable chamber music experiences, students are able to apply what they learn in real musical settings. These experiences help build confidence, broaden perspective, and foster genuine musical growth. We truly appreciate these rare and meaningful opportunities, which have made a lasting difference in our child’s musical and personal development.”
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