Freshman Sahara Shrestha picked up her first ukulele only last summer, but has already caught the attention of fellow classmates with her distinct musical ability and talent. The Saxon Scope sat down with Shrestha to find out more about her experience playing the ukulele and singing.

Q: When did you start playing the ukulele?

A: I started playing last summer and it only took me a short time to learn because I already know how to play the guitar.

Q: What influenced you to start singing and playing instruments?

A: Since I was a little girl my dad really loved music. He used to be a musician, and he’s influenced me a lot. So I’ve been singing since I was really little.

Q: Is your whole family musical?

A: Yeah, my whole family is pretty musical and almost every time we get together we play music. My cousin and I joke sometimes because every time we sing along to a song we sing the harmonies just by habit.

Q: Have you done any shows of you singing or playing?

A: Me and my cousin have done a couple shows, but they were not too big. We both really enjoy singing and playing music. It’s our life.

Q: Do you play any other instruments?

A: I also play the piano, the guitar, the base, sometimes drums, and the ukele.

Q: What is your favorite instrument to play?

A: The ukulele and the piano are my favorite because it’s so easy to learn new songs.

Q: What makes the ukulele a unique instrument for you?

A: It has a different sound, and unlike the guitar which I play, it has four strings. It’s a lot easier to play and not a lot of people play the ukulele.

Q: What do you think of the country, redneck, stereotype that goes with the ukulele?

A: I think it’s false. The ukulele originated from Hawaii.

Q: What is the response you get when people find out that you play the ukulele?

A: They usually say, “What? You play music?” and think it’s pretty cool.

Q: How has playing the ukulele impacted you and your music?

A: I think because it’s easier to play, it’s easier for me to memorize things and since it’s so light, I can play it whenever I want to. I took it to Relay for Life and my friends and I were playing it in the tent, so I think it’s allowed me to spread my music around more.

Q: Do you see yourself playing the ukulele in ten years?

A: If it doesn’t break or my sister doesn’t break it, yes, I hope I will because music is a big part of my life.