Temple University Athletics
Burns' Talents Go Beyond the Field
11.26.20 | Women's Soccer
Freshman women's soccer goalkeeper, Kyla Burns has an athletic resume that is full of accomplishments. She was a four-year starter in high school and was named to the international roster for the Olympic Development Program Region 1 team.
However, her talents are far from limited to between the posts. Since the age of five, Burns has been studying piano and has developed into a high-level pianist.Â
"My mom is a pianist and a piano teacher, so I've grown up surrounded by music" explained Burns, "I went to her music and movement classes as a toddler, so I was constantly around piano playing, singing, and other instruments." Burns' mothers' piano studio was right out of their home, so it was very easy for her to practice as a child.
As she grew up, Burns' continued to progress and learn higher level pieces. "My older brother was also a great pianist which made my competitive side come out, and it motivated me to work harder to match some of his accomplishments," said Burns.
Burns has continued to play at a higher and higher level over the years. "While I wouldn't consider myself a concert pianist, I do consider myself an accomplished pianist," said Burns, "other than solo festivals, I started accompanying choral and instrumental groups in middle school. I also played piano in my high school's pit orchestra for musicals all four years."
The Owls goalkeeper was chosen as one of 12 pianists in New York to perform in the New York State School Music Association's Piano Showcase for two years in a row. She did all of this while competing as a top soccer player in the state.
"Balancing athletics and music has been difficult at times, but I'm so glad I stuck with both and was able to succeed in both areas," said Burns. She has accredited her teachers, coaches and directors in providing the flexibility to allow her to succeed in both areas.
Moving forward, Burns plans to keep piano a major piece of her life. She began teaching piano as well when she reached high school. "That experience has led me to realize I want to continue to work with kids in the future," said Burns.
Piano may not be a future profession for the Temple freshman, but she is confident that it will always be a major part of her life.
