Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Sandoval.
Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Música Libre was something that had always lived inside of me—my inner child, my voice as an artist, and my lifelong connection to music. But it truly came to life through my children.
It first became tangible with my son Nicolás. Many of the songs children sing today in our classrooms were originally written for him over 16 years ago. At that time, I wasn’t thinking about a program or a school—I was simply a mother using music as a way to connect, to soothe, and to accompany him through early childhood. Those songs lived in our home long before they ever reached a classroom.
Even deeper than that, one of the songs that is now part of our Mother’s Day performances, “Yo quiero a mi mamá,” was actually written when I was just 8 years old, during my first guitar lessons with my teacher. That song carries the voice of my inner child—simple, honest, and full of love. I never imagined that something I created as a little girl would one day be sung by children on stage in front of families. That is when I understood that Música Libre was never something I created later in life—it was something that had always been within me.
But everything took shape and truly became clear with my daughter Penélope. After the pandemic, and after experiencing such an intense period of isolation in 2020—when we were stuck in Colombia for almost a year with my children Nicolás and Penélope—I felt a deep need to stay close to her and support her emotional transition back into normal life. I wanted to accompany her through her school experience, especially after such a difficult global moment that had affected all children in different ways.
That need to be present with her is what brought me into the classroom. It was there, observing children, their emotions, their silence, their joy, and their healing process, that Música Libre fully revealed itself as something much bigger than my personal story.
What started as intimate songs for my son, and childhood melodies from my own past, transformed into a structured approach to support children emotionally and culturally through music, movement, and creativity.
Today, Música Libre has grown into a Spanish immersion cultural program that shares Latin American culture through music, art, and dance. We work with children across Austin and Houston, collaborate with schools, and create spaces where emotional expression and cultural identity are at the center.
At its core, Música Libre is the continuity of my inner child, my journey as a mother, and the love that connects both Nicolás and Penélope to a larger community of children who now sing these songs as their own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been an easy path.
As musicians, life during the pandemic was extremely difficult. All our shows and scheduled events were canceled, and we ended up stuck in Colombia for about a year without being able to return to the United States. During that time, we lost everything—our savings, our car, and the few belongings we had worked so hard to build over the years.
When we finally returned, we had nothing. My husband was even borrowing a bicycle from a friend just to get to work.
I had a strong intention in my heart: to plant seeds of love, music, culture, and language in children. But I had no capital, no clear system, and no defined teaching method that matched the vision I had for my daughter as I supported her transition back into school life.
I had electric guitars, but no acoustic guitar—which is what I knew how to play. So my husband found a guitar thrown away in the trash at the company where he worked. I still remember it clearly—it was a black guitar. I started from there, along with a small cart I bought at Academy to carry my instruments.
That’s how I began traveling from school to school with my music.
Over the years, I have developed a unique method built on closeness, empathy with students, and a deep connection with families. The acceptance and love from the children, along with the support of families who met me as “the lady with the cart,” became the foundation of Música Libre.
Today, Música Libre has grown into a cultural movement in Spanish for children. It now provides employment opportunities for Hispanic musicians who want to share their roots, with two locations—Austin and Houston—and a strong community of parents and children that we deeply love.
As you know, we’re big fans of Musica Libre Austin. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Music + Spanish at the same time.
Música Libre is a Spanish immersion music education program for children based in the United States. We specialize in teaching Spanish through original music, musical instruments, rhythm, movement, and storytelling, supported by a proprietary teaching method.
What makes Música Libre unique is that all of our songs and curriculum are original. Instead of using pre-existing educational material, we create our own music specifically designed to support language acquisition and musical development at the same time. Children learn Spanish naturally through repetition, melody, emotion, and active participation.
In addition to language immersion, the program also introduces children to musical instruments and foundational music education in a hands-on and engaging way. Music is not an accessory in our method—it is the core tool for learning language and cultural expression.
Música Libre is a pioneering program that integrates Spanish language learning, original music creation, musical instruments, and cultural storytelling into a single immersive experience for children.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
“One of the most inspiring books for me is Don Quijote de la Mancha. Like Don Quijote, I believe you have to dream beyond reality—because if you only believe in what you can see, you will never create what doesn’t yet exist. For me, that belief is faith—it has carried me even when there seemed to be no way forward.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musicalibreaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalibre.austin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090760915205
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Musicalibrekids
