SPECIAL REPORT: Imperial Valley teacher becomes YouTube sensation
One Calexico native is connecting with many people across the world through the language of music
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - It is said that music is the universal language of mankind. One former Imperial County teacher has proved the statement to be true as her music teaching online has led her to become a YouTube sensation.
CBS 13'S Mercedes Martinez brings us the story of Bernadette Plazola's journey to becoming a full-time YouTube content creator, inspiring the world through the beautiful sounds of music with one small instrument.
Bernadette Plazola grew up in Calexico, California where she completed elementary and middle school. She then transferred to Central Union High School where she participated in the Central Spartan band, in which inspired her to pursue a career in music.
A few people warned Plazola that her career path would lead her to not make sufficient money, but she decided to follow her passion regardless.
Following her passion led Plazola to secure a teaching position at Frank Wright Middle School, but when acknowledging her career was set until retirement, she realized she still wanted to see the world. Bernadette went on to live in Japan and became an English teacher.
Plazola decided to incorporate the ukelele to help teach her students in a form that would be more enjoyable.
As Plazola dove into the world of YouTube searching for easy ukelele songs to teach her students, she came across the YouTube channel 'Tenthumbs Productions.'
Plazola said she was inspired by the channel and started uploading her own ukelele tutorials.
“She started becoming a frequent commenter you know?,' said 'Tenthumbs Productions' creator, Tyler Austenfeld.
“It’s very clear that she is not a musician trying to teach music. She’s a teacher who happens to understand music and I think that's where success happens in this space,” Austenfeld continued to say.
Plazola has over 400,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 50,000 follower on her @Plazi Instagram page.
Persistency and commitment is what Plazola shares has gotten her far. In the beginning, the YouTube sensation began her journey with as little as an Iphone 4S, but the more she made videos, the more she learned about making her quality productions better.
Bernadette continues to grow and inspire not only aspiring ukelele players, but has also helped people come out of dark times.
She is thankful for the ukelele community and everyone who has been supportive of her journey.
Bernadette shares that with the help of the ukelele community, they have created the "Uklandia" magazine which will be released twice each year with a winter and summer edition.
She also has taken up the new challenge of teaching an instrument not much of a stranger to the ukelele, the guitar.
To start your journey on learning to play the ukelele or guitar, you can subscribe to Bernadette Plazola's YouTube channel, "Bernadette Teaches Music" and follow her on Instagram @plazi.
