Photo Story: Instruments of Isolation

Searching for comfort amidst the pandemic, two people turn toward different instruments, inspired by their favorite genres. While one plucks at her ukulele and acoustic guitar, the other jams to her electric guitar.

Interviews and photos by Erika Ramirez

Daya Beltran

Daya Beltran spends most of her time playing the ukulele in her bedroom, escaping the boredom that lies within the pandemic.

Beltran sits atop the balcony roof as she plays “This Town” by Niall Horan on her recently-purchased acoustic guitar.

Beltran ends her day with the ukulele, playing “Coffee” by Beabadoobee one last time before dinner. “Coffee” was the first song she learned on the ukulele, consisting only of four chords.

Beltran ends her day with the ukulele, playing “Coffee” by Beabadoobee one last time before dinner. “Coffee” was the first song she learned on the ukulele, consisting only of four chords.

Beltran ends her day with the ukulele, playing “Coffee” by Beabadoobee one last time before dinner. “Coffee” was the first song she learned on the ukulele, consisting only of four chords.

When she first picked up a ukulele last December, Daya Beltran did not expect to be quarantined in the summer, isolated with her instruments. With nowhere to go, Beltran sticks to music to keep her calm and at ease. After listening to “Coffee” by Beabadoobee, she decided to learn the chords step-by-step from YouTube videos. She also purchased an acoustic guitar, inspired by artists like former One Direction members Harry Styles and Niall Horan. Within a month, Daya learned Harry Styles’ “Fine Line,” Niall Horan’s “This Town,”and Lewis Capaldi’s “Be Alright.” She spends about 30 minutes a day playing either instrument; Beltran said the calming sensation of plucking at the strings eases the tension of being home for what feels like eternity. In honor of One Direction’s 10-year anniversary, the next song she plans to learn is “Little Things.”

Natalie Gomez

Natalie Gomez enjoys the private nook of her room where she can peacefully play her electric guitar.

Natalie Gomez enjoys the private nook of her room where she can peacefully play her electric guitar.

Gomez turns to music as a pandemic coping mechanism, relying on rock bands like Silverstein and Radiohead for comfort and inspiration.

Gomez turns to music as a pandemic coping mechanism, relying on rock bands like Silverstein and Radiohead for comfort and inspiration.

Gomez turns to music as a pandemic coping mechanism, relying on rock bands like Silverstein and Radiohead for comfort and inspiration.

When anime isn’t doing the trick, Natalie Gomez turns to electric guitar to pass the time at home. Three years ago Natalie Gomez began playing the electric guitar, inspired by ‘80s rock icons like George Michael and Radiohead. Since then, Gomez has collected another electric guitar and an amp that sits on her bedroom floor. While COVID-19 wasn’t an issue she could have anticipated, music has become a daily ritual in pandemic days. Her favorite songs to play on electric guitar, George Michael’s “Careless Whisper,” Radiohead’s “Karma Police,” and Muse’s “Psycho,” make isolation a little less dull.