This Wake middle school student has been performing since she was 4 years old. Now, she's off to Carnegie Hall.

Laya Nathan, an eighth grader, has been studying music her entire life.

"I've always been exposed to music. My dad, he used to be really into it, and so I used to listen with him," she said. "I've always loved music."

Already at 14 years old, Laya has lived up to her namesake — which means musical rhythm in Sanskrit. Her father recognized at an early age that Laya was talented and pushed her to try new things, she said.

Laya said she likes all different kinds of music, but at Carnegie Hall she will be singing with a classical choir.

The 2022 Middle School Honors Performance Series received thousands of submissions this year and selected "only the most talented performers," according to Marion Gomez, program director for the series.

"I knew it was like super prestigious and stuff, so I was not expecting much, but then when it came I was super excited," Laya said.

During the pandemic, while Nathan was taking online classes, she started her own YouTube page to entertain her friends and extended family in India during lockdown.

This trip is a signal to her that life is getting back to normal as she's finally able to get back to performing in person.

For the future, Laya said she hopes to join her high school's theater club and pursue acting.

The Honors Performance Series has been elevating talented and young musicians since the 1960s, according to their website. The performance will take place on Saturday, June 18, and is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased through the Carnegie Hall box office.