I’ve always loved music. I’ve been the type of person who has music on for everything—from taking a shower to cleaning out my truck. Anytime I mentioned loving a song, my parents would say, “You love every song.” And they weren’t wrong.

One of the biggest reasons I picked up a guitar in the first place was Guitar Hero on my grandma’s Wii. That game had all of Aerosmith’s hits, and I loved the idea of playing those songs for real. The excitement of mastering those tracks in the game made me want to experience the real thing.

Another major influence was my high school physics and anatomy teacher. He kept a guitar in his classroom, and during downtime in class, I asked if I could play around with it. He always let me strum before class and sometimes towards the end. Those moments were huge in sparking my passion for playing.

Interestingly, no one in my family plays an instrument. I had to teach myself everything from the ground up. Over time, I realized I was a fast learner. I have even taught my two college roommates how to play guitar, and through that experience, I’ve noticed just how quickly I picked things up compared to most beginners.

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^ this is a clip of me playing on my poarch back home ^

 

The first song I ever learned was Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. I followed a Marty Music tutorial on YouTube, and to my surprise, I was able to get it down in just a day. That was a huge moment for me—it made me realize that learning to play guitar wasn’t as impossible as it seemed. From that point on, I was hooked.

 

Playing music gives me a huge sense of freedom. It’s like a dance inside my head—especially when I’m improvising. Making up a melody as I go is one of the most exciting feelings, as if I’m exploring something completely new with each note. It’s an outlet where I can express myself without words.

 

While I enjoy playing alone, my favorite way to play is with others. Some of the best moments I’ve had with music are jamming out with my roommates in our living room. There’s something special about feeding off each other’s energy and creating something spontaneous. Music becomes even more alive when shared with others.

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^ here is me and one of my roommates jamming in the livingroom! ^

 

Learning guitar set off a chain reaction for me. Once I got the hang of it, it became easier to pick up other instruments. Guitar led to piano, which helped me understand harmonica, which led to banjo, mandolin, and even drums. Each instrument has taught me something new, and together they’ve helped shape me into a well-rounded musician.

 

I love playing a variety of genres, but the blues is my favorite. There’s something raw and emotional about it that I really connect with. I also enjoy playing bluegrass, rock, and jazz, each offering a different way to express myself musically. Every genre has its own feel, and I love exploring the different sounds they bring.

 

At first, I played purely for fun, but over time, it became more than that. I’ve played at bars, at parties, and in front of people to lighten the mood and bring energy to a room. Performing for others is a completely different experience from playing alone—it’s about connection, creating an atmosphere, and sharing something personal.

 

I’ve written and produced some of my own songs using GarageBand, but I would love to take my ideas to a professional level and see what happens. Music is more than just a hobby for me, and I’d love to explore where it could take me.

 

Today, I play every single day. It has become such a natural habit that I find myself reaching for the guitar whenever I’m just relaxing on the couch. It’s like second nature—I couldn’t stop playing if I tried. Music has become an essential part of who I am, shaping my daily routine and the way I experience the world.

Looking back, my journey into music was fueled by small but meaningful moments—playing Guitar Hero, strumming a teacher’s guitar in between lessons, and discovering the thrill of improvisation. Those moments led to something that’s now a core part of my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.