The Beginnings of a Musical Journey in New Jersey

Growing up in New Jersey, music education was strongly emphasized in the school system, providing opportunities for students to learn instruments and participate in choirs. The speaker's interest in music began when given the choice to study violin, cornet, or clarinet in third grade, with the violin sparking an immediate interest. This was followed by the addition of a piano in the household, where the speaker further immersed into music by learning to play the piano and continuing to sing in school and church choirs. The speaker is the most devoted musician in the family, despite some inherent musical talent in the household.