Q: When did you first start playing music? Why?
I started playing piano when I was five. I really didn’t like playing, but my mom kept me in it against my will. It grew on me though, and when I was around ten or eleven [years old] and it became my favorite activity I’ve always loved listening to music so once I figured out that I didn’t have to play just classical, or just jazz, piano became a lot more interesting to me.

Q: What other instruments have you / can you play(ed)?
I can play piano, guitar, and cello.

Q: When did you first get interested in singing and performing?
Singing has always been one of my favorite things to do. I’ve [participated in] choir since 4th grade – with a ‘break’ year my freshman year but I became really interested in singing and performance when I started songwriting. For me, songwriting incorporates both playing an instrument and singing, so performance came naturally once I started writing. I performed my first original song [which] was a nerve-wracking thing for me in eighth grade at our choir cabaret show.

Q: Who can you accredit your success to?
I have had amazing and incredible teachers, friends, and parents who taught me to love music. My very first piano teacher who taught me from first grade to seventh grade, David Hayes, really inspired me to start writing and start playing music I enjoy, as well as teaching me the necessary classical roots. Even though I don’t take lessons anymore, he is still one of my biggest cheerleaders and continues to listen to the music I write. Also, I currently take voice lessons from Barb Olita who is extremely helpful in editing and molding my songs. She is so encouraging and I’m so lucky to have her on my musical journey. Finally, my friends and family are extremely important in keeping my love of music alive. They listen to my crappy songs and tell me they’re good. It’s important to have those people.

Q: What did you do in your Interlochen camp that you went to over the summer?
It’s a big music camp and a lot of teachers will suggest it. I’ve kind of just known about it for a while and wanted to go for songwriting, so I just went for it. For the audition, you had to send in two songs (video format of you performing them) and a written explanation answering some questions about your music experiences, inspiration, etc. Video auditions are nice because you don’t have to worry about messing up and you can make sure you have the best recording possible of your song. I auditioned to attend the Interlochen Singer-Songwriter program last January. I went for two weeks in July over the summer. It was one of the most incredible experiences. Life-changing sounds cheesy, but it truly was. We had 4 teachers and classes every day (except Sunday) from 8-5. We received song prompts (our homework – we had a song due every other day), lectures on the music business, lessons about song structure, and more. If we weren’t in class, we were working on our songs in practice rooms. Though the music part was amazing, I also got to meet so many amazing people. They were all very talented and from all over the world/country: Switzerland, Mexico, New York, Seattle, Texas, and more. It was a very accepting environment and I found people who truly understood where I was coming from, in a musical sense. It was great to be in a place where everyone was so dedicated to what they love. I definitely left with an appreciation for every kind of art. Interlochen also had really good ice cream so that was a plus.

Q: What inspired you to write your song, “As If”?
That’s a tough question. In general, I’m really inspired by heroism and sacrifice. I think being a soldier is an great example of one of the most emotional and powerful sacrifices that one could make. Emotionally, that’s what inspired me as I was writing – I can’t imagine how proud but heartbroken a left behind family may feel. “As If” is a love story, but one that is shattered by heroism and bravery. It’s a really powerful thing to write about.

Q: Why do you write/compose your own songs?
Writing songs has so many different benefits. I love the arts and creation, which is why songwriting really captured me! It’s such a great form of self-expression and the outcome is always really satisfying. The feeling of writing a great song that connects with other people, not just yourself, is incredible. I love intertwining words and melodies to create something relatable and intricate.

Q:What’s your favorite part about writing/composing?
My favorite part about songwriting is definitely having the opportunity to express myself in a way that connects with others. As a songwriter or any artist or writer,, you have to be thinking about your life experiences while you write, but also about everyone else’s. It’s almost like being the voice of the people. There’s only so many emotions and the goal is to have people connect with your songs as much as you connect with them. It’s a really cool feeling when people feel as much as you do when they hear your song.

Q: Where do you see yourself going from here? (Your club, singing career, and after high school?)
I have high hopes for the LZHS Songwriters’ Circle! I want the group to reach the point where we can go together to Open Mics, maybe even host our own at the school, and outside performances. We are also planning on having a couple of professional songwriters/musicians to come talk to the group as guest speakers. Two showcases will also be happening at the end of each semester – keep your eyes peeled. It’s really hard to predict where my singing/songwriting may go but I hope to continue to pursue my passion and take every opportunity I can find. I love music and am excited to see where it leads me. There’s a quote that says, “When you have passion, you have everything.” I am a strong believer in following your heart and allowing it to guide you to your place in life. I’m hoping to go to a contemporary music school, like Berklee or Belmont, to study music business/music ed. But, I may end up some place completely different! No matter where I go, music will for sure always stay a large part of my life.