I never played any instruments when I was younger. My aunt bought me a small guitar as a Christmas gift but I gave that up instantaneously. I didn't think my brain worked in a way that could process music. I got so frustrated at making chord shapes and learning basic melodies.

Flash forward to my 4th grade year going into 5th... my mom got me into the instrumental program at my elementary school. My mom would always tell me stories about how she got into playing music. She played the clarinet for years. She loved playing in her school bands. I decided to give it a go.

I have to say that playing the clarinet had to be the best decision I've ever made. I struggled a lot, as the clarinet isn't the easiest instrument to learn. There are so many different keys and ways to place your fingers. I always forgot all of them.

It was not until middle school where I really found out my passion for music. I started to play Jazz music. I never really listened to or enjoyed Jazz until I began to play it. I joined my middle school's Jazz band and I began to play the tenor saxophone. My teacher inspired me beyond belief and pushed me to always be better than myself the day before. This sparked something in me that wanted to gain more knowledge and grow musically. Jazz and I became best friends.

I never have felt so into a type of music. Jazz makes me feel connected and locked into place when I play. It's also so fun to play because there is so much to do from improvisation to playing in a combo setting. Jazz music is a very big part of my love for music, and it really has shaped who I am as a growing musician.

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Throughout the years, I never really focused on my clarinet as much as my saxophone. This past year I had to audition to get into the music education program at my college. I didn't have a lot of faith in myself as I never really had formal training or taken any lessons on the clarinet. I had one lesson prior to my audition, with the department chair of the music department, who is also the professor of clarinet.

During my audition, aka the scariest but happiest day of my life, I knew that I could do this. I knew that I would play for these professional musicians and feel like a small grain of sand, but I would be the best grain of sand I could be. I told them all how I wanted to become a music educator because all kids deserve a chance to experience music. I also told them that I did not feel like I loved my clarinet. I wanted to wake up everyday in the near future and say that I fell in love with my clarinet.

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My high school band director also pushed me to my highest limits and beyond. He played a major role in shaping who I am as a musician today. He pushed me to play viola, and ukulele too. He gave me more challenges than others so I would want to keep excelling. When I made the choice to go into a music education program, he began to push more music theory on me.

He would test me on scales and other topics in class to keep me on my toes. I appreciate how far he went to help me grow more. He also helped me prepare for my audition by listening to my selected pieces and critiquing me as needed. He supported me throughout all of my high school years playing music. He had been beyond proud of me when I got into the program as well as receive two music scholarships.

All of the people in my life that support me in my music are really who have made such a lasting impression on me. My family knows how much I value music and support me by seeing my concerts and cheering me on. My previous teachers all had nothing but great things to say when I told them my future goals and plans.

My boyfriend is also a musician and he is so proud of me too. He is so inspiring to me too, as he practices guitar constantly always wanting to be better. I admire his dedication to his instrument and that's how I want to be with my clarinet. I'm so lucky to share my passion for music with so many people in my life and I hope that I continue to do so. I'm proud of myself in becoming a young musician.