How did you get into making music, and how did arts education (or lack thereof) affect you and your music?

I first got into playing music when I was a kid. I started playing the flute when I was seven. My brother had just started playing the piano, and I was jealous. We had some neighbors up the street whose kids played flute, so I decided that I wanted to play the flute. Luckily my parents were kind enough to indulge me. When I was 15 I started getting bored with just the flute, and I decided I wanted to learn to play guitar. One of my friend’s dad’s gave me some lessons and I just started playing guitar all of the time. It was pretty much the best thing ever.

I was lucky because my middle school and high school had good band and art programs. I really didn’t think much of it at the time. I just figured every school encouraged the kids to do what they wanted to do. A career in music was definitely something that my high school teachers presented as a viable option (which seemed totally normal, but I’ve since discovered was not necessarily typical of other people’s high school experience). So I think my educational experience definitely encouraged me to pursue music.

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This post is part of our 60-hour blogathon in support of music development and literacy within the Twin Cities. We appreciate you visiting the site – but before you go, we ask that you consider clicking the Donors Choose banner below and giving what you can to help enrich the lives of a number of local children through music and reading. Thank you. – Culture Bully

Also: (Interview with Josh Grier of Tapes ‘n Tapes)