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

Both Mandy and I got into music pretty young. Mandy started singing in church at a very early age. I had loved music all through my childhood, and finally began to take lessons (cello) at about age seven or eight. But as far as actually making music… I think I wrote my first songs when I was in my early teens. We actually started making music together when we were 16. We both grew up in a fairly small town, so the avenues for making music were primarily church and school.

I can’t express enough how important arts education was to my development. Honestly, I am sure that I would not be doing what I am today had it not been for arts education in public schools. My very first instrument was the cello. Without elementary school orchestra and the instrument they supplied I never would have had studied music at all. The thought of actually being a musician never
would have occurred to me had it not been for that early exposure to music and it’s performance.

Oh, and art class… What a wonderful thing high school art classes are! It’s the safe haven for all of the misfits and weirdos! But, in retrospect, I learned SO much just hanging out in the art room, chatting with the teacher and the other students. Had it not been for those experiences I would not be the person I am today. No doubt about it.

(Official) (MySpace)

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: (Ghost in the Water “Tooth” Review)