Music has such a way with human beings, and I think that it is one of the art forms that are able to tug on the heartstrings while also giving us a tune to hum to when we are feeling up, down, sideways, and so forth. Being able to play music is such a great skill that I have acquired and I just wanted to express to you all what being able to play music and what music itself taught me.

1. Live In The Moment

While life has (and still does) throw obstacles in my journey to having a nice life, playing music has taught me to live in the moment. To live in the moment by myself, with friends, strangers, etc. When you're playing, you don't stop (unless of course, you're practicing). It's from start to finish, and it's up to you, the musician, to push through the entire piece.

Nothing else matters.

It's just you and your music. You have to put your all into it or else, it'll just suck. Simple as that.

2. Confidence

Before playing an instrument, I was terribly timid (and still am, at times).

But when you nail that solo in Winter Wonderland with your jazz band or finally reach super high B flat, you feel like a million dollars.

There is something about playing and reading music that just helps with your self-esteem. But it also keeps you humble. Just because you are able to read music, does not infer that you will be able to interpret that music. And just because you can read and play, does not conclude that you are the best musician and that everything you do is great: there is always room for improvement. And that is what is so great about music.

3. Emotions

In music, there are so many emotions being depicted through notes, chords, cadences, etc. And with these depictions that we are able to understand emotions.

In a way, music is basically what feelings sound like.

Playing music has taught me that it's okay to feel the way I feel. Whether I am happy, sad, and/or angry. Playing music also is a beautiful outlet that I have the privilege to use as a creative outlet.

4. Dreams

As I hope many of you have people like I have that support me with my dreams, sometimes, it's hard keeping that dream alive on your own. Now, while I don't really see myself as a Trombone Shorty, Glenn Miller, or the amazing Melba Liston, I do still consider myself a musician. And it's because of my exposure to playing/reading music that has influenced me to seek other musical abilities: singing, playing guitar/uke. It's also because of this musical exposure that I have been able to travel with the Foshay Jazz Ensemble to Paris and the USC Trojan Marching Band to Chicago, Texas, and several other places. And it's because of this exposure that I want to incorporate my poetry with music. All these dreams were possible because of music, and I know that not everyone is a musician, and that these may not be everyone's dream to play more instruments, travel, and incorporate different art mediums together, but being a musician has given me the ability to reach for the stars. However small or big they may be.