My participation in the instrumental arts has impacted my life phenomenally. Everything that I’ve been able to accomplish has been connected with my ability to play the piano. It has taught me how to manage money and to treat people with the utmost respect. My dignity, courage and character have been strengthened through my musicianship. The opportunities that my participation in the instrumental arts has supplied me are invaluable.

Playing the piano has connected me with people who have become my life-long friends, role models and idols. It has connected me with people who have shown me how to be a sophisticated black male and humanitarian.

Participating in the instrumental arts has benefitted me academically. Playing and instrument and reading music helps make comprehending math and reading easier. It also has applied the pressure I need to reach new goals and accomplishments. My musical ability has gotten me into one of the top schools in the District of Columbia area which has opened more doors for me musically and academically.

I believe my participation in the instrumental arts has made me a better Christian. I know for a fact if it wasn’t for me playing the piano in church I wouldn’t go as often as I should. Now, I go not because I have to play, but because I want to. Playing the piano has helped me increase my social skills. As I begun playing for churches all over the metropolitan area, I had to learn how to communicate with people and speak louder.

The piano has help sparked an interest in other styles of music. I now listen to all types of music in order to be a well-rounded musician. I have traveled to places that I probably wouldn’t have the chance to go if I didn’t have this ability. Participating in the instrumental arts has also changed the people I surround myself with. I believe if it wasn’t for practicing all the time or always being at a gig, I would probably end up with the wrong crowd. It has helped me learn that everything is not about money and that you should do things from the kindness of your heart and not for personal gain. Playing the piano has helped me cope with stress, dissatisfaction and anger. I know when I get mad or something bothers me I can “take it out on the piano”.

In conclusion, participating in the instrumental arts has simply made me a better person. It has changed the way I look at, handle, and discern situations. It has changed my understanding of success and how to prepare for life’s ups and downs. I have learned how to have class and charisma. I have found something I love to do not for money or fame, but just for passion of the art. It has given me a desire to be better at my craft and that desire has carried over to be better in everything that I do.