I'm an American Indian who was born and raised in several cities in East Los Angeles, Huntington Beach, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.

Music has always played a vital role in my life. It started in first grade, when I was the lead vocalist in my own band. How many lead vocalists can say they started in the first grade?

It can't be denied that a beautiful song or piece of art can change a person's perspective on life. Sometimes a song can touch something so deep within us that we break down and weep. Sometimes a song can take us to another place. It's beautiful to hear a song and get chills just from a simple melody. The power of music is strong, and it can affect almost everyone.

Music helped me on my road to recovery from anxiety and depression; I know it has helped many others as well. Music provides a light at the end of the tunnel, guiding broken people through their internal struggles and helping them fend off their inner demons.

Music gives hope to the world because there is an intrinsic need to express ourselves and find reassurance, and it often provides both.

School of Music