My Inspiration

There have been a lot of people and things in my life that inspire me to write music.  One of my biggest inspirations would have to be my autistic cousin Philip.  He is seventeen years old has yet to clearly speak a word his entire life.  Ever since I was old enough to understand what autism is and why he is the way he is, I always seemed to be so inspired by him.  He would love sitting and listening to me play the piano and guitar.   I noticed that when I am working on music for myself (outside of working with others,) the hardest part for me is writing lyrics.  I have been wanting to write a song for him for many years now, however I feel as though when thinking about him, I get so rapped up in the music and layer so many instruments to show emotion that words often don't fit.  I didn't really think anything of it until speaking with my aunt who is his mom.  She simply said "maybe there is a reason for that, and you should just leave it with out words."  I took her advice.  I wrote a five song EP in attempt to work as a form of therapy for my cousin.  I have noticed his behavior changes greatly with the type of music he listens to.  My aunt has told me on many accounts that my music helps Philip calm down during times he has his melt downs.  She also told me it helps him fall asleep.  Hearing things that like that make me feel proud of my music and give me hope that maybe one day I can use my music to help many kids just like my cousin.  Music therapy is now an avenue that I am seriously considering as a career.  I plan on learning more about how music can work as therapy.