Two pairs of signature colors; blue and red, and red and white. My primary options for pursuing a postsecondary education; Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee vs. Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. My majors chosen for each; Commercial Music with an emphasis in composition and arranging at Belmont versus Professional Music at Berklee. As a senior in high school, my stomach twisted on my couch while praying for God to reveal which school I was to spend the next four years at. While admittedly country is not my preferred genre, and with the Lord’s guidance, I finally went in the direction of Music City Nashville to take advantage of the opportunities and musical variety of the location. In my short period of venturing and networking at Belmont, God opened doors for me to work as a background singer, win an a Capella competition with my school group, record/arrange with several producers and engineers, along with additional endeavors. The environment reminded me every day why I strive for a musical occupation. My essential desires for my academic tenure consist of developing my vocal proficiency, ear training, and acute understanding of musical tastes. I seek to cultivate relationships and collaborations with other musicians so that by the time I graduate, I can attain work in professional settings. I have felt music as my calling for a long time, itching to express my experiences and sentiments through song, which is my medium. In my first single, “P.B.A.,” I wrote about my high school experience and preferring isolation over social environments. It was liberating, and I felt a little piece of my voice had finally made it out into the world. I aim to give my character and personality a platform through music and weave through the range of vocations that incorporate exploring multiple styles, plus having a refined musical ear. As a black student, too, I work on introducing my notable influence by presenting the unique music that I grew up with to my area, mainly island/reggae music. I believe there is significance in the exposition of less prominent genres and styles because it plants seeds in listeners’ ears and inspires them to exit their sonical comfort zones. After school, I hope to join a background singer organization called Team BGV, which hires professional and advanced-level musicians to not only backup artists, but arrange, co-write, and direct, too. While my experience with music progressed quicker in recent years, my early background with music is interestingly enough not very extensive since the grade schools that I attended had small-scale, underfunded music programs. They did not provide much to my musical foundation, and as I reflect on life, I wish they offered more to propose to potential musicians at young ages. While I participated in school choirs and vocal ensembles in elementary and middle school, my understanding of music came primarily from outside groups and lessons. Keeping music in grade schools allows students to realize and grasp exactly what their proficiency is in the arts. An early enough introduction and comprehension set up their life easier, now that they have a foundation in what they want to pursue. For example, teaching the fundamentals of music theory to elementary school choirs or middle school bands, so they know the mechanics of what they are singing or playing. Or, hiring vocal/instrumental teachers for more in-depth student lessons. The encouraging and rewarding of opportunities for young musicians instills their motivation. Music in grade schools welcomes early proficiency and, in doing so, commences an early path to success.

COVID was one of the most enhancing, productive times of my life as a musician. Naturally, I was upset at my inability to do anything without worrying about vulnerability to illness. But alone in my room for the majority of the day, I made sure to spend my endless free time efficiently; my eagerness to continue improving and building my musicianship soared. That summer I expanded my musical taste, taught myself guitar and piano, took on songwriting and arranging, and developed my musical dictionary. Though I was not able to sing publicly, I persisted with virtual vocal lessons (and concerts) to balance the lack of outside practice. The time encouraged me to find what it was that I wanted out of life, and music creation ruled as my top choice. Before that year, my performance background was also very extensive: I started leading worship in church at seven, was a member of the reputable Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale for five years, starred in an Italian opera, performed at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament twice, along with other achievements. Since a kid, my family has supported me and sought out coaches and instructors to help hone my craft. Ranging from church directors to acting coaches, my knowledge as a vocalist matured while I aspired to accumulate as much performance experience as I could. These opportunities intensified my desire to perform and the enjoyment I received from it. However, until the summer of 2020, I never tested the range of my creative capabilities, exploring the scope of musical options available. Every time I listened to my favorite artists and releases of stuck-at-home singer-songwriters and musicians, I felt inspired to form my own worlds in my music. I wrote songs about painful rejection, love languages, sweaty midnights, ugly summers, and broadened my visions with my art. Writing about these things gave my experiences character, and encouraged me to think about how to communicate things vividly. Finally, in 2021, I produced my debut single, “P.B.A. (Perfect Being Alone),” an anthem for isolation. It was the perfect manifestation of my personality and what I wanted to release to the world as an artist. The process aided my versatility, too, combining theory, ear training, production, and vocal proficiency. While making myself as well-rounded as possible, I ultimately decided in my senior year my dream occupation was as a performing artist and arranger. Music creation fulfills a part of me that hopes to uplift listeners with substance and songs that evoke sensations of stability and relatability. While at Belmont University, I further sharpened my musical ear, and composing skills, and sought and still seek vocal training for the best possible use of my gift. One of my most memorable opportunities was being asked to perform at a Mental Health Writer’s Round, and debuting a song I wrote during COVID about rejection, “Choose Me @12.” The arrangement was simple, with repeating sections and hooks, but effective. One of my favorite performances, it captured the themes and meanings I highlight in my music, as well as showcasing what I have learned on my musical journey. I strive to continue creating with a purpose and ensure that what I make resonates with listeners. While my progress can only grow, I also wish to refine my passion as a background artist/vocal arranger for others in additional collaborative adventures. As a touring BGV, I hope to provide depth to other artists' sets and understand how to consciously construct cohesive, authentic songs and shows, using instrumental elements, lyrics, and vocals.

As a singer in a non-musical family, finding performance opportunities without good connections to the music industry was hard. My family could not fully invest in my passion since I was one of four kids, and the cost would be too taxing. This did not stop my mother, who firmly believed in my gift, from taking every step possible to get me the vocal teaching I needed and the resources to benefit. She was a strong-willed and wise woman who pushed me from a young age to gradually break through my fears and build my confidence as a performer. Without my mother, most opportunities I was blessed to have may not have been presented to me. She worked similarly to a manager, telling friends, coworkers, and event directors about my voice. In my early years of performing, I often opened for sports games and sang at holiday events, fairs, and other shows. Thanks to her, I frequently led worship at our church home at a young age. Without a professional agent, I appreciated my mom finding chances to help me learn how I could hone my gift. She also served as my first “coach” and number one fan, always the first to encourage and urge me to continue improving my craft. At twelve, I earned the opportunity to perform “America, the Beautiful” at the U.S. Open tennis tournament. While there, she ensured I was diligent in warming up my voice to give the best performance. Before I knew what it took to be a singer, she trained me in consistency, discipline, and putting in the work to improve. Throughout my life, I have seen my mother at her most challenging stages during difficult times and gleaned several lessons about handling situations, being assertive, and working committedly. I remember her strong example in multiple circumstances, inspiring me to always act with purpose and stand firm in my ideals. For instance, I was offered a part in a very crude show in high school. My mom always reminded me to question if anything I participated in would represent God and who we are as believers in Christ. As a people-pleaser, I would base my decisions on other people’s perspectives of me, and I did precisely that by accepting the role. Her warnings that fulfillment does not come from human approval sat with me until senior year when I learned to decline things that were not for me. Now that I am miles away at school, her words ring more accurately than ever while I pursue a music career in a corrupt industry. Multiple opportunities have presented themselves during my time away, but I work so that my decisions reflect her teaching and example. I frequently refer to how she would respond and behave in situations she went through, staying genuine in her beliefs and acknowledging her self-worth, firm enough not to let anyone walk over her. Because of the drive and self-discipline that she helped to instill in me, I left home confident in myself to pave my way as a musician. Mom inspired me then and now to seek improvement and opportunities by speaking for myself and remaining steady in the mindset that I am unique and have something to offer. Her love and encouragement push me through discouragement, ensuring that I am ready to chase my dreams.

With the abundance of free time the pandemic gave me in 2020, inspiration hit me multiple times in my stuffy room. All day I sat in my makeshift studio teaching myself how to produce vocals on Logic, using MuseScore for compositions, and recording covers with my $70 mic. I urged myself not to be overcome with boredom and tapped into my love for music and creativity. These strengths provided me with a well-rounded musical skillset, allowing me to be self-sufficient in forming my ideas. Getting a taste of this self-sufficiency, I realized my true passion for performing my work. My first single, "P.B.A.," which I wrote, self-produced, and arranged, was the first original that genuinely reflected me. While writing it, I knew I wanted to be even more vulnerable in future songs, finding new ways to pass on unique and original ideas. While I grew fond of music creation, I sought artists that used their gifts in distinctive ways to expand my range. For example, during high school, Pentatonix's album The Lucky Ones, Peter Cottontale's CATCH, and singers Peter Collins and Lalah Hathaway displayed the musicality I hoped to possess in my pieces. When I soaked in their profound lyrics and melodies, I wrote more fervently, inspired by their abilities and how their ideas translated to the music so well; Pentatonix's satisfying vocal arrangements, Peter Cottontale's storytelling, Peter Collins' mind-blowing vocal agility, and Lalah Hathaway's jazzy influence. Listening to and watching them seamlessly convey themselves in performance encouraged me to sharpen my craft and ultimately pursue making music. In my career, I want my art to usher listeners outside of the mainstream and help them relate to experiences if they feel excluded because of who they are. Sometimes, as a black singer/songwriter, I feel automatically categorized into a genre of music that does not correlate with who I am. I write to convey relatable themes and enlighten people with sincere topics that attest to my character. Providing my art with substance pushes my originality and helps me refine my artistry. With the many things I have learned about life, I plan to use unique, relatable interpretations and my passion for music to catch listeners' attention; for instance, uncomfortable friendships, irritating confrontations, peaceful moments, longing, etc. "P.B.A." is about preferring quiet isolation to spontaneity with friends using distinctive lyrics and a groovy hook: "So long, my friend / Before the end, I'll leave / Ten out of ten, would do it again with you / Not personal / But when I go, just know / I'm perfect being alone." Writing the song let me express my personality to an audience that understood it and, therefore, me. It taught me that there will be people who appreciate what I say and encouraged me to continue writing about my authentic experiences and test my musical mind. I want my music to have a lasting effect on hearers, stimulating their senses and allowing them to relate to experiences or sentiments. As I have learned, someone is out there who connects with you on some level, and I want to reach out and connect with them. I also want to exhibit genuine sincerity, encouraging the notion that staying true to your personality proves the best way to maintain happiness and comfortability in your craft. In a world where selling your soul or sticking to the status quo provides you with success, I strive to prove that success does not mean conforming.

"Another Lifetime" by British R&B singer Nao impacts me because of its captivating melody and longing lyrics: "I guess I'll wait another lifetime / 'Cause there I will stay my darling / I swear I won't run from you." I imagine myself in her circumstances because of how profound the song is. It inspires me to create music that invokes the same feeling for others. Music can usher listeners into a state of contentment and reach places spoken words cannot so effectively. Sometimes, as a black singer/songwriter, I feel automatically categorized into a genre of music that does not correlate with who I am. I work to convey relatable themes and enlighten people with sincere topics that attest to my character. Providing my art with substance pushes my originality and helps me refine my artistry. With the many things I have learned about life, I plan to use unique, relatable interpretations and my passion for music to catch listeners' attention; for instance, uncomfortable friendships, irritating confrontations, peaceful moments, longing, etc. My debut single, "P.B.A.," presents the concept of preferring quiet isolation to spontaneity with friends using distinctive lyrics and a groovy hook: "So long, my friend / Before the end, I'll leave / Ten out of ten, would do it again with you / Not personal / But when I go, just know / I'm perfect being alone." Writing the song let me display my personality to an audience that understood and loved it. That piece taught me that people appreciate what I express with my art and encouraged me to continue writing about my authentic experiences and create clever musical ideas to match. How "Another Lifetime" submerges me in the emotions of Nao, my music will place others in my shoes when they listen. I want my art to have a lasting effect on hearers, stimulating their senses and allowing them to relate to experiences or emotions. I also want to exhibit genuine sincerity, encouraging the notion that staying true to your personality proves the best way to maintain happiness and comfortability in your craft.

As an artist, my musical journey encompasses various parts of my life that built my knowledge and skill. From age two to nineteen, God blessed me with many unique opportunities and gifts that shaped my mind and pushed me toward an intended focus. My family witnessed my growing love for music and singing at a young age, mimicking songs I heard and finding my voice. Music became a significant part of who I am, and I cherished it as a God-given gift. Wanting to help me develop this gift, my parents paid for vocal lessons and teaching periodically throughout my childhood; my first teacher was a local performer that worked in a music school, then an acting coach. I was also encouraged to perform in our church home, where the first lady and music director taught me to worship and sing for God. Thanks to these instructors, I was introduced to performing and the concept of performance expression, a lesson I still value. Before I turned ten, my mother signed me up for performances, including singing the National Anthem for games, open mics, talent shows, and many others. The more I sang for audiences, my stage presence and musical presentation would further establish. Once in third grade, a family friend advised me to join the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, a prestigious musical group of boys and men. As a member for five years, I acquired proficiency in music theory, sight-reading, ensemble blending, and voice styling. Due to my time in the choir, I realized my passion for music ran deeper than simply performing; I had also discovered an interest in composition/arranging. I enjoyed composing music for ensembles and recording them because it tested my creative mind. It also helped me appreciate music for its complexities. Frankly, writing and singing my original pieces gave me an even greater expressive outlet and a desire to continue building that proficiency. During high school, while figuring out what I wanted to do, I participated in additional choirs and musical groups, having fun as an ensemble member with other talented students. My time with those groups taught me versatility in singing different genres, notably musical theater, opera, and classical. When the pandemic hit, I was a sophomore and eventually found an interest in production and studio recording. While still taking vocal lessons and self-teaching myself how to compose, arrange, and produce, I grew a desire to share my creativity with others. That finally culminated in my debut single, “P.B.A.,” an authentic smooth pop song about my social preferences and holding on to comfort. Since then, I have sought to create a name for myself as an artist and polish my passion by taking additional theory and production classes, learning more instruments, and booking myself for performances. At nineteen years old, I pride myself on accumulating plenty of experience to finally reach my current skill level. At Belmont University, I major in Commercial Music: Voice, emphasizing in Composition and Arranging. I plan to use the next three years to familiarize myself with business while taking the time to write and create music that fits me. Some other students and I also aim to create an exclusive musical ensemble to blend our artistic ideas and voices. After graduating with my B.A., I will sell compositions to artists and musicians before joining the background vocalist organization, TeamBGV. With them, I challenge myself by recording with other singers, managing time, and improving my musicianship, all as part of an occupation. The opportunities opened to me will allow me to grow further and pursue my art ultimately.

In junior year, I participated in my school musical with my group of friends. In the cast was also a student who everyone pitied and avoided. He was ambitious, always seeking to get better and work to improve with us. Seeing this, I decided to work with him as well, practicing lines with him, talking about our respective performances, as well as spending time with him outside of rehearsals. This baffled my other friends, mistaking my friendship for taking pity on him. However, though not many others gave him the time of day, he did not see it that way. He cherished our friendship and time together, and I respected him, noticing how hard he worked to refine his acting skills. One time after we hung out during his birthday, his mother caught me and expressed her gratitude for our friendship. She appreciated my support and aid towards him and saw me as a beneficial companion for him. Fundamentally, what I view as my most prominent quality displayed itself; my thoughtfulness. I value this trait most because it highlights caring for and considering others’ needs that may not be reflected on the surface. As someone misunderstood by many, I understand the difficulty of not having my needs acknowledged or noticed, and what I wish to be for someone else is their rock that they can depend on in any circumstance. It also establishes long-lasting relationships that are based upon support and mindfulness. Being considerate also attracts, since people notice the goodness in me that makes me dependable and reliable. Maintaining this characteristic will help me in developing friendships where I can provide support instead of continuously receiving it. In supporting others, I give back the encouragement and wisdom given to me to the benefit of their mental stability. Essentially, I hope to spread the love I have acquired from my relationships to others who need it as well, especially those who do not have steady sources of support. Remaining considerate is a significant key in life because desiring to help others work to improve exhibits character, and provides a sense of fulfillment. Though I do not wish to help others solely for my own purpose, I strongly believe staying mindful in friendships creates deeper connections where both parties are benefitted. Similar to the student I befriended in junior year, the advantages of remaining thoughtful do well to build up everyone and make lasting friendships.