Music has shaped my view of the world in various ways. It is an outlet for me to express myself on a level that I have not yet found anywhere else. It has shown me both the good sides and the bad sides of the societies that we live in today. Somber blues music gives me a sense of understanding and insight into the perspectives and feelings of those who perform and sing it. Rock music is often an outlet for people to release any aggression or rash feelings they may have about themselves or even others. Jazz music gives me a sense of relaxation and a place to cool off when the world seems too stressful. Music does more for the world than most people will ever know as it provides humans with the ability to communicate without words. Music stretches farther than words and has no language barriers as everyone who expresses through it can feel what they need to feel through it. In my own personal experience I had a period where I was down and depressed a lot. I had a time where the world didn't seem so fun or even good to live in anymore. It was around this time that I had started reaching out for outlets to get away from a sad world that didn't seem as thought it even wanted me in it. I began to really work with guitar and drums and dedicating a great deal of time to both. I pushed myself to try out and attend every single music contest I could through my school. This included marching contests, EDBDA, EOBDA, and even concert contests. I pushed myself to wake up earlier and go to be later to make more time for practicing, and I almost always had and guitar pick or a set of drumsticks in my hands 24/7. This gave my mind something to do rather than sit and think about how sad I was all the time. Music gave me a purpose and a reason to live. I believe music has played a crucial role in me being alive today. Without it, I do not know where I would be... Music has not only helped me see the world differently but it gave me a new perspective on life. It showed me that not everything is centered around expressing yourself through words. Music gave me a way to show others what I was feeling without ever speaking a word. It took a sad and gloomy world filled with depressive episodes and restless nights and brought forth a well-lit and beautiful home where I could live happily and easily. It provided me with a will and reason to push forward and attempt to make my life better. In essence, music has made me a better person and shown me a new light on the world by allowing me to express myself in the best way I know how. It will always hold the key to my heart and be a part of me forever.