What collaboration in music means to me and my collaborative experiences. For me, working together on music means collaborating with others to share creativity, emotions, and a sense of purpose through sound. It is the process of making something bigger than what one person can do by themselves. Music is a shared experience by nature; it thrives on connections between musicians, producers, and listeners. Working with others has been a big part of my musical journey, shaping who I am and motivating me to make a career in the recording arts. My love of music started when I was eleven years old, after my father died. I wanted to remember him and make him proud. I saw an old piano in my house one day and started to learn how to play it by watching videos on the internet. Over time and with my mother's help, I learned how to play chords and notes. I then worked on improving my guitar and bass skills by teaching myself. Music was my way out, and it was my calling. Working together quickly became a big part of my growth. I played the piano in my first band, and later I played the guitar and drums. I also played the piano in a school musical, which was an exciting and important experience for me. I started a band in high school with my best friend on drums, my "brother by heart" on bass, and my mom on piano. We all played together at school events like graduations, holiday parties, and award ceremonies. These events taught me how strong music can be when it brings people together. I learned new ways to work together with other musicians and with technology and sound itself as I investigated digital music production tools like Logic Pro and GarageBand. I started writing my songs and enjoyed combining my creative side with the technical side of recording and making music. My experiences collaborating with others inspired me to pursue a career in the recording arts. I researched various music programs before discovering the Bachelor of Science in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver. This program provides all the essential skills I need to start my career, including music theory, instrument performance, music recording techniques, and music business management. Next fall, I will finish my last semester at UC Denver and complete my degree. I already have ten original songs, and I want to keep making new ones and working with other people. My long-term goal is to start my music company, Y.D. Music. I want to bring artists together, make music that matters, and leave an indelible impression on the world. I love music. It has helped me get better, grow, and make friends. "Music can change the world," as Beethoven said. I agree with him. Working together on music has not only inspired me, but it has also helped me see what I want to do with my life. -Yaziel Diaz

Ever since I found out music wasn’t only a talent I developed, music was always living inside my heart. Even when I was a kid I was doing beats with everything I could find, for example, pots, and cardboard boxes, using pencils on the desk, tapping my foot on the floor when the blinker on the car is on. I can always hear and feel the music around me. Music in general kinda came to me when I was bored out of my mind and in my household there were musicians in which there was drums, a piano, guitars, and a bass. So one day I just sat down, put my hands on the piano, and started playing songs that I heard before. The same thing went for the other instruments like the guitar and the bass. It felt once I played any instrument it came naturally to me so once I started showing people what I could do on those instruments their reaction is what made me do it more, learn to be the best to have those reactions again. It made me feel special and very happy that people would pay attention to what I was doing, and even know my existence. My general inspiration for making music would come from the fact that I can make people feel a certain way when listening to my music play into their ears. Although the real inspiration would be making my mom proud, it is genuinely the only reason I'm even connected to music the way I am. When I sat down on the piano, she gave me books and tips to start, the same with the guitar and piano. All my life I've been learning music in different ways. Once I started making music that’s where my true love for music came because I could hear back what I could do. It felt good playing for bands and making people dance, sing, and make them happy with my music. Creating, and writing songs gave me a wider future and dreams of all things I want to do with music. With the songs I write I want to play it live for everyone to hear it, but primarily for me to play with my band. That is why I'm studying in the third year of my bachelor's degree in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver to pursue my dreams in music. I do write my song from past experiences that I’ve had as well in the same sense that it will connect emotionally to them as well. Hopefully, raise some awareness with my music, and stand up for the people who emotionally and physically can’t. I want to expand diversity, and prioritize it, which I express in my songs and plan to write more about it. I also want to inspire people to make their art. I've always told everyone I know that when you do any kind of art, keep doing it even if it seems like it's going nowhere or doesn't make sense. That’s why I want to succeed and make my dreams come true to prove to them that anything is possible and prove to the people who doubted me, people who didn’t even wanna get to know me, and people who gave up to me, that even the weird kid has a chance. I want to show everyone who thinks they don’t ever have a chance for any type of career that they can do it as well.

I have always been someone who likes to think for other people first, to make sure they are ok before me because I have always believed that if the people I love are not ok in some type of way then I’m not ok either. I try to stay positive for them and if the situation is appropriate I’ll make them laugh. That’s part of the reason why I started music because for me music can connect with you in so many ways, and one of those ways is emotional. My songs are made to bring out an emotion in me, and I hope it does as well to the listeners. My general inspiration for making music would come from the fact that I can make people feel a certain way when listening to my music play into their ears. I do write my song from past experiences that I’ve had as well in the same sense that it will connect emotionally to them as well. Sometimes with music, I go on the infamous writer's block where I try to find solutions to inspire myself because even though my songs are from my life I don’t have a good memory. I write in my journal to improve my memory which helps me a lot to remember what I’m writing about. Sometimes a good long shower with just me and my thoughts while at the same time singing to see if anything comes out naturally. For a long time, I’ve known that music was born in me. Music was always living inside my heart. Even when I was a kid I was doing beats with everything I could find around me. With that, I create my own little family to have fun with and share my music with, because I like seeing people enjoy and feel some type of way for my music. So I’m always focused on other people making sure they’re better than me at least. Of course, for me I try to set goals, whether they are small ones or long-term I always try to set one because it gives me meaning in life. I do have a problem where I focus too much on the future, and I feel like I’m not always present. That's part of my condition (ADHD). Although, I am working on that with a professional because I want to stay present for others and myself. Though I’ve been focusing on myself lately because I haven't in a while and to be more creative and inspirational not only to me but to everyone else as well. Hopefully someday with my songs, I want to raise some awareness with my music and stand up for the people who emotionally and physically can’t. I want to expand diversity, and prioritize it, which I express in my songs and plan to write more about it. I also want to inspire people into making their art. I've always said to everyone I know that they do art in some type of way to keep doing it even if it feels like it will not go anywhere. That’s why I want to succeed and make my dreams come true to prove to them that anything is possible and prove to the people who doubted me, people who didn’t even wanna get to know me, and people who gave up to me, that even the weird kid has a chance. I want to show everyone who thinks they don’t ever have a chance for any type of career that they can do it as well.

Ever since I found out music wasn’t only a talent I developed, music was always living inside my heart. Even when I was a kid I was doing beats with everything I could find, for example, pots, and cardboard boxes, using pencils on the desk, tapping my foot on the floor when the blinker on the car is on. I can always hear and feel the music around me. Music in general kinda came to me when I was bored out of my mind and in my household there were musicians in which there was drums, a piano, guitars, and a bass. So one day I just sat down, put my hands on the piano, and started playing songs that I heard before. The same thing went for the other instruments like the guitar and the bass. It felt once I played any instrument it came naturally to me so once I started showing people what I could do on those instruments their reaction is what made me do it more, learn to be the best to have those reactions again. It made me feel special and very happy that people would pay attention to what I was doing, and even know my existence. My general inspiration for making music would come from the fact that I can make people feel a certain way when listening to my music play into their ears. Although the real inspiration would be making my mom proud, it is genuinely the only reason I'm even connected to music the way I am. When I sat down on the piano, she gave me books and tips to start, the same with the guitar and piano. All my life I've been learning music in different ways. Once I started making music that’s where my true love for music came because I could hear back what I could do. It felt good playing for bands and making people dance, sing, and make them happy with my music. Creating, and writing songs gave me a wider future and dreams of all things I want to do with music. With the songs I write I want to play it live for everyone to hear it, but primarily for me to play with my band. That is why I'm studying in the third year of my bachelor's degree in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver to pursue my dreams in music. I do write my song from past experiences that I’ve had as well in the same sense that it will connect emotionally to them as well. Hopefully, raise some awareness with my music, and stand up for the people who emotionally and physically can’t. I want to expand diversity, and prioritize it, which I express in my songs and plan to write more about it. I also want to inspire people to make their art. I've always told everyone I know that when you do any kind of art, keep doing it even if it seems like it's going nowhere or doesn't make sense. That’s why I want to succeed and make my dreams come true to prove to them that anything is possible and prove to the people who doubted me, people who didn’t even wanna get to know me, and people who gave up to me, that even the weird kid has a chance. I want to show everyone who thinks they don’t ever have a chance for any type of career that they can do it as well.

My father died when I was 11 years old, and I wanted to do something to make him proud. I started learning piano, guitar, and bass by watching videos. Discovered I was very good at it and is a way to express my feelings. Music is been always part of my life and I wanted to impact the world with music. I participated in a musical where I was the lead pianist, which was quite a thrill. During that time, I discovered an easier way to make music with programs such as Logix Pro and Garage Band. Now, making original music and songs is part of my day-to-day life. The more I learned about DAWs and the programs I could use, the more I realized I could do this to fulfill my goals. In my mind, I thought: How can I become a professional in this field and impact the world with my music? One goal I had in mind was to fulfill my dreams and I was already on my way. Currently, I have about ten own-written songs. In the fall, I will start my second year studying for the Bachelor of Science in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver. This is an exciting new chapter in my life as a music recording artist. Learning about how to start a career is another goal. Recording Arts prepares me for learning everything about music theory, instruments, history, recording, performing, music business, etc. That's all I need to get started. My other goal is to study the Music Business to learn how to build a music recording company. Finally, I want to start my own company, Y. D. Music, to get to the next goal. The next goal is to make music that inspires people, makes them happy, and shows my feelings to the world. Getting a Bachelor's degree in Music Recording Arts will provide the tools I need to support my future professional goals. Obtaining my bachelor's degree will help me set myself up for success in my career and help me impact the world with my music. Music is needed in our world, as well as expressing feelings and being happy. I use music to express myself and stay focused on my goals. I am passionate about music; is part of my life! "Music can change the world" (Beethoven). Yaziel J. Diaz

My father died when I was 11 years old, and I wanted to do something to make him proud. I started learning to play piano on my own, watching videos, and then I learn to play guitar and bass by myself, too. The first band I joined was as a pianist, sometimes as a guitarist or as a percussionist. In addition, I participated in a musical where I was the lead pianist, which was quite a thrill. Also in high school, I formed a band and as part of the school's activities, such as graduations, awards days, Christmas, etc., we performed many songs. During that time, I discovered an easier way to make music with programs such as Logix Pro and Garage Band. Now, making original music and songs is part of my day-to-day life. The more I learned about DAWs and the programs I could use, the more I realized I could do this for a living. Currently, I have about ten own-written songs and start studying for the Bachelor of Science in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver. Recording Arts prepares me for learning everything about music theory, instruments, history, recording, performing, music business, etc, and finally, I want to start my own company making music. It is my vision to make music that inspires people, makes them happy, and shows my feelings to the world. Getting a Bachelor's degree in Music Recording Arts will provide me with the tools I need to support my future professional goals. Music is needed in the world, as well as expressing feelings and being happy. I use music to express myself and stay focused on my goals. I am passionate about music. It is a part of my life! "Music can change the world" (Beethoven) Yaziel J Diaz

The piece Broken No More came to me when I experienced something in my life that I never knew how to cope with. It was like a weight was lifted from me when I started writing about the emotions I was experiencing. At that moment, I felt better and started writing songs to express my feelings. I wrote Broken No More with the idea to share my emotions and feel better about it. As a musician, it is one of my goals that the people who listen to my music feel good afterward and that my music touches their hearts. It is beneficial to listen to music that is positive and stress-free. By doing so, you will be liberated.

My father died when I was 11 years old, and I wanted to do something to make him proud. I saw a piano in my old house and I tried to play something. I liked it. I started learning piano on my own, watching videos, and discovered I was very good at it. After I learned piano, chords, and notes with my mother, I began to learn guitar and bass by myself, too. The first band I joined was as a pianist, sometimes as a guitarist or as a percussionist. In addition, I participated in a musical where I was the lead pianist, which was quite a thrill. Also in high school, I formed a band that included my best friend as a drummer, my brother by heart as a bass player, and my mom as a pianist. As part of the school's activities, such as graduations, awards days, Christmas, etc., we performed many songs.   During that time, I discovered an easier way to make music with programs such as Logix Pro and Garage Band. Now, making original music and songs is part of my day-to-day life. The more I learned about DAWs and the programs I could use, the more I realized I could do this for a living. In my mind, I thought: How can I become a professional in this field? I researched all music careers until I found Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver. The goal I had in mind was to fulfill my dreams and I was already on my way. Currently, I have about ten own-written songs. In the fall, I will begin studying for the Bachelor of Science in Music Recording Arts at the University of Colorado Denver. This is an exciting new chapter in my life as a music recording artist. Learning about how to start a career is my goal. Recording Arts prepares me for learning everything about music theory, instruments, history, recording, performing, music business, etc. That's all I need to get started. My other goal is to study the Music Business to learn how to build a music recording company. Finally, I want to start my own company Y. D. Music. After that, I will have opened another chapter in my life. It is my goal to make music that inspires people, makes them happy, and shows my feelings to the world. Getting a Bachelor's degree in Music Recording Arts will provide me with the tools I need to support my future professional goals. Obtaining my bachelor's degree will help me set myself up for success in my career. By the time I graduate, I will have the knowledge and the skills I need to build up a career. Music is needed in the world, as well as expressing feelings and being happy. I use music to express myself and stay focused on my goals. I am passionate about music. It is a part of my life! "Music can change the world" (Beethoven). Yaziel J. Diaz

After my dad died, I wanted to do something with my life to make my dad proud. One day I saw a piano that I had in my old house. I messed with it and liked it. I started learning piano by myself and found out I was very good at it. Then I started learning guitar and bass after learning piano, chords, and notes. I began participating in a band doing different stuff, such as the pianist, sometimes the guitarist, and sometimes a percussionist. I participate in a musical, where I was the lead pianist. It was an awesome experience, and I wish I can do it again. I even started my band at school. We did many songs for the activities in school. Around that time, I found a way to make music with an app. I tried it and began to explore more of this, about different types of DAWs, and found out that I can make a career out of it. I would make music to inspire others, make people happy with positive words, and show my talent to the world. Music is a way for me to express my feelings and keeps me focus. That's why I like the song You'll be fine by Palaye Royal. I love it because of how complex and how they change the time signature from slow to fast, and I think that's unique. I like how they used that punk feeling and how the singer sings it fits perfectly. Also, I love the atmosphere that the song creates, how they used the voices to create a better feeling to make it feel stronger. All this encourages me to create my songs and the lyrics conquer my emotions.