What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?

I really like folk music and folk rock. Some of my favorite artists include Bob Dylan,
Simon and Garfunkel, and James Taylor. I like listening to music from the 60’s and 70’s
because of the authenticity of the instruments and because there are many songs with
messages that still resonate today

What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?

I always liked music when I was younger, I did take some guitar lessons and I sang a few
choir performances between church and school, but it was never a main focus in my life
like it became after my diagnosis.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when I was 16, I was treated at Sloan Kettering in
NY where I received Chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple rib resection surgeries. When I
was 17 I had a second unrelated diagnosis of Spindle Cell Sarcoma which was found in my
heart during routine scans and required open heart surgery. I am doing better now in my
20’s and other than a yearly checkup I have no further treatments planned.

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?

After my diagnosis I was looking to find a new normal, and I ended up taking a college
class for guitar. I really liked it, and it has been a big part of my life since. I mostly play
fingerstyle acoustic guitar, and I enjoy both learning cover songs and writing my own songs
where I can play guitar and sing.

What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I initially joined Play it Back because I had started to record some of my cover and
original songs, and I saw that this looked like a great program to help people like me get
their songs recorded. Since I joined, I have learned a lot about music and the recording
process, and it has also been great experience getting to meet some of the fellow artists in
the program who all have their own unique styles.

If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it?

I would describe the music that I make as folk rock that is anchored by slightly
melancholic fingerstyle acoustic guitar sound. I like for most of the songs that I write to
have some meaning that is both relatable to me personally and to anyone who may be
listening to it. I also like the idea of writing songs where no two are the same, and they don’t
have to belong to a single genre or formula.

Anything else you want to share?

I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and I’m currently working as a math tutor. In
addition to music, I also enjoy watching sports like Baseball and Football.