We all look for comfort in someone or something when we are at our lowest. Melodies, musical notes, and the familiar keys of a piano have always provided a safe place for me. Music has the special ability to send messages without using words. It never fails to uplift me, whether I’m lost in the magic of playing an instrument or just letting the radio play. It’s become my favorite method for reducing stress and making life a little less stressful. Music is truly a universal language that breaks boundaries and speaks to everyone.

I never realized why my brother was so passionate about music and playing instruments growing up. Not only did he play piano, but he also played the guitar, saxophone, and violin. Our parents pushed us to practice and love music, but my older brother enjoyed it more than I did. I used to dislike him for being a tryhard, but I never stopped and thought that he actually enjoyed the music. I used to cry while practicing piano because I thought it was useless. For a couple of years, I really thought it was useless until I saw my brother getting offered scholarships because of his musical ability. As we got older and the bickering stopped, I didn’t recognize how music helped me connect with him even more. With our knowledge of music, we started going to concerts together, and he taught me how to DJ. I didn’t know music was able to strengthen our relationship. My brother showed me that there’s so much more to music than just reading music notes. I never understood the importance of music until I realized it was a part of me. 

When my older brother’s departure from piano lessons, due to his new college life, set off a chain reaction within our family, it marked the beginning of a new journey. My younger brother and I quit as well, our parents allowing, believing we had a sufficient amount of musical education. Little did I know that this decision would pave the way for my relationship with music. As much as I hated to admit it, I found myself gravitating towards the piano keys whenever I dealt with sad or anxious emotions. It was as if music had found its way back into my life, even when I claimed to ‘hate’ the piano. Each day, I find myself immersed in music’s embrace. Whether I’m losing myself in the melodies playing through my AirPods, a daily habit, or attending two periods of choir practice every day, I’m happy to say that music has become my best friend.