Student Spotlight
Before I began my guitar lessons, I was very shy, awkward, and I wasn’t sure of myself. I didn’t know how I could become confident or even just more outgoing. It was hard for me to fit in anywhere because I felt like I didn’t have anything to define myself. I thought maybe I could label myself as a “guitarist”. If I had a label of some sort, I could fit in somewhere. As the years continued on with my guitar lessons, my teacher, Jacob, and even the students and other teachers at SAMA allowed me to grow into more than just a guitar player. There’s nothing wrong with just being a “guitarist”, but it’s nice to know I have more. Music, my lessons, and the ensemble group have allowed me to see how much more I am and what I can do. I am a guitarist, but I also know I can be and am way more things beyond that. Music, especially playing music, and all my music instructors helped carve out who I am today. Everyone at SAMA seemed to see everything I was before I even had any idea of anything more being possible. I’ve become a better leader because of the ensemble, a better musician, and I’ve made lasting relationships with almost everyone I’ve talked to. Music and being a guitarist didn’t particularly help me find myself, but everyone connected with SAMA did.
– Elizabeth Murray, SAMA Student