As a kid, music was my refuge … I escaped into music, playing drums with the Beatles, keyboards with the Doors, and singing in a band with my friends. And then, for 40 years, I didn’t play and didn’t perform. While the appreciation of music continued to be one of my essential pursuits, education, career and family took priority. In truth, I wasn’t very good at music anyway and, had I continued, the best scenario probably would have been a sales career at Long & McQuade. Worst case, might have been addiction or death. Nonetheless, I missed music: the creativity, the comraderie, and the outlet.

My decision to pursue music at such a late stage in life was borne not of regret but rather of, what if? And so I enrolled in the one year Langara Digital Music Program. It was much more challenging than I thought, more time-consuming than I expected, but it was also much more than I could have hoped for. I learned a lot about music theory; synthesis, sampling, and sound design; recording and engineering; mixing and mastering; songwriting; arranging and producing; and the music business. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself. I freed myself from some of the creative and personal demons that have plagued me for much of my life.

I had the good fortune to be taught by talented and generous instructors and I thank them for their wisdom, their guidance and their patience. More importantly, I would like to thank my classmates who accepted me, encouraged and inspired me. They are all such good and talented people.

I would also like to thank my colleagues at work for covering for me in the evenings and for giving me the flexibility to pursue my dream.

And finally, I would like to my family for allowing me to take this journey. It’s been a hell of a ride and it’s just beginning…