How did you start playing the saxophone?

I started playing the saxophone in third grade when I was choosing my instrument for band. I chose the saxophone because my brother played it and I wanted to play music like him. I fell in love with the instrument really after I first got private lessons and was introduced to saxophonists like Kenny Garrett and Charlie Parker, which really were my first influence.

How did being part of the band change your experience with your instrument?

Being part of the band really propelled me into wanting to become better so I could sound better in the band. But what really propelled my musical journey was doing music programs outside of school, [for example] New Jersey Performing Arts Center Jazz for Teens, [which] I’ve been part of since I was in eighth grade.

Do you play any other instruments besides the saxophone?

I spend a lot of time between my different instruments, because I play saxophone and piano and I’m spending time on my woodwind doubles, clarinet, and flute, and I’m also learning trumpet.

Do you have any artists you look up to?

Some artists I look up to right now are Sarah Hanahan, Eddie Barbash, Gabriel Kahane, and lots more.

How did you feel when you got a full-ride scholarship to Berklee? How did it happen?

The process of getting the full ride from Berklee is really just getting a good audition. I brought a band that thoroughly rehearsed the tune I was playing for the audition, “Straight Street.” I was prepared for every part of my audition, including the sight reading and ear training portions, because I had practiced them before, so I was able to perform well. I was really happy when I got the notification for the scholarship because Berklee was a school I really loved and wanted to go to.

Do you have any advice for students who want to start playing the saxophone, what advice helped you the most as a student?

The most important advice I can give is simply to spend time with the instrument, because even if you are a musical prodigy or a genius, you won’t get better at the saxophone unless you’re spending lots of time practicing and playing.