Andrew Mikida

Jazz has always been a part of my piano life since day 1, yet I truly didn't get into it until my high school life began coming to an end. I used to come out of lessons confused, wondering how everything was done, and what I just learned about seconds ago. I began to think I would never become a jazz musician and started to give up slowly. In fact, I almost quit piano, because of how frustrated jazz made me. I would always get angry, listening to others shred solos and comp easily, and would wonder why I struggled so much. But as I entered High School, I began to run into so many new influences, ranging from teachers to students who have been gigging out in Philly for years and years. By the end of 12th grade, I grew from being intimidated and scared easily, to someone who is eager to jump up on stage during jam sessions and performances. I began to get involved in the city, going to jazz camps and gigging with a local jazz group Carl and the Hamiltones. I have never felt so alive before when playing jazz, and I hope to continue it as my life goes on.