Raven, a senior at Fulton High School, has been taking lessons at the Joy of Music School for six years. We recently caught up with her for a few Qs and As.

Will you be at the recital on May 9?

I wouldn’t miss it. I’ve been to all of them, ever since I started learning the guitar. We get so much good feedback and great advice. I remember my first year. I was in the seventh or eighth grade. I was so nervous. And it turned out so great. I just played my heart out. This year we actually have an original piece. It’s not a cover, it’s our song. I don’t think we have a name for it yet. It’s jazzy. I’ll play the bass, and my teacher, Will Fletcher, is going back and forth between the piano and guitar. We’ve thought about getting a bunch of people from the Joy of Music School to accompany us.

Have you played both guitar and bass all along?

I added bass in my sophomore year. I was doing marching band at my school, Fulton High, and they needed a bass player. So I went to my guitar teacher and I asked him for help. I started playing it and I just really fell in love with the bass.

Do you have plans after high school?

I do. I was thinking of a university, but then the Tennessee Achieve came along. I am taking advantage of that—two free years of school. I actually got accepted into Roane State and am planning on going there. Student Spotlight:

Will you continue to make music?

Of course. I love music. It just makes me feel more alive. If I’m down or having a bad day, I’m going to play my bass guitar or my guitar. It’s an escape from reality and it’s just awesome. Music is beautiful. Incredible.

Can you summarize what the School has meant to you?

The Joy of Music School has been such an honor to go to. I always want to practice there. There really are no words to describe it. My guitar teacher is amazing. I always look forward to going, every single week. And it’s just been a good experience for me throughout my middle school and high school years. I’ve learned so many skills. It’s just sad to be leaving. I’m about to cry right now.

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