For my STEP Project, I decided to take cello lessons. Although I can play several different instruments, I had never played a string instrument before and was very excited to learn something new! Over the past year I took weekly cello lessons through Vaughan Music Studios in Upper Arlington. As I had never played a string instrument before, it took me a long while to learn all the basics of playing, but once I understood those, it was easier to start playing more complicated pieces. It was a wonderful experience and I am so glad that I chose cello as my Signature Project!

When I first began this project, I do not think I was quite ready for all the work that would come along with it. I was having a weekly lesson in which I was expected to have practiced a decent amount to better my skills on the cello. Throughout the year I found that this new routine was something I needed in my life. Cello was a way for me to escape from my usual responsibilities, even if just for a little bit. It was a structured part of my week that I could depend on even in the midst of chaos that ensued when COVID hit the U.S.

Music has always been a way for me to cope with stress and anxieties, so I am so glad that I was able to have cello as a coping mechanism. Those lessons each week were an opportunity for me to just step back and not worry about anything else going on in my life. I could simply play music and enjoy my time.

One of my goals when starting this project was to one day be able to pass on my knowledge of cello to others. As I have used music in the past to help cope with my own anxieties, I have made it a mission of mine to help other people realize how music or other creative outlets can help them as well. Now more than ever, I believe that people need a way to help them through depressing and difficult times in their life. In my opinion, music is a fun and creative way to do this. Through this STEP project not only have I been able to cope better with stress, but I have been able to pass on this knowledge to other people.

At one point this past spring, one of my friends was having a really difficult time and was dealing with a lot of anxieties and worries related to the pandemic, so I offered to help her learn the cello along with me. Not only did the cello help us work through issues in our lives, but our relationship grew even stronger and we were able to help each other through it. I had not even completed the project, and already I was achieving the goals that I had set. I can only hope that I can continue to help other people in this way and spread my knowledge of music and coping mechanisms.