If I was just focused on my performing, I might have been an even more successful musician. But I always felt the need to help others, particularly young people, to become actively engaged with music rather than passively entertained.

There are moment of sadness and moment of joy. This is life.

I recently matched up two flute players here in Hudson County. I like bringing together some lonely violin players. I feel like a musical 'yenta' or matchmaker.

There are amateur musicians who want to play with other amateur musicians, and there were students looking for teachers who didn't know how to find teachers. Because here in the shadow of the cultural capital of the world - New York City - there is a certain isolation.

There were so many musicians but no one knew anyone else. They all played in Manhattan, but they had no idea that another talented musician lived down the street.

I thought to be feminine was to give in to straight culture, or the beauty standard, but in my heart I had a flair for fashion and style. They were passions I kept secret because I didn't understand I could love clothes and hair and makeup and still like girls.