Musician: Maria Cassano
Year: Fourth
Major: English
Hometown: Massappequa, N.Y.
What’s your instrument of choice and why?
Definitely guitar, though I started with flute and piano. It just lends itself well to all sorts of music.
I was in the school band from fourth grade up until my sophomore year of college, but I haven’t done anything collective — just played some open mic nights around town.
My dad is a full-time musician who started me on guitar when I was about 10. I’m also into anything classic rock, ska, ‘90s and acoustic alternative.
Who have you been listening to lately?
The Head and the Heart, Bon Iver and Ben Howard.
What’s your plan for the future?
When I graduate in May, I’ll be on the road blogging and writing for a friend’s Holistic Health company, but I’ll definitely have my guitar with me in the RV.
Keep playing. You never know when you’ll need the resilience, patience, and guts that come with being a musician.