Shabazz (Sha) Ranney was a member of Steckman Studio's Jazz Prep Program when it first began in 1996. We contacted Sha, currently in his third year at Illinois Wesleyan University and working towards a B.A. in Piano Performance, and we asked him to reflect on his experiences with the Jazz Prep Program and how those experiences affected his current pursuits: The Steckman Studio of Music introduced me to jazz guitar and other string instruments. I started taking classes in guitar and bass and joined the Jazz Prep Program where I learned and practiced weekly with other students from my area. I learned a great deal about playing with an ensemble, as well as learning separate music with Ron (an excellent guitar teacher). Because I did this, I eventually got into the Oak Park River Forest High School Jazz Band, something that I had aspired to do, but never thought I could make it. Jazz Prep practiced regularly and I remember how much I looked forward to those sessions with my colleagues. My skills improved exponentially while my soloing ability took off - all this because Steckman opened doors for me. Although piano is and always has been my first love, I was able to learn other instruments and participate in a group experience; one that is lacking in solo piano performance. I would never have had the broad range of experiences with multiple instruments if it were not for the doors that the folks at Steckman School opened for me. The thing I loved about going to Steckman was there was never any stress involved. We just showed up, played with amazing teachers, who were actually our mentors and truly cared about young people. Because we weren't hassled about practicing, we actually practiced more because we loved to get together and help each other improve, always with the guidance of our teachers. Furthermore, my interest in becoming a multi-instrumentalist was heightened as I was exposed to a variety of instruments and playing styles at Steckman. That is one of the main reasons I chose to major in music, with piano performance, violin and composition being my main academic focus. I can never forget my positive experiences with Steckman because we were able to play at festivals, libraries, fundraisers and really, really nice house parties, where we were always the main entertainment. Just to relax and play your tunes for people who enjoyed our pieces and came over to congratulate us, is a very rewarding experience for teenagers. It makes you realize that you can do anything as long as you work hard and practice regularly. Even more memorable are the people who were in the band with me, including my brother Zane, who has made incredible strides and improved his drumming skills since joining Steckman (thanks Andre). Every gig we did was fun; there were no exceptions. Currently, I am a piano performance major at Illinois Wesleyan University, but continue to perform with jazz groups and enjoy my violin, guitar and bass. Thanks Steckman! Sha Ranney