Gabe Bailey, 19, has taken piano lessons and even some guitar lessons over the years, but for the most part, Bailey’s own musical curiosity and ambition led him to more or less carve his own path.

“I’ve loved and played music for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I began playing piano by ear when I was four and picked up guitar, bass, drums, and more as I got older. The Beatles have been the biggest influence on me musically, along with my dad, who introduced me to that style of music.”

His proficiency on the piano has won him raves from audiences, with one very special and appreciative audience leaving a lasting impression on him.

“My favorite memory would probably be playing ‘Piano Man’ at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, Ohio,” Bailey said. “The crowd was packed full of 1,200 people, and at the end, I stopped playing, and let them sing, which is one of the most special feelings you can experience as a musician, even if it’s not your music.”

With that dedication and ability to learn on his own, it isn’t surprising to know that Bailey hopes to play music for the rest of his life. But his overall career plans suggest he may not be leaving Fort Wayne to do so.

“I would love to make music my career,” he said. “I believe music is a great way to express things that are otherwise harder to express, and I hope to grow in that. Professionally, I’d love to play music for a living, or even work at Sweetwater on the sales floor!”