Sam Trowbridge, 17, had been dabbling in music for years, first on the piano and then on the saxophone. But when his uncle gave him a guitar, the young man never looked back.

“In seventh grade and eighth grade at Blackhawk Middle School, I learned the fundamentals of reading music from a funny, inspiring music teacher, Mr. Joseph Godfrey,” he said. “More recently I have taught myself in my own way, which I feel is the best way. Self-motivation helps you to learn it on your own, and it allows you to be more comfortable in having your own playing style.”

Trowbridge has already released his first single, “Marissa,” and he had the heady experience of performing it at a birthday bonfire while all of his friends sang along with his song. A new song recently released, “Summer Time” is now available on all platforms and could lead to a career in music, which is how Trowbridge sees his future.

“Personally, music makes me happy, and a world without it wouldn’t be a world for me,” he said. “I want to be happy for the rest of my life, so I must accomplish my many goals. I must do something in the field of music. Professionally I want to study music composition and production. I’d like to make a different sound to the world. Just do what I do, and never stop because art isn’t a competition, art is just showing up and being yourself.”