| Great questions, Cody - As for the interest in the instrument, my beginning was marked by a marked lack of interest - at the end of 3rd grade, we were all asked what we wanted to play the next year. I wanted to play drums, and told my teacher so. She replyed that there were too many drummers in the band already, and seeing as I was tall for my age, I should play bass. I really had no choice. When I came home to tell my mom, she asked why I couldn't play cello, as it was a much nicer instrument...
Anyway, I enjoyed the bass, and advanced on it at a quick pace. Soon, it became such a large part of my life - so when it came time to think about college, I really couldn't think of anything else I'd rather do then become a professional musician. It's not an easy life, but it's so rewarding.
I think I've been able to keep engaged in playing for so long because every week there's something new to play - For example, tonight I play Prokofiev's 5th symphony with an orchestra, and on Wednesday I play a piece for fretless electric and marimba. Every week there's a different style and experience, so it never gets old. THere's always a challange right around the corner - so if I meet that chalange in a positive way, it makes me want to experience that success again soon. If it doesn't go so well, I want to get back at it and redeem myself.
Does this make sense? | 
