Great article. I also have "public music education to thank for everything". Unfortunately, music programs in schools are usually seen as a luxury, despite playing music being so good for the development of the mind.
Check out this recording of my public high school's jazz band. That's me on drums.
https://steemit.com/dsound/@songsmiths/songsmiths-ep-1-the-greenwich-high-school-jazz-band-1988