I have been writing songs since High School. My efforts as a song writer began as a lyricst. Why? Because I always had an ear for an interesting or clever lyric and because I did not play an instrument. I joined forces with a high school friend who played guitar. Our usual method of operation was for me to present him with my latest, hand written lyric and then watch while he strummed up a new tune, which he could usually do quite quickly. Together we would sing and play our new song into a cassette recorder. Once that cassette was full we would buy a six pack or two and drive around listening to our creations on the car stereo.{NOT A RECOMMENDED METHOD FOR LISTENING TO MUSIC}. As time moved on so did my song writing partner...to the West coast. I had two choices. I could find a new hobby or sing acappella. I took piano lessons. It was at this time I began to work on writing music as well as words. I was an average student but my piano teacher always encouraged my song writing.