Music, as an occupation, creates many opportunities in the world when none other seem to be present. There have been various Trenton musicians, through multiple generations, who have found themselves solely through the power of music. Music has its most crucial effects on one’s life at the dawn of their adolescence. One’s development at this stage is heavily influenced by the habits of their being, and for a few Trenton adolescents, this was their way out.

During a recent interview with my cousin Greg Recchia, he revealed many insights about the importance of adolescent development through music. Greg is a Trenton resident in his mid twenties. This musician formed his band at the young age of 14 and continued playing locally in Trenton for the next decade. Greg struggled in school and never found an interest in learning the class material, so in his free time, he would watch guitar tutorials in our other aunt’s living room after school. His band “Reckless” focused on alternative rock with 90’s sounding influences. After spending a few years attending music school, Greg now spends his time working in New York City as an audio engineer.

Upon asking him about his development as an adolescent, he gave all credit of his success to his musical upbringing. He stated, “Most of my friends, me included, were heading down a bad path and music was the only way we were able to avoid the inevitable tragedies that many locals face.” He revealed that many obstacles face the locals between the sub-par education system and adolescent drug use. For him, his main concern was that the education system had failed him, music was his ticket out, his ticket to do something productive with his life and benefit his future. Greg’s love of music ultimately lead to him finding his career as an audio engineer, something he would have never thought possible before forming his band.

As a whole, Greg’s experience relates to a number of musician’s who arose through Trenton, such as Ernie White and Paul Plumeri, long time rock and blues musicians who have found much success through music. Music gives children a chance to avoid the hard life of the streets and express themselves in a fun, safe, manner. In the absence of music during the developmental stage of an adolescent’s life, it is easy to fall for the false ideas and give into the peer pressure of drugs, violence and not focusing on one’s education. Music is a peaceful expression of one’s true self, a critical aspect of life for those growing up in poverty stricken areas.