Learning to sing and play instruments can be a lot of fun for students; but sometimes, how one was inspired can change their whole perspective.

For senior Aaron Atchison, music has always been a part of his life.

“Going to church as a young kid seeing my dad play guitar, made me want to play  just like him,” said Atchison.

Atchison has been playing for guitar for 13 years now, and has been singing since his freshman year.

“The first time I sang in front of a crowd was when I sang a solo in front of the whole school during a Veteran’s Day Program. When I was singing I was so nervous, but afterwards I got a ton of compliments. Now, knowing people enjoy hearing me sing, I sing in front of crowds all the time. The more people the better,” said Atchison.

Atchison can play many instruments besides just the guitar, including drums, piano, violin, saxophone, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and trumpet.

It all started when he was only five-years-old, after receiving his first guitar from his parents.

“My dad didn’t think I would ever play guitar because I was born forty percent deaf in my left ear,” he said.

Atchison’s parents were told their son could lose all of the hearing in his left ear.

“As a young child, that scared me. But I didn’t let it stop me,” said Atchison.

Atchison had entered many contests, and has won fifty dollars at the 2012 Paoli Idol, but did not come in first place. His ambition is to win in 2013.

“Eventually, after a lot more singing practice, I’m going to audition for the X Factor,” says Atchison.

Story by Chelsea Conrad