Paytra

Age: 18
Hometown: New York, NY
Singing: Unthinkable
Song By: Alicia Keys

How did you get interested in music?

I grew up listening to my dad play in a band.  There were instruments everywhere.  One day, I sat down and learned to play "Let It Be" by the Beatles on the piano. Immediately, I fell in love and began classical training, then eventually moved to R&B / Pop.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far? 

My greatest accomplishment would be leaving my town at 16 to pursue my dream. It was not an easy choice.  I began homeschooling just so I could focus my life to music.  It took a lot of courage and sacrifice and nothing was guaranteed.

How Do you like to spend your free time?

I love weightlifting.  I am a personal trainer, so I spend a lot of time at the gym working out with my co-workers and friends. I also really to talk to my family.  I spend a lot of time on FaceTime, since they live in Michigan.

who would you say most inspired you? 

I would say Alicia Keys.  She mastered her instrument and mixed technique with art.  It's actually very hard to do that.  Creativity and Technique are hard to balance.