#49 Eric Schlam, guitar player

Eric started playing the piano when he was 8 years old, but by high school guitar had become his first love. He played with high school mates, and 40 years later, many of them are still playing together! He says, "Music takes you to a place nothing else does;" there is a sense of peace, euphoria, and freedom when you play. Eric is a huge Beatles fan and even visited Liverpool; he feels the trajectory of music changed with the Beatles. Music was also a very positive influence for his son, who is an excellent musician as well. Eric says music gives one a sense of purpose. He also says there is a "tremendous confluence between music and peace," and believes we should focus on promoting music for young people and combat negativity through music.