Having grown up in a musical home, I have learned to make music part of my life. Over the years, I assumed that learning music was something I "had" to do since my father had pushed me into it so much. However, I now think of music as being a source of water in my life. Without it, I'd say that my life would be pretty dry. So, as you can imagine, it has come to play quite an important role in my life.

A little of my musical background: At age 6 and a half, I started learning the piano. At the very beginning, I was doing pretty well and even got into the Conservatory of Music of Nice (France). Unfortunately, my father was putting way too much pressure on me, which made things more difficult for me. So, I stopped three years later. A few years later, I attempted retaking it a few times, but didn't succeed in sticking to it. I tried the violin (at my father's request), but gave up after just six months of playing screeching cords. After careful thought, I decided to take up the flute, much to my father's joy (as long as I played an instrument, he didn't care what instrument I was going to choose). I played on and off for about 7 years but I don't play anymore because of lack of time and interest.

Main music genres I listen to: Oldies I've been into oldies recently. My favorite song is "Killing Me Softly with His Song by Robert Flack." I could have that song played all afternoon long non-stop without getting tired of it! I also love "The Girl from Ipanema," "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers, and Stevie Wonder's "Ma Cherie Amour." I also love standards by Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. "Fascination" is a beautiful song, I think. I'm really into easy listening so smooth oldies really work for me when I want to relax. Smooth Jazz Since I love anything that's smooth, smooth jazz is perfect for me. I've also recently gotten into it, actually. My favorite station is 105.9FM. My favorite song in this category is "Never Gonna Dance Again" by Montel Jordan. I also like the more upbeat "Mambo 2000." Smooth jazz has a special way of relaxing me while at the same arousing my senses. It's very sensuous and sexy, in my opinion. Ballroom Without music, ballroom dancing is neither as exciting to dance nor to watch. That is why ballroom music has got to be part of my list. Since I love ballroom dancing so much, I should love ballroom music, too, and thank God, I do! Lately I listen to a lot of Latin music (chachas, rumbas, and sambas in particular). I love the song "Mambo Italiano" by Shaft. Once you hear it, you can't it get out of your mind! :) For rumba, I highly recommend Gloria Estefan's "I'm Not Giving You Up" and Celine Dion's "Falling Into You." They're both very sensual and romantic, perfect for rumba! For salsa, I love "Amor del Alma" by Gloria Estefan as well. Classical I don't really listen to classical music much, but here are my favorite pieces: Concerto for Piano #21 by Mozart 2nd movement, Concerto for Clarinet by Mozart slow movement, Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, and Love Dream by Franz Liszt. In general, I prefer Mozart but I like listening to piano pieces by various composers. I also like symphonies and chamber music. I am not too excited about choir pieces although I must say that Mozart's Requiem moves me like nothing else. I enjoy Rossini's opera overtures as well. As far as ballet music goes, I love Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake perhaps because I love the ballet itself.