T.J. Cornwall, an economics major in his senior year at Penn State University, is looking forward to his graduation when he can throw himself into the journey of achieving his dreams, “After graduating in May, I'll be touring full-time and 110% focusing on music which I was never able to do with all of the schoolwork that I have daily.”

It was not until T.J. was in his teens that he realized his interest in music. “When I was about seven years old, my parents forced me to take piano lessons. I absolutely hated it. All I wanted to do was play sports and play video games. You know, the normal seven-year-old life. I broke my hand playing football a couple years later. My injury gave me an excuse not to take piano lessons anymore, so I stopped playing until I was about 14. I sat back down at the piano to see if I knew how to play anything, and I immediately fell in love with it as soon as I found that I could play music that I wanted to play - my own. I thank my parents so much for making me take those lessons.”

Music was not T.J.’s only love. “I grew up as an athlete. All I wanted to do, just like many other little kids, was to play professional football. I spent my entire life up until 10th grade playing sports and following those dreams. However, you learn that life isn't always about sports. It's about the relationships and friendships you make along the way because no matter how cool your life is, there is no point unless you have somebody to listen to your stories. My life was about trial and error. I lived and learned daily. I had great best friends, relationships, and great times during my life. At the same time, I had many social catastrophes, psycho girlfriends, and hard times as well. The bad times just make for good songs and always make you realize that things can always get better.”

“My parents are the coolest old people on earth,” T.J. says fondly. “They are the most supportive people I know and are definitely my biggest fans.” His father, also an artist, once dreamt of working for Disney, “I feel like my dad lives through me a little. He had to start his own wallpapering business at 18 or 19 years old to provide for himself financially. He is still doing the same work to this day, which is simply amazing to me. He really inspires me to work hard and to do good work and to make him happy that I am following my dreams, but can still provide for myself at the same time.”

“I write completely from the heart,” T.J. confides. “I'm not scared to say what I'm feeling and if people don't like it, I don't care as long as there are people who do like it. I'm selfish with my music. I want to appease myself before pleasing other people because if I can't put my heart into what I singing, it won't have the same effect on other people. I try to be as honest as I possibly can with everything involving music. I don't want to be a one single and out kind of guy. I want people to see the full me.”

The reflection of T...J. Cornwall shows a trendy fusion of heartfelt pop and rock, inspired not from aversion in his personal life, but from the trials presented in mastering his craft. “I went through my life never being challenged. I was and am that kid in class that everybody hates. I don't really do anything but always end up with good grades. Music is the only thing that continues to challenge me. Every time I sit at the piano or play the guitar, I want to become better than the last time I played. Music gives me a feeling that I can't really explain in words. Music is everything to me. It's an escape, but tends to make you look reality right in the face. If I ever have a problem, I put it in a song bubble and blow it away. It's a great way to get my feelings out - good or bad.”

“I think everyone should have something to live for. I love music. I want to look back when I'm 50 and say that I really lived a great and fulfilling life. I have a little autobiography in song form with every song that I write.”