There is more to learn than words in a textbook. There are more languages than those taught in school. Students have studied the melodies of music, learned the language of lyrics and mastered the art of creating their own.

Listening to MexikoDro instrumentals in his bedroom, junior Jalin West recorded a rap song out of boredom, not knowing it would be the start to his music career.

“Everybody liked it, so I’m planning on taking this music thing very seriously,” West said.

With his eyes closed and mind focused, West sits at the edge of his bed to create lyrics of his own.

“I feel euphoria when I’m writing my lyrics,” West said. “I zone out and everything kind of disappears.”

West’s gift for generating lyrics led him to create the songs “Brick Flair” and “Hit Sumbody” Ft. DMP Jefe. His music is inspired by the tastes of Thouxanband Fauni, K $upreme, the entire Goth Money Records label and his singing mother.

“She’s been singing ever since she was a child,” West said. “It may be a trait because I can also sing, but I’m saving that for a special occasion.”

Besides his career as a rapper, West also dreams of being the lead vocalist of his own indie band. Though he loves to sing, West refrains from trying out for school talent shows or singing in front of other audiences because of being trapped inside his “shy shell.”

“I am slowly progressing, but I’ll come out soon,” Jalin said.

Sophomore Malcolm Wilson-Duckery began experimenting with different beats and sounds with a group of friends, later creating several different Hip Hop, Rap and R&B songs found on Soundcloud.

“I do it simply because I love it,” Wilson-Duckery said. “The vision I have alone motivates me. I look forward to the possible lifestyle [of] large money and opportunities.”

Though his music career has only begun, Wilson-Duckery has already made a number of raps, his favorites being “Panda Remix” and “Lean.” He strives for fame, allowing him the title he has always fantasized about, money to spend on loved ones and a BMW i8 of his own.

Junior Taylor Calhoun does not reach for glamour and prestige, but instead his guitar. Ever since he had a first grade dream of becoming a singer like Johnny Cash, Calhoun has dedicated his life to music from midwestern to hardcore metal.

“[Music] is poetic, energetic, self-expressive and can have a shock effect,” Calhoun said. “I love it.”

Whether punk, indie, or metal, Calhoun has either played guitar or sang for several bands. After countless influences, Calhoun created the solo project “It’s Just a Party,” playing a mix of his favored music styles.

“I wanna play music,” Calhoun said. “That’s what I see myself doing.”