I classify myself as a student and a teacher. This year, I'm back into the student. I try to stay balanced. I learn so much every time I walk about my door.

A long term goal is to encourage students to start doing concerts in which I or the other artists will come back at the end of the school year to see their concerts.

The Eagles, let's face it, they were a pretty cool group, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie. I had this really eclectic background in music.

I first met Hanson over in Japan and they gave me some great advice about the fans and they seem real down to earth. They're great.

I've also been writing for other artists, producing other artists, doing some country stuff. Those lyrics I tend to leave more universal.

It's just that only now are women coming around, and when someone as striking as Alanis or Sheryl Crow comes out, the public just needs something to compare it to.

Find your authentic voice, become vulnerable, and then put yourself out there.