If you have ever visited the Sharon Music Academy YouTube channel, you could not miss the amazing performances of Michael Karshis. He won multiple local, state, and international piano competitions. He received the "Steinway Artist of the Year" award in his senior year, and many envisioned him becoming a concert pianist. Imagine our surprise when he became a cadet at West Point to pursue a career as an officer! But we were even more surprised when we heard his stories about his life at West Point when he stopped by during his first Christmas break. First of all, to our surprise, West Point has a large music department. Secondly, the military recognized Michael's musical abilities, found them very beneficial for military service, and provided him with a piano instructor and anytime access to Steinway grand piano to further enhance his piano skills. West Point also asked him to perform for his fellow cadets and professors – it turns out music helps build mental and emotional resilience. And to my question, "Did music help him with the grueling boot camp training?" he answered, "Yes, in so many different ways!".