BUCYRUS — A local musician and singer is gearing up for a great new year while crafting his own style of music.

At the age of 22, Matthew Hopkins has already auditioned for the popular TV shows, American Idol and America’s Got Talent.

“From what I have learned from those experiences, the judges are looking for someone with a unique voice or their own style. Since then, I have been working on different types of music and developing my own style,” Hopkins said.

He said he was inspired to become a musician by watching his dad play gospel music.

“My dad is a musician and I get a lot of my talent from him,” said Hopkins of his father, Dale Hopkins. “When I was young, I used to listen to him play. He played worship-style songs and ministered to people. I always thought that when I grow up, I want to be like my dad.”

Hopkins began singing when he was 11 years old.

“And I started playing piano when I was 13,” Hopkins said. “I can’t read sheet music for the life of me. I just hear the music and figure it out.”

His dad showed him the notes, such as A, B, C, etc. and he figured out chord progressions from there.

“I began playing the guitar when I was 16. It is a little harder for me. A friend showed me open chords and things like that. My mom once dated a guy that played and he also showed me harder chords to play,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins compares music to breathing.

“I love music and it’s so much a part of me. It’s like breathing, I have to have it. It is what keeps me going,” said Hopkins.

He said his style of music was R and B (Rhythm and Blues) but realized recently that he was meant to play a different style.

“I realized that God put something different inside me. I began listening to orchestra music and my voice fits really well with that sound. I am working on finding my own sound,” Hopkins said. “The way the world is right now, it needs something different.”

Hopkins will continue to pursue his musical goals.

“Auditioning for American Idol and America’s Got Talent were fun experiences,” he said. “I learned a lot from that and realized I need a sound that stands out from the rest. When you go to those auditions, you see how many incredibly talented people there are out there.”

Hopkins said he will try out again in the future but is focused on honing his style.

“I love making music that makes people smile and forget their troubles, at least for a little while,” Hopkins said.