Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird was raised on the Suzuki Method of learning music at a young age. By age 7, he was able to play certain Bach and Mozart pieces on the violin by ear. As a kid, he also used to listen to classical music and hum his own songs in his head based on what he heard.

Bird has never written down any of the music or lyrics he's created. He didn't even learn to read sheet music until he was a teenager and had to play in an orchestra. Bird says, "If you have to write it down, it's not worth remembering."

Although Andrew Bird has a Bachelor's degree in violin performance from Northwestern University, the singer says he hated school. He was miserable and didn't get along with his teachers. He says he "can't believe he stuck with it" and says he "took it pretty damn seriously, too." Bird also taught violin for a short time after school but quit because he liked performing more.