Singer-songwriter Nick Polito brought his Americana country music and a message about persistence to Jim Thorpe Area High School on Friday.

The professional musician from Fayette County performed for students while sharing the story of how he turned his lifelong passion into a full-time career.

“I’m just here to sing to the kids and show that it’s OK to follow your dream,” Polito said. “I just want to prove that it’s OK to be yourself and lead by example.”

Now in his fifth year as a full-time musician, Polito performed both cover songs and original material from his latest project — a full record produced in Nashville with producer Dave Pahanish. The two worked together for approximately 10 months on a collective album, with singles being released every four to six weeks.

The path to becoming a full-time musician wasn’t easy. Polito said the beginning was challenging, but he remained committed to his passion.

“I knew quitting wasn’t an option,” Polito said. “I came too far to turn around, and it was something I was passionate about my whole life. I just didn’t believe in myself enough to take the leap. But once I initially took the leap, everything kind of started to come full circle.”

For students considering a career in music, Polito offered straightforward advice rooted in his own experience: believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“You have to believe in yourself enough to get it going,” Polito said. “It’s OK to ask questions from other people. You’ll get a response from some, you won’t get a response from some, but initially you’ll start to develop that game plan.”

Not accepting rejection proved crucial to his success.

“Not taking no as an answer was one of the biggest things for me,” Polito said.

The demanding nature of the music industry requires persistence and dedication.

“There’s no sleep in this game,” Polito said. “You just have to continue to push forward one foot in front of the other. It’s one big grind.”

He encouraged students to seize every opportunity that comes their way.

Polito’s career has included notable achievements, including opening for country artists Tracy Byrd and Diamond Rio at the Fayette County Fair, as well as performances with Lee Greenwood and Ira Dean. He’s also collaborated with Scott Blasey from the Clarks, a full-circle moment for the musician.

“The Clarks were my first concert when I was 14,” Polito said. “And 15 or 16 years later, here I am working with the guy. So it came full circle.”

The two musicians will perform together Feb. 6 at a local winery in Polito’s home area.

Polito’s music falls into the Americana country genre, which he describes as realistic storytelling.

During Friday’s performance, Polito made the session interactive and distributed merchandise to students, including T-shirts. His regular performance schedule includes appearances at schools in his hometown area and surrounding communities, particularly during the holiday season.

The message Polito hoped students would take home was simple but powerful.

“It’s OK to believe in yourself and believe in your dream and chase it and follow it,” Polito said.

Students and others interested in Polito’s music can find his work on Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music, or follow him on social media at Nick Polito Music on Facebook.