Begining your journey in jazz

Did you start learning jazz from the beginning or another genre?

For me, I did 7 years of classical lessons before my first jazz lesson.

My officially journey started with stride piano. After that I joined jazz band in middle school.

I started playing cocktail piano (anyone still use that term?) at restaurants and parties when I was in high school. I also played in high school jazz band and jazz combos (4-5 piece).

How about you? What was your path to profiency as a jazz musician?