 He took lessons on every instrument so he could write for each with a deeper awareness, rather than just by ear as he had done in the past.He also conducted the West Hollywood Symphony Orchestra once a week for two years, a remarkable experience for a young man in his 20s, and he said it primed him for what was to come.His first break came in 1939, when the composer/conductor of the radio show "This is Our America" fell ill and Garcia was recommended to fill in.