Around age 8 or 9, Martina McBride began singing with a band her father fronted called, "The Schiffters." As Martina McBride grew older her role in the band progressively increased, from simply singing, to also playing keyboard with them. Although she enjoyed performing, Martina McBride never thought about taking it on as a full-time profession. At the end of high school, Martina McBride was offered a scholarship to a local college, but she only attended it for one semester. Martina McBride realized her passions lay in music and she began performing with local bands throughout her home area.