Amazing Student Concert!

Every year, the Guitar Lessons Ithaca Student Concert is a milestone — a celebration of growth, creativity, and community. But this year’s event, held in Room 2K, surpassed expectations. With 14 student performers, a packed house, and a wide variety of musical styles, the evening was an inspiring reminder of why I teach and what makes this community so special.

The Calm Before the Storm

I arrived nearly two hours early to set up — and thank goodness I did. Between arranging the stage setup, testing sound, and setting out 40 chairs for the audience, time moved faster than I anticipated. I barely had a chance to grab a quick bite before guests began filing in, some well ahead of the official start time.

The chairs I had set out filled up quickly. By the third song, I noticed folks standing in the back, and I made a quick announcement that more chairs could be brought in. Instead, people filled the front row or simply stayed standing. It’s always a good problem to have — too many supporters rather than too few. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the families and friends who came to cheer on the performers.

The Preparation You Don’t See

Students often show up, plug in, and play — and that’s exactly what they should do. But what they may not realize is how much behind-the-scenes preparation goes into making an event like this run smoothly.

In the weeks leading up to the concert, I spent hours creating custom charts for bass and drums, especially for pieces where we didn’t have standard lead sheets or where we needed to match a student’s specific arrangement. For instrumental songs, I transcribed vocal melodies so I could accurately represent them on guitar — something that’s both time-consuming and creatively demanding.

We also spent two months rehearsing in lessons, refining arrangements, tightening transitions, and making sure everyone was confident and performance-ready. For some students, I recorded parts of our rehearsals and uploaded them to their student pages so they could practice at home with a reference. For others, I created full backing tracks to simulate the experience of playing with a live band. These small touches made a big difference in helping students feel prepared and supported.

Streamlining the Show

If you’ve ever run a student recital, you know it’s easy for the event to stretch on longer than expected — especially when everyone is excited and wants to chat between songs. I’ve learned over the years that keeping things moving makes for a better experience for performers and audience members alike.

This year, I tried something new: I wrote each performer’s name on a slip of paper and placed them in a hat (well, technically a Tupperware container). I also kept a written list and chose a “runner-up” each time — that is, the next performer who should be getting ready as the current one was finishing up. That simple system saved us precious minutes between songs and gave the whole evening a sense of flow and purpose. As a result, all 14 students played in just an hour and 45 minutes — no small feat considering the variety of styles and setups involved.

When Life Happens

Even with the best plans, life has its own rhythm. We had 17 students signed up originally, but three had to bow out. Two were caught up in finals at Cornell and Ithaca College, and one changed her mind last-minute — but showed up anyway to support her peers. That kind of camaraderie really stuck with me. It’s not just about performing; it’s about being part of a musical community.

Warming Up the Room

Our first song, “Mister Magic,” performed by the house band five minutes before showtime, has become something of a tradition. It loosens us up, lets us lock in as a band, and sets the tone for what’s to come. We’re not just there to accompany — we’re there to lift each student up and give them the best possible musical foundation.

That house band support is essential. With so many different styles on display — classic rock, blues, jazz, metal, folk, pop — we have to be versatile, quick on our feet, and deeply tuned in to the needs of each performer.

A Setlist That Spanned Genres and Generations

One of the most exciting parts of these concerts is the sheer diversity of music. Here’s just a taste of the songs performed this year:

• “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls

• “Moonman” – a jazzy arrangement inspired by “Moonglow”

• “Heaven” by David Byrne / Talking Heads

• “Wild Night” by Van Morrison

• “Strong Enough” by Boeginius

• “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

• “Across the Universe” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles

• “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

• “Hey” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

• “When I Come Around” by Green Day

• “Texas Rock” — a blues number from the instructional book Blues You Can Use

And two original compositions by students, titled “House on Fire” and “Sunder,” stood out not just for their musicality but for the bravery it takes to write, arrange, and perform your own material. Both songwriters received Student Recognition Awards for Special Achievement, and deservedly so.

A Supportive Crowd

What struck me most was the attentiveness of the audience — even the younger children. No running around, no fidgeting. Just focused listening and appreciation. That speaks volumes about the performers’ presence and the respectful atmosphere we’ve cultivated over the years.

It’s easy to forget in our device-distracted world just how rare it is to have a roomful of people, from toddlers to grandparents, giving their full attention to live music. It was beautiful to witness.

Growth, Pride, and Perspective

I won’t lie — running a student concert is a ton of work. From scheduling rehearsals to crafting charts, to communicating with families, to managing the logistics on the day of, it’s no small undertaking. But when I see my students up there playing with confidence, groove, and creativity, it’s all worth it.

I’m also proud of how much I’ve grown as an organizer and bandleader. I’ve learned how to set up quickly, how to communicate clearly from the mic, and how to keep things flowing without losing the sense of celebration. I’m always tweaking, always trying to make it smoother for next time. But overall, I’m starting to feel like we’ve found a rhythm — one that allows the music to shine and the performers to feel fully supported.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Student Concert was more than a recital. It was a musical gathering, a shared celebration of personal growth, risk-taking, and dedication. It showcased the power of preparation and the beauty of spontaneity. And most of all, it reminded me why I do what I do: to help people express themselves through music, and to be part of a community that lifts one another up.

Next year’s event is already on my mind. There are things I want to improve and ideas I want to try. But one thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to do it all again.

 

---

Book a free trial lesson, available both in-person and online. Fill out this form and we’ll respond within 24 hours.