Student Album, Volume I
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this album!
(tracks alphabetized by student first name)
1. Adam Bauchner: “Pete Says”
2. Barbara Alden: “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”
3. Brian Collins: “Dance of the Royal Court”
4. Cisco Paler-Large: “Arsonist’s Lullaby”
5. Demetri Lee-Maltezos: “Bittersweet Memories”
6. Doug Olsen: “Autumn Leaves”
7. Edem Balich: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
8. Hilary Greenberger: “In My Life”
9. Josh Markley: “Spontaneous Groove”
10. Kara Andres: “Over and Out Rag”
11. Karen O’Brien: “How High the Moon”
12. Lars Galloway: “Colours”
13. Matt Del Buono: “Ain’t No Sunshine”
14. Nick Maggio: “Rooftop”
15. Tim Lagonegro: “Blues with Bass”
16. Tim Wakeman: “Swingin’ the Blues”
17. Wayne Gottlieb: “Round Midnight”
At Guitar Lessons Ithaca, fostering musicianship is at the core of our teaching philosophy. We encourage our students to dive into music that resonates with them, offering unique opportunities to express themselves. Twice a year, we host two significant events: the Student Concert in early summer and the Student Album in the fall. These events are more than just performances; they are milestones of personal and musical growth.
Practical Advantages
Creative Expression: Writing and recording original music allows students to uncover their distinct artistic voices, fostering creativity and self-expression. This process helps them discover new aspects of their musical identity and build confidence in their abilities.
Sense of Accomplishment: Completing an album is a significant milestone, instilling a profound sense of pride and achievement. Each track recorded and perfected contributes to a larger project, giving students a tangible product of their hard work and dedication.
Real-world Experience: Participating in the album creation process mirrors the professional music industry, providing invaluable hands-on experience. Students learn about recording techniques, studio etiquette, and the workflow involved in producing high-quality music.
Portfolio Building and Collaboration Skills: An album is a powerful addition to a musician’s portfolio, showcasing musical prowess. It also hones collaboration skills, teaching vital lessons in communication and teamwork. Working with peers, students learn to give and receive constructive feedback, coordinate schedules, and blend their individual talents into a cohesive project.
Time Management and Discipline: Successfully completing an album requires dedication and disciplined time management, skills that are beneficial in all aspects of life. Students learn to balance their practice, recording sessions, and other commitments, developing a strong work ethic.
Feedback and Growth: Engaging with constructive criticism from teachers, peers, and listeners fuels substantial growth in songwriting, performance, and recording skills. This feedback loop helps students refine their techniques and develop a critical ear for their own work.
Exposure and Recognition: The album offers exposure to a wider audience, potentially capturing attention and recognition that can serve as a springboard for future opportunities in the music industry. Participating students gain confidence as their work is shared and appreciated by a broader community.
Musical Advantages
Deeper Understanding of Musical Elements: Navigating melody, harmony, and rhythm provides a comprehensive grasp of music. By dissecting and integrating these elements, students enhance their overall musicianship and versatility.
Overall Arrangement and Form: Thoughtfully arranging a piece deepens understanding of musical composition. Students learn to structure their music effectively, creating engaging and dynamic tracks that hold the listener’s interest.
Timing, Expressive Elements, and Phrasing: Perfecting timing, mastering expressive elements, and delving into phrasing enrich performance quality. These skills help students convey emotion and nuance in their music, making their performances more compelling.
Enhancing Songwriting Skills: Writing original music for the album is a significant leap in songwriting abilities, pushing students to make creative decisions and execute their ideas effectively. This process encourages experimentation and innovation, leading to unique and personal compositions.
Instrumentation and Tone: Students have the opportunity to select accompanying instruments and experiment with effects and pedals, shaping their desired tone. This exploration allows them to develop a distinctive sound and understand the impact of different instruments and effects on their music.
These albums are not just about music; they are about growth, collaboration, and the pure joy of creating something uniquely yours.
Join the Journey
Are you ready to embark on this journey of self-expression and achievement? Reach out and schedule your free trial lesson today!
If you want to set up a free trial lesson either in person or online, simply fill out this form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. You may look back at that one decision as one of the best you ever made! 🙂