Hi! I'm Lucas.
I'm 17, and I'm happiest when I'm playing, performing, teaching, & learning music. I've been in musical theater since kindergarten, and began guitar soon after. Music brings me a lot of joy. It's my constant companion, safe space, confidence booster, and creative outlet.
Everyone should get to feel good about themselves through music. But while all kids may listen to music, many don't have the opportunity to learn to play music. Once I was old enough to realize that, I also realized I could do my part to help change it.
If you'd like to learn more about me, please scroll down and check out the tabs up top. Thanks!
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Me, age 7, with my first guitar.
Above: me, age 13, hosting a guitar recital for my students.
How Music Inspires Me
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
I started RhythmRise.org to help make drum circles, and their therapeutic benefits, accessible to all students.
Partnering with public schools around the country, we create and donate made-ourselves drums, how-to guidebooks, and curriculum supplements.
Check out RhythmRise, here.
Volunteering Guitar Lessons
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
I volunteer guitar lessons for kids in our local housing authority who otherwise may not have access to instruction or instruments.
A special moment was receiving a 2024 Community Hero Award in my town.
You'll see why I love it - Photo gallery with my students, here.
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Starting an Organization for Drum Circles
Teaching Private Music Lessons
I started giving private music lessons in 7th grade, realizing kids may feel more comfortable connecting with and learning from a fellow kid.
I'm so proud of how far my students have come, and I've learned so much through teaching them. I've also been able to purchase instruments for myself and others, and fund Rhythmrise.org
Photo gallery with my students, here.
Learning About Music Therapy
Learning About Music Therapy
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Through volunteering weekly with the Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at NYU Steinhard, and taking a summer music therapy course, I experience how trained therapists use the power of music for good.
It's opening up my own mind in all sorts of ways.
Performing Musical Theater
Learning About Music Therapy
Performing Musical Theater
When I'm not a character on stage, I've learned to be ok just being me. And that's thanks to my school theater community.
I'm lucky to be cast in great leading roles, perform on huge stages, and win at theater competitions.
Video + photo gallery of performances here.
Performing Music
Learning About Music Therapy
Performing Musical Theater
I performed with the School of Rock House Band across instruments, genres, and venues. A highlight was performing at Summerfest '23, USA's largest music festival!
Solo, I've also got to play at SXSW Music Festival, and some other really cool places.
Video gallery, here.
Starting a Guitar Club
Continuing My Music Education
Continuing My Music Education
Introducing the Redwings Six-Strings! A fun way to take a break from the school day & jam!
It's great playing guiitar with my high school peers, many of whom haven't had previous exposure.
We played & won bronze at NJ Teen Arts Festival!
Continuing My Music Education
Continuing My Music Education
Continuing My Music Education
I really enjoy learning about all things music! From my grandpa (harmonica) to School of Rock (guitar, vocals, bass), to my high school (musical theater, chorus, violin), to Berklee Valencia (guitar, jazz), to Bobby (all) - I've had wonderful teachers who believe in me.
I also mess around on ukuele, keyboard, drums, and audio tech. I'll always be a student!
Bringing Happiness
Continuing My Music Education
Bringing Happiness
Music makes me calm, gets me amped up, accompanies me, distracts me, motivates me, and enriches me.
I know music will always be in my life, in some form, every day. It makes me happy to know I'm doing my part to help bring music to those around me, too.