Hi! I'm Lucas.
I'm 16 years old, and I'm happiest when I'm playing, performing, and teaching music.
I have been involved in musical theater since kindergarten, and began guitar soon after. Along the way, I've found wonderful teachers who believe in me, and that makes all the difference. It's also helped me develop into a confident teacher with my own music students.
Music brings me a lot of joy. It's my constant companion, safe space, confidence booster, and creative outlet. In my town, while all kids may listen to music, most don't have the opportunity to learn to play music. Once I was old enough to really realize that, I also realized I could help change that.
It makes me feel good helping kids in my community discover how fun it is to play guitar! The best part is knowing how good they feel to be able to play an instrument. I hope music is their friend for life.
If you'd like to learn more about me, please check out the rest of my site. You can also reach me at thedalybeast@gmail.com. Thanks!
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Me, age 7. That's my first guitar, and still my favorite.
How Music Inspires Me
Learning music
Teaching private music lessons
Volunteering guitar lessons
I really enjoy learning about all things music.
My ongoing music education is with School of Rock (guitar, vocals, bass) and my high school (voice/musical theater, violin), I also mess around on ukulele, keys/piano, drums, harmonica, and audio tech.
In July 2023, I studied at Berklee in Valencia, Spain, among terrific musicians from all over.
Volunteering guitar lessons
Teaching private music lessons
Volunteering guitar lessons
I volunteer biweekly guitar lessons for kids in our local housing authority who otherwise may not have access to instruction or instruments.
I also started a multi-day summer guitar camp at their community center. The kids named their band "Flaming Guitar Society"!
A special moment this year was receiving a 2024 Community Hero Award in my town.
Teaching private music lessons
Teaching private music lessons
Teaching private music lessons
I started giving private music lessons at age 13, with the idea that kids may feel more comfortable learning from another kid. It's worked out great! I've had over a dozen students, and hundreds of hours experience.
With my earnings, I buy my own instruments, buy guitars for students, donate to a charity that makes instruments for musicians with disabilities, and save for college.
Performing music
Performing musical theater
Teaching private music lessons
As a selected member of School of Rock's House Band, I've performed with my band mates across instruments, venues, and genres. A highlight was performing at Summerfest '23, USA's largest music festival!
Sometimes I also grab a mic or guitar and play solo. I got to play at SXSW Music Festival, and some other really cool places.
Performing musical theater
Performing musical theater
Performing musical theater
Getting to play different characters onstage is a lot of fun. I love being part of my school theater community.
Our directors put on amazing productions casting 100+ kids from grades K-12. I'm lucky to be cast in some really great roles, and get to compete and sometimes win in theater competitions.
What's Next?
Performing musical theater
Performing musical theater
Helping to expand my school's award-winning music department, with a new guitar club!
My school district serves a diverse student population, with many lower income families. If we can build up this program, we can introduce guitar to a lot of students, including those who may not otherwise have exposure to guitar or the opportunity to learn.