Hi! I'm Lucas.
I'm 17 years old, and I'm happiest when I'm playing, performing, and teaching music.
I've been 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, many may not 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.
I've been teaching and volunteering guitar lessons since age 13. It makes me feel good helping kids in my community discover how fun it is to be a musician! The best part is knowing how good they feel to be able to play an instrument. I hope music is their friend for life.
This year, I've expanded my own musical education to drum circles, learning about and experiencing first-hand, the therapeutic effects. I donate drums and am creating drum circle curriculum for the largest public school district in NJ, which is also one of the most in need of support.
If you'd like to learn more about me, please keep scrolling down and check out all the tabs up top. You can also reach me at lucascharlesdaly@gmail.com Thanks!
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Me, age 7, with my 1st guitar. Above that, is me, age 13, hosting a guitar recital for my students.
How Music Inspires Me
Volunteering Guitar Lessons
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Teaching Private Music Lessons
I volunteer guitar lessons + started a summer camp for kids in our local housing authority who otherwise may not have access to instruction or instruments. This is my third year, and I love it.
A special moment was receiving a 2024 Community Hero Award in my town.
Photo gallery with my students, here.
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Teaching Private Music Lessons
I started giving private music lessons when I was in 7th grade, sensing 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 instruments for myself and others, donate to music causes, and help fund my activities.
Photo gallery with my students, here.
Providing for Drum Circles
Teaching Private Music Lessons
Providing for Drum Circles
I'm increasingly interested in the healing powers of music, which I'm learning about firsthand through drum circles.
I find a lot of joy in facilitating drum circles, authoring drum circle curriculum for use across schools, and donating drums so hundreds of students can play. I hope they all get to experience the therapeutic effects of drumming!
Photo gallery of my drum circles, here.
Performing Musical Theater
Starting a School Guitar Club
Providing for Drum Circles
It is so fun being part of my school theater community, and playing various characters on stage along with over 100 K-12 students.
I'm lucky to be cast in great leading roles, and get to compete and win at theater competitions. The pinnacle was performing Main Stage at 2024 International Thespian Festival.
Video + photo gallery of high school performances here, and younger years here.
Performing Music
Starting a School Guitar Club
Starting a School Guitar Club
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.
Video gallery of performances, here.
Starting a School Guitar Club
Starting a School Guitar Club
Starting a School Guitar Club
Helping to expand my school's music department with a first-ever guitar club, The Redwings Six-Strings!
My district serves a diverse student population, with many lower income families. It's great to introduce guitar to my peers, including those who may not otherwise have exposure to guitar or the opportunity to learn. And it's a fun way for us all to take a break from the day and jam!
Learning Music
Learning Music
Learning Music
I really enjoy learning about all things music.
My ongoing music education is with School of Rock (guitar, vocals, bass) and my high school (musical theater, chorus, 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.