Yesterday, I took a group of students from my Social History of Rock & Roll Class to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in Cleveland, Ohio. The kids loved it, were engaged the entire time, and it was my first time going there since I became a musician. I was able to navigate the place with a whole different perspective from previous times that I visited. I have always had a love for music, but the last time that I went, the guitar was a relatively foreign object to me. I thought that they looked cool and made sweet noise for those that were lucky enough to be able to play one.
Alas, fast forward 4 years, and what I’m posting is my favorite live performance to date. My students went and talked to the house band at the rock hall, and told them that I was a musician and that they should play a song with me. They obliged, and I was able to get a recording on video. I went on to play 6 songs with the band, and for a couple, students even came up and sang right next to me.
I had to pinch myself a little after this experience. I just played a partial set with the best musicians that I have ever played with, at one of the epicenters of music, in all of the world.
I feel blessed to be able to share this video of me playing a classic rock song, fingerstyle, with professional musicians. The drummer was OFF THE CHAIN!
What a great story Travis, and what a great day for all that would have been The look on your face playing was epic, I could see that you were thoroughly enjoying that
My take away is, were you saying that 4 years ago you didn’t play guitar or am I misreading? If that’s the case, Wow, brilliant and there’s hope for me yet.
That is correct, I first picked up a guitar in May of 2020 from scratch, so I guess I’m at 4 1/2 years. I’ve been lucky, had a lot of support, and I have worked really, really hard.
This was my favorite gig that I’ve ever had, by far. I have a couple of videos from when my students sang with me that I can’t share, but they are a couple of my happiest moments playing music.
Well great effort Travis, to go from that to playing gigs now I reckon is a mamoth effort congrats.
The video of the kids all singing with you would be mint mate, understandably in this day and age it can’t be shared. it’s a sad society in some ways that we’ve come to this. At least you have to reflect on
It wil forever be a core memory @CATMAN62 !! Ironically I’ve been sick all week and was not feeling 100%. I actually had a gig tonight that went really well for not having much of a voice Tuesday.
What a fun experience! My first question is where do you teach that has a “Social History of Rock & Roll Class”? Or am I misunderstanding? I would have taken that in a heartbeat.
It’s a course that I built at my school district before I started playing guitar. It’s a semester course that students get a high school credit for. It’s the most fun part of my day as a teacher @TheCluelessLuthier !!
or am I misreading? If that’s the case, Wow, brilliant and there’s hope for me yet.
it’s a sad society in some ways that we’ve come to this. At least you have to reflect on 
, Travis!!!
Count me in 
