As you walk around campus, talented student musicians may be found playing the numerous pianos that have been placed outdoors, including a piano near the undergraduate residence halls and one conveniently located on BruinWalk.
Some of these students have become part of the UCLA Luskin Conference Center Student Music Series.
“We have all these amazing musicians on campus,” says Cherisse Rutledge, an executive assistant at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center who manages the program. “Why not give them an opportunity to perform for the UCLA community.”
Rutledge says the volunteer program, which is less than a year old, has been well received by both the student volunteers and the conference center guests.
“It sets a mood and an ambiance for everyone to enjoy,” she adds, noting that the program’s student pianists are currently scheduled to play Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. “I think our students really like to perform pieces and practice in a setting that would not normally be available on a regular basis.”
David Ghesser, a third-year music composition undergraduate, began performing as part of the Luskin Student Music Series last fall. Ghesser began studying classical piano when he was nine and taking weekly composition lessons when he was 13. Over the past four years, Ghesser has composed more than 125 melodies. Working in collaboration with lyricists, more than 30 of Ghesser's melodies have been converted into songs as piano/vocal tracks. Three have been produced, with a fourth in the works.
Ghesser says that he finds purpose and happiness in sharing his original compositions with this new audience.
"Music is a part of me. It’s who I am… I’ve been through stuff growing up and music helped me, and I want to heal other people and inspire them.”
Ghesser has already been recognized for his talent. Last fall, he became the first recipient of a UCLA scholarship named after Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson, one of his musical inspirations.
“Brian Wilson is an amazing songwriter, and I want to make people happy with my music like he did, and does, with his music.”
