LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – As I race to the very back corner of Los Alamitos High School for second period, the excitement builds up as room 802 gets closer. I march through the stampede of choir students waiting for their class to be able to reach my final destination, Music Studios.

Music Studios is not like any other class, sitting behind a desk listening to the teacher lecture for an hour. This course is a chance for students to exercise their musical brains and collaborate with one another, based on what Mrs. Dherlin, the Music Studio teacher, has taught them.

“My favorite thing is seeing students become their own artists and grow. It’s crazy to see students who have never sang before becoming stronger. That little push can make you realize that you can do it,” Mrs. Dherlin said. 

Projects in the Music Studios class vary from how to mix and master recordings to performing original songs. During projects, students are allowed to “fire or hire” any other students on their projects. This is a prime example of a real-world situation where musicians collaborate with each another.

“Having to talk to other (students) for projects really helps me step out of my comfort zone,” Music Studios student Natalie Cheng said.

The class’s first project of the year was an introduction to GarageBand, a software application that allows students to create and record music. Though there were some guidelines, students had complete freedom to record any kind of music that they desired.

After a week or so, it will be time to present the projects students worked hard on. As soon as it’s someone’s turn to present, all attention is focused on them. Everyone puts maximum effort into really listening to other students’ project, taking notes and giving both positive feedback and helpful information for improvement.

“(Music Studios) forces you to do and try new things, enhancing your musical ability,” Jealanna Garcia, a senior in the class, said.

Music Studios is an extremely supportive environment that is welcoming to all levels of students. Whether you are new to learning an instrument or have been playing for years, every student is accepting of others.  

“I love the environment Music Studios brings. Nobody is judgmental in here,” Garcia said. 

Music Studios is very fortunate to have many instruments such as guitars, keyboards and even an acoustic bass that are available to students at any time. 

To close out both semesters, Music Studios holds a performance at a coffee shop showcasing all of the students’ talent, one show in December and another in May, where students are able to present their own original music. This is a great opportunity for students to get that feeling of live performance and real world experiences. 

Music Studios is a great chance for students to be creative and independent along with stepping outside their comfort zone, pushing them to become better and more talented musicians every day.

Liz Frank is a student in Music Studios.