MUSO’S Stuff will showcase some of the region’s best up-and-coming musicians with a concert at Riverside Park on December 4.
Store owner Kyle Ford said the concert was an important step to expanding the music students’ confidence.
“Many of the kids are bedroom musicians, they only play to themselves in their rooms and the concert gives them a chance to play to a live audience,” he said.
“It also gives them the experience of playing in a band, and hopefully it will encourage them to keep playing in bands later in life.”
There is a total of 15 acts performing from 5pm with half being bands and the other half singers with piano accompaniment.
Mr Ford said he was a student at Muso’s Stuff himself and remembers the concerts fondly.
“I was part of it as a student and it can be great for confidence, but on the other hand, some kids really struggle with the whole live audience thing — some find it really confronting,” he said.
“It’s mainly been the families who attend to support the kids but I’d love to see more of the community come down and get behind the students.
“Our main goal is to support the kids and hopefully they will grow their love of performing and their musical talent.”
Singing student Indy Mangles will take to the stage in her fourth concert after taking singing lessons for five years.
“It’s a lot of fun and we get to show our talent to the community,” she said.
“I get really nervous before it, and that’s why I don’t really sing at any other places, it is very nerve-racking.
“But there’s not a lot of opportunities for young singers to perform locally so this is a great chance to get up and have a go.
“I’ll be singing two songs in a band.
“I’ve always liked singing since I was little and I started taking lessons as I wanted to do it as a hobby.”
The annual concert is in its 12th year and has given more than 1000 students the chance to perform on stage.
There will be a wide variety of musical styles on offer including modern pop and rock.
Performers will range from guitarists, bass players, singers and drummers.
Mr Ford said Muso’s Stuff offered lessons to almost every age.
“We suggest around eight years of age as a good starting point but if someone wants their child to start earlier they can come in and have a chat,” he said.
“We currently have about 80 students and offer lessons in vocals, guitar, bass, drums, piano and violin.
“There is no age limit either, our oldest student is 74.”
Entry to the concert is free and Mallee Woodfire Pizza will be on hand for those wishing to purchase a meal.
Mr Ford said the concert was a great night out for families and would be of a professional level.
“We have Callum McNab from One9Four Audio Engineering doing the sound so it will be fantastic.”
