I Love Watching This Happen Every Semester
Students finding their voice. Building confidence. Playing music, not just practicing scales.
I used to teach a college class called Performance Lab.
It was hands-on. Students would play songs in a rehearsal-type environment, and we’d hire a rhythm section to back them up. Not other students but working musicians. People I’d regularly gig with.
We’d talk about feel, expression, song form. I’d demonstrate something with the rhythm section, then the students would “sit in” and play the song a few times.
The best part?
You could see it on their faces. Building a solo that actually fit the song. Locking into the groove with the bass and drums. Not just playing notes, playing music.
After each student performed, we’d give feedback. The other students would share what they heard. The pro bass player would give perspective from a bassist’s point of view. The drummer would talk about groove and pocket.
Unless you’re really driven, most musicians never get that.
Here’s why it worked
These students were learning theory and ear training in other classes. But Performance Lab took all of that and put it in a real-world context.
They had to play the right part for the song while locking in with the rhythm section’s groove. Make real music with other musicians.
Semester after semester, the same pattern:
New students enter the program. They know some stuff, scales, maybe some chords. But they don’t know how it all ties together.
Over the course of the semester, almost everyone grows. Not just technically, but Musically.
Performance Lab showed students exactly where the holes were in their fretboard knowledge and theory understanding. It gave them an low stakes opportunity to put themselves out there and work out the musical connections.
You can fake your way through a lot when you’re practicing alone in your bedroom. But when you are playing with musicians better than you... you know exactly what you need to go back and work on.
That’s why Freteleven exists
Performance Lab proved something to me semester after semester:
When you tie together Theory, Fretboard, and Ear Training in a practical way, guitarists find their own voice. They build real confidence as players.
Not just “I can play this riff” confidence. But “I can sit in with any band and contribute musically” confidence.
That’s what I’m building with Freteleven. The frameworks and understanding that support your musical expression, not replace it.
Want feedback like Performance Lab?
I’m opening up a handful of spots for private online lessons.
Here’s how it works:
Book a 45-minute first session
We’ll dive into where you are now and where you want to go. I’ll watch you play, listen to what you’re working on, and identify exactly where the gaps are.
Get your customized 3-month roadmap
After the session, I’ll email you a roadmap tailored specifically to you. Not generic advice. your next steps based on what I heard in our session.
Keep going if it fits
I’ll also include a list of open spots if you want to continue working together.
No pressure. Just clarity on what to practice next and why it matters.
The best part of teaching Performance Lab wasn’t the curriculum. It was watching students realize they could actually play, not just practice.
If you’re ready for that, let’s talk.
Keep on Playing!
Andrew | Freteleven