A Big Day at Captain Toms: Inside Our First Live Band Experience
A couple of weeks ago, every student at Upbeat Music School got to do something special: play their music with a real live band at Captain Toms, one of Aberdeen’s best-known rehearsal studios.
We called it the Live Band Experience—and that’s exactly what it was.
From the youngest beginners to the more advanced players, everyone had the chance to plug in, turn up, and feel what it’s really like to make music together. And wow… what a day.
The Joy of Playing Together
Many of our students had never played alongside a live drummer before, and for most, it was their first time playing with a full band. It’s a totally different experience than jamming with a backing track or running through a song at home—and it was amazing to see students light up as they got the hang of it.
Some real magic happened when students played songs they’d chosen themselves. I helped pair up students across instruments so that we had full bands forming right there in the studio. The room really came alive when groups locked in and started sounding like a real band.
Two performances in particular really stuck with me: the groups that played “Where Is My Mind” by Pixies and “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo. The chemistry, the confidence—it just clicked. And a huge shoutout to my friend Ellie, who joined us to sing Good 4 U (it’s a bit too high for me!)—she absolutely nailed it and brought so much energy to the session.
More Than Just a Jam
What made this event so powerful wasn’t just the volume or the energy—it was the learning. Students discovered what it means to play with others: to listen, to adjust, to communicate through music. It’s not something you can fully grasp on your own.
And let’s not forget the backbone of the day: the incredible drumming from Richard Glassby, a friend of mine and a brilliant musician who brought serious groove and guidance to every song. For many students, playing with Richard was a total game-changer—the moment music felt real.
A Musical Milestone
The vibe on the day? Fun. That’s the best way to describe it. The studios were full of smiles, laughter, and those “whoa—I’m really doing this!” moments. I loved seeing students meet for the first time, make music together, and cheer each other on.
And the feedback? Absolutely buzzing. Every student told me they had a great time, and I got some lovely messages from parents afterwards:
“This was an absolutely fantastic event and a great opportunity for them to play in a live situation. It really brings the hard work to fruition and encourages them to keep going… Brodie was buzzing and could have stayed all day if he could.”
Another parent wrote:
“Thank you so much for yesterday. What a fabulous experience and Luke really enjoyed it.”
Events like this are the heartbeat of Upbeat Music School, and seeing the confidence boost it gave each student just confirmed that this kind of experience is something we’ll keep building on.
What’s Next?
There’s no Live Band Experience planned before the summer, but rest assured: this is just the beginning. As we grow, we’ll be hosting more band sessions, jam events, masterclasses, studio recording days—and whatever other musical adventures we can dream up.
And if you’re reading this and thinking, “My child’s a beginner,” or “I’m not sure they’re ready for something like this…”—trust me, they are. Whether you've had ten lessons or none at all, we’ll find a way to get you playing in a band.
Ready to Join the Band?
If you’re already part of Upbeat—amazing things are ahead. If you’re not yet involved, now’s the time to jump in. Lessons at Upbeat are about more than learning chords—they’re about making music, building confidence, and having moments like this.
Want to know when the next event is happening? Get in touch or sign up for a free trial lesson by clicking the button below—we’d love to meet you.