Whether you’re the next David Bowie or you can barely play “Chopsticks” on the piano, the Musician’s Club at SDSU welcomes everyone.
The club had its official debut on campus in 2018. However, the club has its roots atRancho Bernardo High School, where it started in 2012. It was founded by the Afetep family in an effort to provide a club where people could play rock music.
Senior nursing major Audrey Nonaka, secretary and vice president of communications of the Club, joined it in 2012 at Rancho Bernardo High School. She is now a senior at SDSU and decided it was time to get more involved with the organization..
“I became an executive because I am currently the only active member that has been in the Musicians Club the longest,” she said. “I just want the club to achieve as much of its goals as possible.”
The group’s main goal is to create an outlet for musicians to perform, practice and grow with like-minded people.
Construction engineering junior and the club’s Co-President of External Relations Ryan Freedman said he joined when he was a sophomore at SDSU. At an early age, he fell in love with the classical music his parents would play on the radio. Since then, he has picked up a wide array of instruments from the guitar to the saxophone.
“I wanted to join because of my passion for music,” Freedman said. “I’m not a music major so it was a good way for me to do what I love with people who have the same passion.”
There are currently about 50 members in the club who play a variety of instruments.
As a member there are many events to participate in. For those who just want to play music in a safe space with others musicians, the club holds a jam session every other Wednesday for all members. Many of the members say this is one of the best aspects of the group because it is a safe, no-pressure zone to do what they love.
“This is definitely my favorite part of the club because everyone can just come and bring whatever they want,” Freedman said. “They get to show off what they have been practicing and all jam together with no pressure.”
Sophomore and the club’s Co-President of internal relationsDavis Porath started playing music when he was nine years old. He said one of the highlights of his time in the club was when it hosted an event called “Flashback.” The group performs regularly on campus.
”We did a few songs from each decade and I liked the variety of music,” Porath said.
Some other previous events include “The Musician Club Reunion,” which was a concert on Shelter Island for all past and present members. Another event was the “Concert Under the Stars,” which was an evening concert located in the Aztec Student Union on campus.
Many members have noted the unique relationship the members have with one another. Not only do they play music but they hold socials for the members to bond and hang out.
Socials in the past have included bowling, open mics and ice cream runs.
“The best part of this group is how close we are,” Freedman said. “You instantly walk in and feel like you have a bond with these people.”
Overall, the club welcomes anyone no matter the level of skill. Whether people want to meet fellow students who love music or want to get practice performing, the members encourage students to consider joining.
“Anyone can be in the club, that is the misconception of the name,” said Nonaka. “If you are a lover of music but don’t perform, you can still be involved and support the club.”
To learn more about the club you can go to sdsu.musiciansclub.com or go to @musiciansclub.sdsu on instagram to view upcoming events.
Natalie Wilson is a junior studying journalism.
