Student-led

Students handle every aspect of concerts, from scheduling concerts to planning repertoire, developing valuable skills in the process.

Diverse

We welcome all instruments and styles. Past performances have ranged from 18th-century classical cello to video game soundtracks on piano.

Stress-free

We foster an supportive and encouraging environment, and with group concerts, each performer only has to prepare 10-15 minutes of music.

Personal

In addition to their performance, each student introduces themselves beforehand and sticks around to socialize with the audience.

Our History

A Musical Journey

Learn about our roots and how we got to where we are today.

October 2022

Initial Funding

Luke Turner receives a $1000 grant from UA's New College Levitetz Leadership Program to bring his idea of a student-run music nonprofit in Tuscaloosa to a reality.

January 2023

First Concert

Five student musicians performed at Capstone Village, a retirement home on UA's campus, as part of the first Concerts for Joy-sponsored program.

March 2023

Three Concerts & Additional Funding

After three successful concerts, Luke received $500 in additional funding from the New College as the recipient of the Best Presentation award on Levitetz Leadership Day.

January 2024

Growing & Expanding

After 10 successful concerts, including student collaborations with the Capstone Village resident choir, we continue to grow student involvement and increase our community reach.

March 2024

MTNA Conference Presentation

Luke was invited to give a 20-minute talk about Concerts for Joy along with Jiachen Li (UA grad student) at the Music Teachers' National Association Conference in Atlanta, GA. They discussed lessons learned from the past year and successful strategies for music educators to incorporate student outreach concerts into their studios.

August 2024

Year 2

This semester marks Year 2 of Concerts for Joy. One exciting development this year: music students can now earn official class credit for MUA-010 (Music Convocation) by performing through CFJ.

“
"It was a great way to do a sort of lecture concert, and everyone was so open and excited! It’s a fun, low-stress way to run repertoire."
Abigail Byrd, cello
“
"I really liked getting to speak with the residents afterward and hear how happy they were that we performed for them."
Jackson Smythe, saxophone
“
"I loved having a captive audience that genuinely enjoyed the music!"
Megan Amrine, clarinet
Dapibus viverra vitae fames facilisis magna in. Diam vitae congue id venenatis, facilisis odio tempus sit.

“
"The quality of the music events provided is outstanding! The level of performance and variety in content, as well as the commitment to the experience by the various musicians, is deeply appreciated by both staff and residents."
Rene Katsinas
Director of Resident Services, Capstone Village
“
"Let me say again how meaningful these concerts are to the crowds you draw each month. Many of us can't get out, so it becomes very special for them to have live performances brought to them personally. We strongly hope you continue this extraordinary service!"
Bill Wallace
President, Capstone Village Advisory Council
Dapibus viverra vitae fames facilisis magna in. Diam vitae congue id venenatis, facilisis odio tempus sit.

Get in Touch

Have questions about performing, hosting, or just about Concerts for Joy in general?

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

lturner14@crimson.ua.edu

Phone

(205) 344-1921

Location

The University of Alabama
School of Music
Tuscaloosa, AL

About Us

Empower students and bring joy to communities through outreach concerts.