TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS
It's important to have a role model or a positive influence in one's life because it makes one feel better about ones self. In my life, one of the most influential people has been my music instructor, Tom Pugh. Tom has always been there for me and has been behind me and supportive since I first began working with him.
Tom Pugh is a musician. He believes that giving to charitable causes and doing the right thing is very important. He combines this with his love for music and teaches kids how to work together to make music and perform. He founded the Plugged In program that allows teenagers who are interested in music to form a "Rock-n-Roll band," and raise money for charity by giving a performance.
Before I met Tom I was going through a very rough time in my life. I was struggling with depression and school. When I heard about the Plugged In program I was rather skeptical and didn't think that it would work out the way it has. When I met Tom for the first time I instantly knew that this was the place for me at that time in my life. It was the right thing for me to be doing.
Tom has supported me and has given me positive feedback that is very meaningful, especially for someone like me. Not only has he complimented me on my music but also noted that I am a good person and that I make other people feel better about themselves. He has told me that many times he thought that certain bands worked because of me and he felt that I led the band, that I held them together. From what I have seen, he treats everyone the way in the kind and caring manner he treats me.
Tom Pugh and the Plugged In Program have changed my life and the way that I think about the world. I don't think that he's aware of the extent that he has changed my life.
-- A.K.
Dear Tom and Sandra,
I would just like to take a minute to thank you very much for allowing me to particpate in the Plugged In program free of charge (via the scholarship). It was a great experience for me as it was really my first non-school based musical group. It was completely different than solo play. Over the weeks of practices, the band members started making friends. Knowing each other made it easier to play better without worrying about making mistakes. This would not be possible without the low key environment and having Tom drop in here and there to tell a random joke than everyone would laugh to. That should be a saying, "Laughter Brings the World Together!" Thank you very much for this wonderful experience.
-- Sincerely, BW
Dear Tom and Sandra,
I am taking this opportunity after 5 years in the Plugged
In program to thank you for all you've done for me. I feel like,
during my time in Plugged In, I have greatly grown as a musician, and
as a person, and I will always have a place in my heart for both of you.
From strumming my first barre chord, to taking my first guitar solo, and
even singing for the first time, there was a lot of firsts for me. One
of the things that your program gave me is the confidence in myself to
do a lot of things: To sing, to write, to play in bands, and I really
have come a long way. And to look at how far my guitar playing has come
since I started the program 5 years ago, is incredible. 5 years ago, I
could not play barre chords, solo, play slide, or come up with parts on
my own, and now I feel like it's all come together. One of the best
things I got from Plugged In, had to be the inspiration that I gained
from both of you. For example, when I wrote my first song ever, and you
both told me to keep doing it, and praised my originality led me to now
writing 2-3 songs per week. Also, I became really inspired to become a
good guitar player, which wasn't always true for me. For, in my
early years in the program I was more focused on other things, but as
time went on, I figured out that music is what I want to do in life, and
I really would like to thank you for helping me find dreams for myself.
Another inspiration I gained from both of you, is to really affect change
in this World through music. And That, especially, makes me feel like
I grew as a person through your program. For you two to care so much about
world issues to have each concert's proceeds to be donated to charity
is so great, and I believe it has helped all of your students become more
conscious of what is going on in the world.
Even though my tenure in Plugged In is done, I will always be thankful
for all that both of you and your wonderful program have done for me.
You have helped me to find my dreams, and to grow, as a musician, and
as a person. In the future of your program, I wish you the best success
you can possibly have, and you will always be in my thoughts. Thank you
for everything, and I hope to see you both soon.
-- Sincerely, C.M., Plugged In Graduate