During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students found themselves confined to their homes, with their usual routines upended and activities halted. For Scarlett Nold, now a senior at Hudson High School, learning to play the electric guitar became not just a new hobby but a lifeline during the isolation of the pandemic.
With no formal lessons available and a desire to keep busy, Nold took matters into her own hands, teaching herself to play and eventually joining the Hudson Jazz Band, a place where she could channel her love for music and grow as a musical artist.
It all began during the early months of the pandemic when school was abruptly moved online and many of the usual extracurricular activities were suspended. With the world on pause and social distancing measures in full effect, Nold found herself at home more than ever. As the days stretched into weeks, she realized that she needed something new to do, something that would allow her to express herself creatively and break free from the monotony of virtual school.
Nold had always enjoyed music; growing up, her dad played the electric guitar and she played the violin. Nold states, “My church was starting a youth worship band and they needed a guitar player, so I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to learn. I also just thought that when my dad played it, it sounded really cool and calming.” Nold began playing the electric guitar in eighth grade. At first, the learning process was daunting. Nold had no prior experience with the guitar, aside from a few casual attempts at strumming her dad’s old acoustic guitar. But she was determined.
“There are multiple ways to teach yourself. You could watch videos, take lessons, read books, or simply just play around with certain notes and rhythms by ear that might lead to better techniques and ideas.”
She started with videos at first, but as she got better she started reading books. The first few days were frustrating—her fingers were stiff, her strumming was awkward, and it seemed like no matter how much she practiced, the chords wouldn’t come out right. But she kept pushing herself, refusing to give up.
The early days of self-teaching were filled with trial and error. Nold learned the basic chords, practiced scales and followed along with videos that explained techniques like fingerpicking, bends, and hammer-ons.
Slowly but surely, her skills improved. The more she practiced, the more comfortable she became with the instrument. She found that the guitar became a way to release her frustrations and emotions in a time when the world felt uncertain. Each new chord progression felt like a small victory, a reminder that she could still learn and grow despite the challenges around her.
By the time the school year began in the fall, Nold developed a solid foundation on the guitar. She was confident enough in her skills to start thinking about how she could share her music with others. Nold was always involved in music at school, as she played the trumpet in the middle school and participated in the orchestra – but she had never considered the possibility of joining a jazz band. When she became interested, Nold approached some directors to see if she could play for the Hudson Jazz Band. Although it was a bit intimidating to join an ensemble of more experienced musicians, Nold felt ready. To her delight, she was accepted into the band.
Joining the Hudson Jazz Band was a turning point in Nold’s musical journey. It was the first time she had been part of a group that truly challenged her. While playing in a band setting was different from practicing alone, Nold quickly adapted to the dynamics of ensemble music. She learned to listen closely to the other instruments, especially the bass and drums, and developed a deeper understanding of how guitar could complement the overall sound of a jazz band. She was no longer just playing individual notes and chords; she was now part of something bigger, working in harmony with others to create something unique.
In the jazz band, Nold’s role was primarily as a rhythm guitarist, providing the harmonic backbone for the ensemble. She loved the freedom that jazz offered, with its emphasis on improvisation and personal expression. Over time, Nold became more confident in her solos, drawing on the skills she had honed through self-teaching. Her fellow band members were supportive and encouraging, helping her grow both musically and personally.
By the end of the school year, Nold transformed from a self-taught beginner to a skilled guitarist with a passion for jazz. Playing in the Hudson Jazz Band had given her a sense of community and purpose during a time when both were in short supply. The music had been her refuge, a way to navigate the challenges of adolescence during a pandemic, and a path to discover her own voice as a musician.
Looking back, Nold realized that teaching herself to play the guitar was one of the best decisions she ever made. It gave her a sense of accomplishment and a way to stay connected to the world during a time when everything felt distant. The journey from self-taught guitarist to member of the Hudson Jazz Band was a testament to her resilience and determination, and it was only the beginning of what promised to be a lifelong musical adventure.
