Ian Arras is part of a growing generation of musicians building careers through versatility, collaboration, and real world experience. A former student of The Lesson Studio and alum of the Rock and Pop Music Academy, Ian is now studying Recording Arts at University of Colorado Denver while actively performing, producing, and working as a session musician around the Front Range. In this Community Spotlight, Ian reconnects with Gary Gutierrez to reflect on college life, professional habits, and how early performance experience continues to shape his path as a working musician.
Q and A with Ian Arras
Gary Gutierrez: Ian, it has been a while since you were at The Lesson Studio. Catch us up. Where are you in school, and what are you studying now?
Ian Arras: I am at CU Denver studying Recording Arts, mostly production and recording. It is a smaller program, which I actually like because it gives me more flexibility to play music outside of school. I have met a lot of great people there, including my roommates, who are all musicians. We collaborate a lot, which has been really helpful.
Gary: Are there any collaborations that stand out right now?
Ian: My roommate Jason is a great producer, and I have been working with him a lot. I have also continued collaborating with Wrenn (Wrenn Van, TLS Alumna), which has been great. School really helped connect me with people I now work with regularly.
Gary: Outside of school, what does your musical life look like right now?
Ian: It goes in waves. I don’t love when my calendar is quieter, but I have been staying busy doing sideman gigs, subbing for other bands, and session work. I also have a personal project coming up. I am recording an album next month with a trio where I play organ. That project is very much my own, and I am excited about it.
Gary: Looking ahead a few years, how do you see your career shaping up?
Ian: Performing is what I enjoy the most. I like a mix of things, playing, recording, producing, but actually being on stage matters most to me. I think being a working musician is about doing a little bit of everything and doing it well.
Gary: As you move further into the professional world, what habits have you realized are essential?
Ian: The biggest thing is being a good hang. Most of the time you are not actually playing. You are spending time with people before and after gigs, during soundcheck, or in the studio. People want to work with musicians they enjoy being around. Preparation matters too. Know the tunes, show up on time, and take people’s time seriously. That goes a long way.
Gary: Thinking back on your time in the Rock and Pop Music Academy, what skills carried over into college and professional work?
Ian: Learning how a show actually works was huge. Soundcheck, load in, knowing when to play and when not to play, staying out of the way when needed. Those are things you do not always learn in a classroom. Playing shows through The Lesson Studio really prepared me for that.
Gary: You played some memorable venues with us. Any favorites?
Ian: The Fox Theater always stood out. That one felt really special.
Gary: We are actually returning to the Fox Theater this spring, which is exciting! To wrap up, what advice would you give to a younger version of yourself or to students just starting out?
Ian: Find music that excites you and follow that. I also wish I had developed a stronger practice routine earlier, especially for the things I did not want to work on but needed to. You have to balance discipline with passion. If you enjoy what you are playing, you will stick with it.
Gary: Before we finish, is there anything you would like us to promote?
Ian: Yes. I have a band called Big Ol’ Pig that I started with one of my roommates. It is a jam oriented project, and we have a show coming up on February 27 opening for Dave Watts. We also have some studio sessions up online.
Learn More and Get Involved
Ian Arras: Connect with Ian on Instagram
Big Ol’ Pig: Live performances and studio sessions. Listen to “Medusa” now!
Recording Arts Program: CU Denver
Rock and Pop Music Academy: Performance based program at The Lesson Studio
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