College is known for being a hub of creativity and art culture, but local art, including live music, is inaccessible to many students. Bars on the Strip have DJs and local bands, but there is usually an age restriction and cover. Students without cars can’t drive to concert venues, even for free events. Spotify and iTunes are nice and convenient, but MP3 files can only carry you so far.

But for those of us operating within these restrictions, there is hope. While we eat, sleep and go to class monotonously, many undiscovered talents are among us, waiting to be heard. Public jam sessions, dorm music and free on-campus performances are underappreciated artistic resources.

As I was wandering through Ridgecrest South one night with my friends, we heard a cover of Matchbox 20 coming from the fifth floor. The music was coming from a room of guitar players and vocalists who were very receptive of a random audience. They took our requests and even invited us to come back and listen again.

On clear nights, members of the Mallet Assembly are known to set up outside Palmer Hall. Sometimes it is just a keyboard player, and other times a dozen people are cranking out progressive rifts and the Alabama fight song.

Bama Dining does its share to promote music and performance. When Lakeside Dining opened its Patio Grill, a student was performing acoustic covers of popular rock and country songs. Starbucks hosts open-mic nights for the Honors College, Marr’s Field Journal and other organizations.

Music students also have free showcases on campus for different genres like opera, jazz and classical. University of Alabama tuba players and instructors hosted Octubafest for the first time this October, giving student musicians a chance to showcase their instruments outside of classes or the Million Dollar Band.

It may require some research, but the University of Alabama is not short on free live music. Campus talents are coming through our school every day, and all of the performers I’ve encountered were looking forward to playing for those passing by. If you find yourself broke and bored of your playlists, try taking a walk around your residence hall or Moody Music Building. You will surely find an exceptional local performance.