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Luke Pierce’s Music and Computer Technology classroom at West Potomac Academy is filled with soundboards and headphones, but students say its most important feature is the freedom to express themselves.

Pierce arrived at teaching by an unconventional route. After losing his hospitality-industry job during the pandemic, he began working as a classroom monitor. He later learned that West Potomac Academy needed a music technology teacher and took the position, bringing his longtime interest in music into the classroom.

“I see myself not only as a teacher, but also as a collaborator,” Pierce said. “I’m learning just as much from my students as they are from me.”

His students write, perform and produce a full-length album each year under the collective name fivetwofive., a reference to their classroom number. Their album, Better Days, consists of original student work. The class also created theme music for Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s podcast, despite many participants having no previous recording-studio experience.

For Sabi, a junior and singer-songwriter, making music provides a way to work through difficult emotions.

“When I’m going through something, I write it into my songs,” Sabi said. “It helps me understand what I’m feeling.”

He said Pierce has built an environment where students can be authentic and vulnerable. “I feel like I’ve found my people,” Sabi said.

Eli, a junior rapper-songwriter and drummer, said Pierce encouraged him to trust his abilities instead of letting fear and overthinking stop him. He also praised Pierce for checking on students’ well-being and helping them use music to express themselves.

“We don’t just make music in this class,” Eli said. “We make connections. We help each other grow.”

Pierce said that emotional support is an intentional part of the program. He wants students to gain technical expertise while also developing the confidence to communicate who they are.

“We don’t just make music — we process life,” Pierce said.

Students frequently remain after school, collaborate beyond class hours and support one another. Pierce has even heard from students who said the class was their reason for coming to school on a particular day.

The fivetwofive. collective was scheduled to perform Better Days during a listening party and concert at West Potomac High School at 7 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025.