Every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m., the Campus Commons transforms into a live concert venue fueled by student performances.

But five years after its launch, Tuesday Tunes is struggling to keep the tradition alive.

Tuesday Tunes has been a staple program since its launch in 2020 under the name Commons Coffeehouse.

During the coronavirus pandemic, “It was the only live music on campus where people could gather outside and support their fellow students,” said Carly Smith, coordinator of student activities, leadership and student involvement.

Now, organizers are scrambling to find students to perform.

“We always strive to have four performers each Tuesday,” Smith said.

The first Tuesday Tunes of the 2025 school year did not feature a student. Instead, guest performer Mitchell Ford, a 29-year-old real estate agent from Granbury, kicked off the year by playing classic covers, originals and student requests.

LSI has scheduled two student musicians, Murray Cooper and Emma Dickey, for this Tuesday’s performance.

“I signed up for Tuesday Tunes because it is a great opportunity to share my passion for music with others,” Cooper, a senior marketing major said, “I am usually shy about playing guitar for people on my own, but this allows me to get up there and show what I love about playing.”

The future of the program depends on students like Cooper stepping up to the stage.

According to Smith, students often sign up after being inspired by a friend on stage.

“It’s a great starting point for students,” said Joe Easton, a sound engineer with TCU since the start of Tuesday Tunes in 2020. “It’s educational for the kids and helps them overcome their performance anxiety.”

Tuesday Tunes is open to all students and the sign-up link can be accessed on what2do.tcu.edu.

“To me, this opportunity represents a way to connect with what makes life worth living,” Cooper said. “There is so much noise and busy schedules to worry about, but music is what keeps me grounded and stable throughout it all.”