Robbie Rosen throws benefit concert for teacher

Vocal music teacher Michelle Lindsley broke the news that she is suffering from multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer, to one of her star students, Robbie Rosen, during a lesson at her home studio.

“Michelle has given so much of herself to me, her students and colleagues,” Rosen said. “I remember thinking I have to give back some way.”

Rosen, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Merrick, Hofstra University student and former “American Idol” semifinalist, spent much of his winter break organizing “Music for Michelle,” a benefit concert on Jan. 23 that raised $6,000 to help defray Lindsley’s medical costs, according to his mother, Lauren.

The concert took place at Farmingdale High School, where Lindsley has taught thousands of young singers in 24 years as the school’s choral director. Rosen gathered current and former students and colleagues of Lindsley’s and a medley of performers, including contestants from “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “The X Factor,” for the show. Some 700 people attended on a frigid Friday night, according to Lauren.

Rosen began taking private lessons with Lindsley as a high school sophomore. In 2011, he successfully auditioned for “American Idol,” the popular singing competition on Fox, finishing among the top 16 performers on Season 10. According to his official online biography, Rosen has composed more than 100 songs, writing and arranging the lyrics and music and co-producing recordings. His music spans pop, soul, R&B and country. He has appeared onstage with Kenny Rogers, Rascal Flatts and Debbie Gibson, and opened for Aaron Carter and Cassadee Pope.

Rosen said Lindsley supported him at every step of the “American Idol” competition. “I would call her at one or two in the morning from L.A., going over song choices,” Rosen said.

Lindsley said watching her pupil perform on national TV was both thrilling and stressful. “I’m like a momma bear with my students,” Lindsley said with a laugh.