Clayton Lowman

Student of Randy Mastin

At eight years old I was inspired by a high school cellist, whom I watched play on a consistent basis at my church. He was a student of Randy Mastin at Reed. I began lessons the winter of my 3rd grade year. Over the last 10 years, I have felt increasing gratitude toward Randy and the Studio as a whole. Randy has taught, guided, and prepared me to play simple songs such as twinkle twinkle little star, to advanced pieces like Saens Concertos. He has also prepared me for much beyond being a young musician. He has shown me the necessary skills to continue to learn and play for the rest of my life. An ability that I will never regret pursuing. I am also extremely grateful for the many opportunities Reed has provided to me, and all aspiring young musicians in the area. The studio has many educated instructors and they’re all very dedicated to their students. The opportunity to perform in front of audiences in an amazing recital hall has taught me how to handle nerves and play with confidence. To me, Reed has been a place where I can enjoy time with my teacher, craft my abilities, and pause all other distractions in my life. Thank you to my instructors and Reed itself for the endless musical opportunities. It has been a significant part of my upbringing. I am proud to have been a part of Reed for so many years.

BRIDGET BAUMBICH

Student of David Reedy

When I was five years old, I began to ask my mom to play piano after watching my school's winter recital and seeing all the older students playing. After that, I got my first piano and took lessons from a few teachers for the next five years until sixth grade. Then, A friend who also took piano lessons here recommended Reed Music Studios. That is when I started taking piano lessons from David Reedy at Reed Music Studios. Over the last six years, David has expanded my musical abilities to allow me to play a variety of pieces that I never imagined I’d be able to play, from: Friedrich Burgmüller’s “The Storm,” to “Sea Winds” by Melody Bober. In addition to expanding my musical abilities, David has also prepared me for my future by showing me that the practice and work put into anything, such as music, will pay off. This is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life. In addition to teaching me the benefits of determination, David has also taught me about passion. Throughout my years at Reed Music Studios, one of the main differences between David and my previous teachers was his undeniable love and passion for piano, music, and sharing it with others—I hope one day I can share my passion for music like David does. One of the most important gifts I have received from Reed was the ability to express myself on the piano and get rid of distractions from the outside world. Reed has many passionate instructors who are dedicated to their students and excellent music. I would like to say thank you to David and all of the instructors at Reed for sharing their passion for music with me and other musicians in the coulee region, and I am extremely proud to say that I have been a part of an organization that shares music like Reed.

JACOB BRUNS

Student of David Reedy & Randy Mastin

Music is one of my greatest passions, and the instructors at Reed Music have been crucial in helping me achieve my full potential as a musician. David Reedy and Randy Mastin have been particularly influential in my musical development. Randy has helped refine my skills on the cello to a high level. I will miss our lesson time when Randy often sprinkled in humorous stories and life lessons. Not only has he taught me private lessons, but he was also my conductor in the La Crosse Youth Symphony Orchestra. Playing as a cello soloist and in an ensemble are two skills that I will use for the rest of my life. 

David Reedy taught me that every note has a purpose. My favorite piano pieces to play are from Romantic composers such as Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt. David has provided me with the technical skills to play challenging pieces, but more importantly, he trained me how to play with musicality. Some things with music cannot be taught with words. Oftentimes during my lessons, David demonstrated on the piano how to play with exceptional musicality. It’s clear that Reed Music has been an important part of my life and has helped me become the musician I am today. My instructors’ passion for music has inspired me and is a lasting legacy in my life.

Zach Holthaus

Student of Rita Schuman

I’ve been taking piano lessons for the past 8 years, with the last 5 of them being at Reed Studios under the instruction of Rita Schuman. I have really enjoyed my years of instruction with Rita, and my piano skills have grown each and every year. Rita introduced me to a wide variety of piano pieces, always finding pieces that spark my interest, and taught me many of the facets of playing piano. With her help, I qualified for the state solo and ensemble festival during my senior year of high school. She has also helped me greatly with my sight-reading skills, improving them far beyond what I was previously capable of. The skills I have learned and confidence I’ve gained through perfecting a piece and being able to perform it in front of audiences will serve me well in the future.  After graduating from GET High School this spring, I plan to attend college at UW Stout this coming fall, to pursue a major in Computer/Electrical Engineering and a Minor in Music.

Kate Holm

Student of Amy Baklund

I started taking piano lessons in fourth grade. I have really enjoyed learning the piano. I have learned many different styles and ways to play. I like the challenge piano brings as well.

I feel that through my lessons and performances, I have grown with my comfort and confidence during performances. It feels quite amazing to think about what I have accomplished with these lessons.

I hope I can continue music in college and through my adult life.

Elizabeth Fisk

Violin Student of Linda Lebakken.

I started playing the violin about 7 years ago and started lessons in November of 2017 with Marianne Buchanan. I've wanted to learn the violin for as long as I can remember, so I was thrilled to start my journey. Marianne brought me so far with my technique, sight reading, and shifting positions. With her, I worked through four Suzuki books. We also worked on John Williams' Theme from Schindler's List for Solo and Ensemble, my favorite solo thus far. I really enjoyed my lessons with Marianne, she was always honest with me when it came to correcting something, which I appreciate.

After Marianne left, I continued lessons with Linda Lebakken. Though I've only been taking lessons with her for a year, she has taught me so much. I have grown in understanding music in a stylistic sense, as well as technical. I have also learned many new techniques from Linda. Lately, we've worked on a Tchaikovsky violin concerto that I performed at State Solo and Ensemble. Both these ladies have helped me grow in my passion for the violin, and given me confidence to continue my journey. I am forever grateful to them and all those at Reed Music Studios.

Sophia Stanton

Voice Student of Doreen Athnos

I've been involved with music for as long as I can remember. Singing and playing my instruments have been my source of peace and a place to build my community with people who share the same passion for music that I do!

Amina rabindra

Piano Student of Judy Stafslien

I have been taking lessons at Reed Music Studios since I was five years old under the instruction of Judy Stafslien. These past 13 years have impacted my life greatly and I express my sincere gratitude for the countless years of music education and support that Reed and Ms. Stafslein have provided me with. 

I still remember my first lessons at Reed when I was younger, excited and eager to learn piano (and find the hidden mouse on Ms. Judy’s animated cat calendar). I couldn’t wait to become as talented and experienced as the older kids I saw performing at all of the Reed recitals. They inspired me to stick with piano and pursue becoming a better musician.

Judy has not only taught me everything I know about playing piano and being a musician, but also about dedication, hard work, and practice. She has taught me several valuable lessons and helped me challenge myself musically and increase my skill level drastically over the years. Her patience, encouragement, and expertise have helped me to grow and develop into the musician that I am today. I am truly grateful for all the time, effort, and care that she has invested in me.



Lessons at Reed have not only taught me how to play the piano, but have also instilled in me a love and appreciation for music that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They have not only helped me to develop my technical skills, but they have also helped me to become a more disciplined, creative, and confident person. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to be a student at Reed for all these years, and I will always remember the time that I spent here with great fondness. I will always be grateful for the impact that piano has had on my life.

NATHAN OLSON

Piano Student of David Reedy

I could never completely describe what music means to me. As an art form, I believe music holds the greatest potential for conveying the deepest complexities of the human experience. I was captivated by the richness of music ever since I was a toddler, so being able to cultivate it throughout the course of my childhood and teenage years has been a tremendous experience. From performing in small recitals the studio provided to directing full-fledged musicals, the joys and challenges of music have been an integral part of my life and something I plan to continue developing in college.

I started piano when I was seven years old and became a student of David Reedy about three years later. David is genuinely one of the strongest mentors I ever had. He always has a sarcastic, yet intelligent wit about every subject that is discussed in lessons, he gives the most valuable musical advice I have ever received, and he always was a person I could turn to in the hardest of times. He has shaped me into the person and musician I am today, and I could not be more grateful.

I am truly going to miss everything Reed Music Studios has provided me. It has been an incredible eleven years.

LAWSON EBBERT

Student of Lisa Freedlund

I've been taking piano lessons at Reed for 10 years with Lisa Freedlund. She's been an amazing teacher who has been nothing but supportive and helped me with a wide variety of musical styles and techniques. The opportunities through Reed to audition and perform at a variety of concerts and competitions has been a great learning experience as well. After high school, I plan on serving a mission for my church, and then I'll attend Southern Virginia University and I plan on majoring in Psychology. Taking piano lessons has helped me foster a passion for music which has enriched my life and that I will use for the rest of my life.

LACY HARPER

Student of Alex Burch

Lacy is West Salem Senior that has participated in theater, musicals, and show choir all of her high school years. She started taking voice lessons as a freshman from Audra House and continued taking lessons through out the pandemic virtually with her. Audra and Lacy grew closer even if they were not singing in the same room. She continued with her vocal instruction with Alexandra Burch, who happened to be her old babysitter. She continued to teach Lacy poise and classic instruction that she will hold on to forever. Lacy is going to attend UW Stevens Point in the fall.

ABIGAIL STRAIN

Student of Rita Schuman

I have taken piano lessons at Reed Music Studios since 6th grade. I’ll be honest, I was very against it at the start. But my teacher, Mrs. Rita, helped me find music that I enjoyed playing as well as turning the lessons in to something that would help me in other aspects of my music life. For example, instead of preparing for recitals, I learned how to sight-read music easier and pick up on rhythms faster. This especially helped me when it came to my choir, band, and theater music. On top of all that, I am able to play piano for my own enjoyment. 

ALANAH KAUFMANN

Student Judy Stafslien, piano, and Randy Mastin, cello

Throughout my time at Reed Studio, I've been able to challenge myself in ways I would have never thought possible. I am admittedly someone with a lot of stage fright; however, I was able to overcome some of this fear and perform solos for both cello and piano, and even perform in the honors recital. My teachers at Reed have instilled in me the confidence that I am a competent player who is capable of playing music, in all regards. I've gone from never wanting to perform in front of another living person to seeking to at least challenge myself to perform a solo and actively being excited about performing. I couldn't have done this without the unrelenting support from my teachers who have motivated me to continue to achieve, yet who have also let me decide what I feel comfortable doing. I plan to continue playing music in one of UW-Madison's orchestras alongside my studies. My time at the studio has made me realize how important playing music is to me, and I hope that I am able to keep music in my future.

PRIYA NAIK

Student of Randy Lyden

I have been taking piano lessons at Reed Studios for the last 6 years. Mr. Lyden is an excellent teacher. Each year brought new and exciting challenges that help me become a better musician. I am very grateful for my time at Reed Studios. Next year, I will be attending UW-La Crosse to continue my education. 

DELANEY CHRISTIANSEN

Student of Francis De la Rosa

I’m Delaney Christianson, and I have been taking violin lessons at REED Music Studios for 8 years under instruction from Francis. Francis has been super fun to work with and has helped me to develop a greater love for music. Overall, I have greatly enjoyed taking lessons at REEDs, for it has a great welcoming environment and compassionate instructors. After graduating from West Salem High School, I will be attending Viterbo University this coming fall. 

ABI KOCH

Student of Judy Stafslien

ALEXIA MOUA

Student of Marianne Buchanan

Attending lessons at Peed Studios has given me the opportunity to grow as a musician. The weekly feedback! received over the years has helped improve , playing. I — learned to project , sound out and refine several techniques. It has been a wonderful experience learning one on one with an excellent violinist. I look forward to using all I have learned in the future. 

Amber Nguyen

Since starting in kindergarten, piano lessons have always been a constant for me. Lisa taught me to play all genres of music and made a well rounded pianist. She has been nothing but kind and encouraging each step of the way and I will miss her when I leave in the fall. I loved coming for lessons each week if I could do it all over again, I definitely would. I had fun at each lesson and got to know myself better through different pieces of music! Next year, I will be attending UW-madison as a biochemistry major. 

Olivia Belland

Lessons at the studio were always very productive and efficient. The teachers were always welcoming and very appreciative of everyone’s talents. Judy always had a positive mind and helped with a calm teaching attitude. Next year, I’ll be attending St. Thomas to study biology! Thanks for all the time REED has dedicated to me!

Vikram Ailiani

I started taking piano lessons with Rita just before kindergarten, and it has been a blast. Each year brought new and exciting challenges that helped me grow as a musician. Because of Rita’s guidance and enthusiasm, music has become an important part of who I am. 14 years of playing and performing piano is an experience I’m extremely grateful to have had, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Daniel Del-Carpio

I have been taking piano lessons at REED Music Studios for 11 years. During these 11 years, I was able to develop a passion for piano that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I was able to showcase my talents in many of the concerts organized by REED and participate in many state competitions. None of this would have been possible without my piano teacher, Judy Stafslien. The amount of patience and dedication given to me during each of my lessons from week to week is something that has allowed me to develop into the piano player I am today.

My future plans include attending UW-Madison and majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I also plan on attending music programs for piano at UW-Madison.

Marie Pribbernow

Taking lessons at Reeds really helped me pursue the challenges of music at my individual pace. I originally joined the very welcoming studio when my school music classes were becoming too easy and were losing the fun, learning value. Picking up another instrument was one of my best decisions, it solidified my love of music and constantly gave me something to work towards. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Mrs.Carrie Pomplun. She always brightened my day and had an exceptional balance of professionalism and fun in our lessons. I'd truly recommend her and the Reed Music Studio to anyone in a heartbeat.

I will be going to Millikin University and majoring in music business. Millikin is a strongly music based school and I also plan to join one of the instrumental &/or choir groups. 

Caitlin Heineman

I'm Caitlin Heineman and I've been playing piano for 10 years. Of those 10 years, 5 were spent at Reed Studio's under Lisa Freedlund. Being apart of the studio has not only improved my playing ability, but my overall appreciation for music. I will be attending the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities in the fall of 2021, studying music education in order to become a piano teacher.

Victor Spaeth

I have been taking lessons at Reed Music Studios since I was 5 years old and have enjoyed every minute of it. My two amazing teachers, David Reedy and Francis de la Rosa, have taught me so much over the years and I am forever grateful to them for encouraging and nurturing my love for music. My progress in both piano and violin will always be one of my proudest accomplishments and I will never forget the many memories I've made in the last 13 years here. Although it means saying goodbye to the Studio after so long, I am excited to attend the University of North Dakota to pursue a career in commercial aviation this fall.