Past Graduates 2025

Student of David Reedy

I started playing the piano when I was eight years old and it’s been a big part of my life ever since then. These past ten years I’ve learned so much from David, even beyond music. 

I’ve really enjoyed my time at the studio and will continue to enjoy music and play the piano for a long time. Next year I plan to attend UW-Madison to major in Biochemistry.

Student of Doreen Athnos

I am a senior from Holmen High School and I have been involved in the auditioned Chorale for two years, in Show Choir since middle school, in vocal jazz and in the Tri-M music honor society. 

I have been studying voice at Reed Studio with Doreen Athnos since October of 2024 and next year, I will be attending UW-Madison to major in Psychology and continue my musical aspirations.

Student of Francis De la Rosa and David Reedy

I’m so thankful to Reed Music Studio for all the years of music lessons. My early piano studies with Lisa Freedlund laid a strong foundation, and I’m grateful for the role she played in my musical journey.  David Reedy is an amazing piano teacher—always clear, patient, and incredibly talented. 

He knew how to challenge me and inspired me to play purposefully and enjoy the music. Francis De La Rosa brought such great energy to every violin lesson and made learning fun. He went above and beyond to support me as a teacher and mentor. 

I'm really grateful to each of them for helping me grow and always supporting me along the way. I plan to attend Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee for nursing, where I’ll continue to pursue music as well.

Student of Kylie Krahn

I plan to attend Viterbo as a piano major, hoping to perform and teach piano. I really enjoyed the lessons at Reed Music Studios with Kylie - the lessons helped me realize and improve my passion for piano.

Student of Dr. Thomas Hunt

When I was 8, I remember watching one of my older siblings at a band performance. All I remember was thinking it was so cool, and I couldn’t wait to learn an instrument too. In 6th grade, I chose the French horn for two reasons: I heard it was a challenging instrument, and I thought it looked cool. 

Throughout middle school, I didn’t practice much, but I was still a solid player because I had some talent and musicality. That lack of practice continued into high school, until my passion for music grew stronger. I wanted to take my skills to the next level, so I started taking private lessons in the summer of 2024. During that short time, I improved tremendously. Dr. Hunt, my lesson teacher, has taught me many valuable things related to my instrument, but more importantly, valuable lessons about life. Since starting lessons through Reed Music Studios, I’ve learned that consistency and small amounts of work every day lead to major improvements over time. This has allowed me to perform pieces I never thought I could play. I’ve also learned that hard work pays, and it has. I performed at this year's WSMA State Solo and Ensemble Festival, where I received a perfect score. But the score on the page isn’t as important to me as the improvement I’ve made. After high school, I plan to major in meteorology and hopefully work for the National Weather Service one day. 

The lessons I’ve learned from Dr. Hunt and Reed Music Studios will help me in my future with weather-and with my continued love for, and hopeful improvement on, my instrument.

Student of Rita Schuman

I've only recently started taking piano lessons at Reed Music Studios but the growth I've seen in the last months has impressed me. I always feel like I'm being pushed forward to get better at the piano and the lessons have instilled a drive in me. 

Throughout many years in La Crosse, I've performed on trombone in bands and have sung in choir at Central. I have also played the guitar for The La Crosse Confluence. After I graduate I'm going to be pursuing a major in Musical Performance for Classical Guitar and a minor in Computer Science at University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I'm so grateful I've had such a wonderful experience at Reed and I hope that the music scene here continues to grow!

Student of Doreen Athnos

Hello, my name is Hannah Wegner and I have studied voice at Reed Music Studios with Doreen Athnos this past year! I plan to attend UW-Stevens Point School of Music, and I will major in Music Education with Choral emphasis, in hopes of becoming a high school choir teacher!

Student of Dean Witz

My name is Syd Martin, and I've been taking lessons with Dean through Reed Studios for about a year. It has been a blast, and I have learned so much. I've been involved with music since before I can remember, and I love it more than anything! 

That is why I will be attending UW-Steven's Point for to get my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education! I am so excited to share my love for music with generations to come!

Student of Amy Baklund

My name is Cassidy Burrill, and I am graduating from La Crosse Central High School this year. I have been taking lessons from Amy Baklund for the past six years or so; I started out with her when I was going into seventh grade, just three months after moving to La Crosse. 

Taking lessons with her has been a lot of fun, and she’s certainly helped me grow as a pianist over the years. As I move into the next part of my life majoring in International Studies at UW-Madison, I hope to continue to find joy in playing the piano and bringing music to the community.

Student of Jessica Laatsch

I began playing the cello in 6th grade at the Onalaska Middle School and have continued through 12th grade, growing both technically and musically over the years. The journey has been challenging and rewarding, from learning basic bowing and fingering techniques to performing in school orchestras and ensembles. I’ve gained confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for music. 

I am especially grateful to my private cello teachers, Randy Mastin and Jessica Laatsch, whose guidance, patience, and encouragement helped me develop both as a musician and a person. Their mentorship made a lasting impact on my musical journey. My future plans are to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth, for Mechanical Engineering.

Student of Mona Gardner

I started flute lessons at Reed music December 2024 a few months into my Senior year. Though starting lessons well into my flute career, having this time with Mona Gardener has helped me improve minor things that have made all the difference. I have had many performances this year which have not been easy to prepare for, and with lessons I’ve felt rehearsed far more than I could myself. 

Technique has been something overlooked in my journey, and the technical improvements have given me confidence in my abilities more than ever before.

Student of Jordan Cox

I have been playing clarinet for seven years and taking lessons at Reed Music Studios with Jordan Cox for about two years. I have learned so much from him and I am so grateful for the the opportunity to learn from such a talented musician! I plan to go to the University of Wisconsin La Crosse to study French Education!

Student of Mona Gardner

I started flute lessons at Reed in 2024, seeing Mona Gardener. At the time, I was first chair in the second section of flutes in my school band, and today I am first overall. Mona has not only taught me so many technical skills, tone and overall how to play gracefully, but she has kept motivated to keep practicing. 

For both Solo and Ensemble 2024 and 2025, Mona has made sure I am prepared and successful, as well as helping me make it to state both years. Taking lessons at Reed opened so many doors and gave me playing opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and has pushed me out of my comfort zone, and overall helped grow my love for music.

Student of Amy Baklund

I really enjoyed my time at Reed. I learned and grew so much as a person and in my musical exploration. I will be attending Viterbo University and studying elementary education.

Student of Dean Witz

My name is Sophia Grube. I am a senior at West Salem high school. I first started my lessons with Dean the end of my sophomore year. I worked with Dean on many things so being solos, helping me with music for a musical, and being a person I could talk to. 

I have had a great time being able to work with Dean! I will forever remember my time with Dean and Reed Studios. After graduation I plan on attending the University of Hofstra and major in forensic science.

Student of Linda Lebakken

Hello, my name is Lucy Schilling. As a child I loved music and really was inspired by Lindsey Stirling. I was able to start playing violin when I was in 6th grade, and have loved it since. When I reached high school, I wanted to enhance my violin playing skills, which led me to taking private lessons here at Reed Music Studios, with Linda Lebakken. 

I really enjoyed my lessons with Linda, having one on one lessons really expanded my skills and knowledge on the violin. And I am still learning so much and am hoping to continue playing in an orchestra.

Student of Amy Baklund

Thirteen years feels like a staggering number to comprehend, yet I’ve found in the progression of my musical abilities, a way to measure the time. I began taking piano lessons at Reed Music before I had any concept of what playing an instrument or performing music really was. Luckily, I had a variety of teachers during my time at the studio who allowed me to pursue my music education with the freedom and precision necessary to build both an understanding and love for music. 

I continued taking lessons from Amy Baklund virtually even after I had moved away. With her depth of musical experience and knowledge, she was pivotal in helping me advance my musical abilities to a level that has allowed music to become my passion. She helped me take the next step in my repertoire during a period of personal confusion about where my talent could progress. She encouraged me to accomplish things that seemed out of my abilities at certain points, and she was always supportive of my own suggestions of new pieces to learn, if I seemed enthusiastic enough, which I often was. Most of all, she has made it a personal matter of accommodating for any and all inconveniences I’ve placed on her throughout our time working together. Continuing lessons online proved difficult at times, yet she showed her dedication to providing my education time and time again, going further than what could’ve been expected of a teacher and making sacrifices for my own sake. 

I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and dedicated instructor to grant me the opportunity to engage in the arts. Reed Music has offered and continues to offer (to the next generation of students) a great privilege to be able to participate in the many facets of the musical arts, and I can’t thank them enough for the services they’ve provided me. I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to Beth Lakman, an earlier instructor of mine, and Rita Schuman for providing me with this great opportunity.

Student of Judy Stafslien

I’ve been very passionate about music throughout my life, and I feel very grateful to have taken piano lessons for the past eight years, seven of those being with Judy Stafslien. Reed has taught me how to be a more confident person and a strong musician, as well as how I can use music as an outlet when I need a way to relax. Through my dedication, I was able to play my favorite piano piece, Arabesque No. 1 by Debussy, as my final piece at Reed and a culmination of my piano education. 

My love for piano also led me to join band on alto-saxophone, which I’ve played for the last six years. I became a member of choir and show choir, and most recently, a drum major of the marching band. My involvement in these programs is directly linked to my passion for music, fueled by my time at Reed with other talented musicians. I will be majoring in chemical engineering this fall at UW-Madison.

Student of Amy Baklund

Arlo White will be attending UW-Madison. He will be on the pre-med track and plans to be a Pediatrician. Arlo will continue growing and enjoying his music through singing in the choirs, playing the piano and singing in a barbershop quartet at college.

Student of Francis De la Rosa

My journey on the violin began in elementary school. Since then, my love of music has only grown deeper. I am incredibly grateful to my teacher, Francis. He has guided me every step of the way, and is also just a really great guy! I like that we can relate on many other subjects. 

As I graduate high school, I reflect on how much I’ve learned and how Francis has influenced, motivated, and inspired me to shoot high. I have truly enjoyed taking violin lessons at Reed Music Studios. It's been a profoundly rewarding journey.

Student of Randy Lyden

Over the years, studying piano at Reed Music Studios with Mr. Randy Lyden has been a meaningful and rewarding part of growing up. The lessons have not only deepened my appreciation for music but have also taught me creativity and perseverance. 

I am grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Mr. Randy, and I will carry the lessons—both musical and personal—with me into the next chapter of life.

Student of Jordan Cox

I’ve been taking clarinet lessons at Reed Music Studios for the past four years, and it’s made an incredibly meaningful impact on my life. Thanks to the supportive and professional environment, I’ve been able to grow not just as a musician, but as a person. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve learned from my teachers. 

Their guidance, patience, and encouragement have helped shape my musical journey. As I move forward, I’ll continue to apply what I’ve learned from my lessons.