Past Graduates 2025

Voice student of Doreen Athnos

Piano student of Judy Stafslien

Hello, my name is Paula, and I have been studying at Reed Music Studios for about seven years taking piano lessons from Judy Stafslien and voice lessons from Audra House, Alex Burch, and, for the last four years, Doreen Athnos. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with these teachers and grow in my musical abilities; their patience, kindness, and caring, yet challenging, teaching styles have allowed me to grow as a musician and person - I am beyond grateful. I plan to attend UW-Madison to major in Political Science and minor in Psychology on a Pre-Law track hoping to continue with music in a choir or an a cappella group.

Piano student of Amy Baklund

 I'm Evelyn Lemke, and I am a homeschool senior. I've been playing the piano for ten years and Amy has been teaching me for nine of those years. Amy has helped me improve my piano skills and gain a greater appreciation for music. I'm planning to pursue a nursing degree at Winona State, specifically to become a diabetes educator, since I also have type 1 diabetes.  

Piano student of Lisa Freedlund

Taking lessons at Reed Music Studios has been such an incredible experience, especially getting to work with my teacher, Lisa. I have been playing the piano since the first grade, and Lisa truly is the best piano teacher; she has been so kind and supportive throughout all these years. After graduation, I am excited to head to Carroll University, where I’ll be playing soccer and majoring in pre-law.

Piano student of Lisa Freedlund

Reed Music Studios has had a significant impact on my childhood. I still remember the first day that I went into Reed and had a lesson with Lisa. I started taking lessons at 7 years old, and I soon realized how lucky I was to be taking piano lessons. Reed Music Studios introduced me to the world of music and helped develop my love for the piano and for music in general. Though at times, weekly practice was difficult, Reed helped me develop key life skills like consistency, patience, and hard work. I have seen these skills translate to the sports I participate in as well. The piano has been a place where I have been able to relax and take my mind off the everyday stressors of life. I plan on continuing to play the piano as I go to college this fall, and I am very grateful for my teacher, Lisa Freedlund, and Reed Music Studios for giving me the opportunity to learn and enjoy music. I plan to attend the UW-Madison in the fall and study Environmental Science and History. 

Student of Dr. Thomas Hunt 

Hi, I’m Kai, a senior at Onalaska High School, and I have enjoyed studying French horn with Dr. Thomas Hunt for the past four years. Through lessons, I have been connected with community mentors and performance opportunities that have inspired me to pursue my passion for music. I am excited to continue my music studies at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI this fall.

Piano student of Amy Baklund and Guitar student of Mike James

After years of piano and guitar lessons at Reed Studios, I have learned and enjoyed so much from both of my teachers, Amy Baklund and Mike James, I have learned music theory, techniques, and musicianship. In my piano lessons, I loved learning new and challenging pieces across a variety of styles. I have taken piano lessons for thirteen years and learned a variety of literature. My favorite lessons were when I learned pieces that I enjoyed playing. Amy has helped me learn so much about the piano, preparing for auditions, solo and ensemble, and future college playing. I have grown up performing in recitals, and whether for Christmas, fall or spring, I have enjoyed these greatly. For my guitar lessons with Mike, some of the most enjoyable lessons have been about chord composition and jazz comping. I have liked working with both my teachers and will use this knowledge for years to come. Both my teachers have helped prepare me for future success in music. I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and major in Music Education with emphasis in piano. Thank you, Amy Baklund and Mike James, for everything!

Voice student of Dean Witz

This last year I’ve had a wonderful time working with Reed Music Studios. I’ve performed in piano recitals in the past, but doing a voice recital was an amazing experience for me. I love to sing! Dean Witz, has really helped me grow in my singing abilities! Next year I will be taking a gap year. 

Student of Jessica Laatsch

 I have been taking lessons at Reed Music Studios since 2021. I am so thankful for the growth I have seen through my lessons and incredibly grateful for my instructors, Jessica Laatsch and Randy Mastin. Next year, I plan to attend Montana State University for Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track.

Piano student of David Reedy

Voice student of Doreen Athnos

Cello student of Randy Mastin

Flute/Piccolo student of Mona Gardner

Reed Music Studio has been such an important part of my life! I have been taking piano lessons from David Reedy since 2014 and have since studied voice with Doreen Athnos, cello with Randy Mastin, and flute/piccolo with Mona Gardner. I am so grateful to have learned from such phenomenal teachers! My favorite memories with Reed come from excitedly waiting backstage before the Honors recital (and participating in the shoe contest!) After high school, I plan to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and double major in music performance and chemistry on a pre-medicine track.

Flute student of Mona Gardner

I have been playing the flute since sixth grade, and started lessons through Reed Music Studios with Mona Gardner in my sophomore year. Taking lessons has helped me so much to develop my abilities while playing, and I really appreciate everything that Mona has done to help me. Next year I will be attending UW-Lacrosse, where I will continue playing my flute in my free time. 

Piano student of Amy Baklund

Music has been a big part of my life; listening, playing, and attending concerts. I have been playing the piano since I was five years old, and although only two of those years were spent at Reed, I improved a lot in that time. Amy did a great job teaching me the whys of music and helping me to understand theory. I plan to attend Bodenseehoff Bible school in Germany next year, and to never stop playing piano! I also enjoy playing bass guitar. 

Guitar student of Dan Driesen and voice student of Doreen Athnos

I have been taking guitar lessons at Reed Music Studios for five years and voice lessons for one. Dan Driesen and Doreen Athnos have taught me valuable lessons, not only about music, but about patience and confidence; and their own patience, encouragement, and constructive criticism have helped me reach places I didn't think I would reach. I've always been shy, but my teachers are helping me realize that it is not so terrifying to put yourself out there and speak up for yourself. Dan once told me that if you worry about what other people think of you, you are letting someone else determine how much fun you're going to have; and I still think about that a lot. Doreen has helped me feel more confident in using my voice, and my love for singing has skyrocketed. I plan to continue learning at Reed for the foreseeable future, and I look forward to it. After graduating, I would like to work at a bakery and decorate cakes, and I will be glad to never have to do math homework again!

Cello student of Jessica Laatsch

Having started with piano and guitar, Marco switched to cello in 6th grade and began studies with Jessica Laatsch in 2023. They will be attending UM-Duluth in the fall majoring in Chemistry and French, and are planning to audition for the UMD Symphony Orchestra. 

Violin student of Francis de la Rosa

Kaarina's musical journey began when a Boys and Girls Club scholarship sparked her love of the violin, leading her to seven years of lessons at Reed Music Studios with Francis de la Rosa. She rose to concertmaster of LYSO's Philharmonic Symphony and finished her time there as First Chair, Second Violin of the Italiano Orchestra. Along the way, she cherished every opportunity to perform, from Reed's recitals (with Honors at Annett Recital Hall being her favorite) to playing alongside her sisters on violin, to bringing the joy of Christmas to residents at the Onalaska Care Center. From Kaarina, "I'll never forget winning the Reed COVID Christmas competition. We dressed up like the nutcracker ballet and performed a violin duet with my middle sister with our youngest sister being the piano accompanist. Then to top it off recording Twelve Christmas songs on my violin!" Her dedication shone at State Honors competitions and with participation in the WSMA solo and ensemble for over five years - Kaarina earned six gold medals in solos, duets, and group ensembles while at Onalaska High School. A heartfelt thank you goes to the professional musicians at Reed, who provided their support and encouragement to Kaarina every step of the way. She is also grateful to her grandparents, parents, and family who were there cheering her on at so many performances throughout the years, including being the "Fiddler" in Fiddler on the Roof at La Crosse Community theater! While her musical chapter may slow, an exciting one begins. This summer, Kaarina will intern in Environmental Project Estimating before heading to the UW-Madison, where she'll pursue a double major in Environmental Science and Legal Studies.

Voice student of Doreen Athnos

I’ve loved the years I studied at Reed! Music Studios. I’ve grown so much with my teacher Doreen. I remember getting an 11 on my first solo ensemble, then making state and getting a 5 on my last one (the lower numbers are better)! I never thought I could be a soprano until I started lessons with Doreen (lol). My passion for singing has also increased since I’ve been at Reed. I’m sad to be graduating and leaving, but I’m proud to have taken lessons and progressed!

Voice student of Denise Bird

I am grateful for Reed Music Studio’s dedication to growing music in our community and I will cherish my time spent at the studio. Alex Burch and Denise Bird have been outstanding teachers whose expertise and support pushed me to improve and take creative risks. Working with them has made me a more confident, disciplined, and expressive singer. I will be attending Viterbo University and majoring in Vocal Performance and Communications.

Piano student of Judy Stafslien

I’ve been taking piano lessons with Judy for nearly 12 years. 2/3rd of life so far has been spent playing piano and the experience has impacted me in nearly every aspect of my life from my music taste to work ethic. I would not be the person I am today with the achievements I’ve gained without the time I spent at Reed Music Studios. With each year came new pieces and challenges that would shape me not just as a musician but as a person. Because of Judy’s guidance (and tolerance at times of my practice schedules) I have grown to play a variety of pieces and built a basis to learn all types of instruments in the percussive world. Reed Music Studios offered me an unforgettable 12 years and I’m extremely grateful for the experience. Next year I plan to study Neuroscience at Case Western Reserve University at Cleveland, Ohio. 

Voice student of Doreen Athnos

Guitar student of Mike James

Previous piano student of David Reedy

I have been with Reed Music Studios for over ten years and my siblings before me, for even longer. I love Reed Studios for the great teachers and a program that helps us excel, but most of all the great relationships I have built with all my teachers. They have so much patience and are amazing at encouraging me. In addition, they have taught me so much more than just the instrument I was playing. I can never have enough time with any of them.

French horn student of Dr. Thomas Hunt

For three years, I have worked with Dr. Thomas Hunt in the French horn studio and have felt such a significant amount of growth in my musical ability as well as my relationships and love for the instrument and practice. I have made several friendships, and grown some old ones, that have inspired my activity, as well as my plans in pursuing music in college! I will minor in Ensemble Music at the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities, alongside Philosophy and Biochemistry, as a major. 

Viola student of Francis De la Rosa

I have been taking lessons with Francis De La Rosa for six and a half years. In this time, I have grown an unbelievable amount on my instrument thanks to him. He has helped me from 6th grade working on my LYSO music all the way to auditioning and getting into the WSMA state honors orchestra. I have had lots of fun in my lessons playing the viola and improving with Francis, but I also enjoyed talking with him and getting to know him better. I am very happy to have taken lessons with Francis and to use what he has taught me for the rest of my life. After high school, I plan to attend Iowa State University majoring in Aerospace Engineering.

Piano student of David Reedy

My name is Sydney Kranig and I have been taking piano lessons from the fabulous David Reedy since I was eight years old! I will be graduating from Onalaska High School this year and in the fall, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout to major in Business Administration and minor in Retail. I will carry the lessons (musical and other) I have learned at Reed Music Studios for a very, very long time. I am so thankful for the past ten years I’ve spent there.