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.