July Student Spotlight: Reed Yeager

July’s Student Spotlight is on an exceptionally talented guitar player and member of Stages All-Access All-Star band – Reed Yeager. Reed was nominated by his long-time instructor Brennan McShane, who describes Reed as “one of the most exceptional students I have ever worked with throughout the span of my entire teaching career.“

Brennan describes Reed as a true joy to work with. “He always has a positive attitude in his lessons and band program rehearsals and performances. I have taught thousands of music lessons and I have watched Reed work as hard or harder than any student I’ve ever worked with to develop his command of his instrument and his overall understanding of music.”

Reed was recently accepted with scholarships into a number of prestigious music programs including Berklee School of Music, UArts, and Peabody and will continue his musical journey at UArts in the fall to major in music composition!

Keep reading to learn more about this budding rock star. Rock on Reed!

What do you study and why did you pick that instrument?

I play guitar and I picked it because it is one of the most versatile and expressive instruments there is. The ability to bend notes in addition to being a polyphonic instrument means there are so many possibilities for interesting sounds and ideas. Also, when I was little, I used to play a lot of guitar hero and wanted to learn the real thing.

Who is your teacher and what do you love about them?

My teacher for the last 6 years has been Brennan. I love how positive and hard-working he is. Anything I have ever asked him to teach me he has put 100% into and he’s just a super fun person to talk to and play with.

What kind of music do like to listen to or play? Recent favorite artist?

My foundation is definitely in Rock and Metal, but recently I’ve been starting to branch out into other genres to improve my overall playing. In particular, I have been learning Bossa Nova and Classical. My favorite band right now is Polyphia. The way they utilize guitar is so unique and they inspire me to push my playing to the next level.

What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?

My favorite thing about Stages is their modern and open approach to teaching music. Before I went to Stages, I bounced around a few other schools and they all just had me go through some sort of book or program and I didn’t really have a say in what I learned. Stages completely changed that for me, as I get to choose what I want to focus on and I leave every lesson feeling like I learned something new that I can actually use in my playing.

What are your musical goals? What is one of your non-music related goals?

I have a lot of musical goals but one I’m focusing on right now is improvisation, especially in styles other than rock and metal. As for non-musical goals, I am trying to save for a new car.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself not related to music?

My hair is 29 inches long.

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Do you know a student who is deserving of being in the spotlight? Nominate them by emailing us and telling us why they deserve to be recognized!