The Visor

New guitar teacher strums up interest for school music community

October 8, 2009

Alexander Salamon

Although many cosmetic changes have been made to Hoban, the addition of teachers proves to be the essence of the new improvements. New faculty and staff members always offer fresh outlooks and positive reinforcement to the learning environment. Among new faculty members is Kurt Reed, Hoban’s newest addition to the music department. Reed is enthusiastic about his post as guitar teacher.

“I came to Hoban because the school had an existing guitar program. When the opportunity was offered to me I gladly accepted,” Reed said regarding his move to the highest point in Summit County.
Reed started taking guitar lessons at age nine after finding a collection of Elvis records at his grandpa’s house in 1989. As far as qualifications go, Reed is undoubtedly the man for the job.

“I graduated from Black River High School, in Sullivan, Ohio, in 1999 and the University of Akron Music School where I majored in Classical Guitar performance in December of 2008,” Reed said.

“I have been teaching since 2000 and have taught at Akron Music Center, Wadsworth Music, Wolf School of Music, Aurora School of Music and currently teach at Jam Session Music School in Kent,” Reed said.

Not only has Reed excelled as a student and teacher, he has the experience to show for it.

“I have always been involved in bands and classical guitar competitions,” Reed said. “I most recently placed in the James Stroud Classical Guitar competition 2008 and continue to gig with two bands, Vinyl Replay and The Furbys.”

Currently, Reed is teaching beginning guitar and will be teaching advanced guitar in the spring.

“I hope to expand the guitar program and offer classes every semester for beginners, intermediate and advanced,” Reed said. “I also hope to bring some of the concepts that I offer at Jam Session Rock School in Kent, including an annual battle of the bands.”

Reed is excited to be a part of the Hoban community– possibly finding his niche by joining or making a teacher band.

“I keep hearing of these faculty bands and have even heard that Cindi Kinnan can sing a pretty mean Pat Benatar? Who knows, maybe there will be a Cindi fronted band at the next talent show?” Reed said.

Perhaps Reed’s musical taste will influence the movement of the band.

“I was in high school when grunge and the Seattle sound was especially relevant, and although I love electric blues, my favorite type of music is still grunge style alternative rock from the 90’s,” Reed said.

Reed’s favorite tune to work on at the moment is “Come When I Call,” by John Mayer. However, his favorite song is “Thickfreakness,” by the Black Keys. Reed is a devoted guitarist and his biggest guitar hero by far is John Scofield.

Not only does Reed appreciate a talented guitarist but also the look.

“Guitarists tend to be known as space cadets,” Reed said, “but as I have heard, everyone loves a sharp dressed man.”

Reed is preparing for a successful school year and the input of energy and time can be grueling.

“I love seeing students succeed and thrive in their academics and extracurricular, and this continues to be an inspiration to me,” Reed said.

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