Kurt Reed
Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance, University of Akron
Kurt Reed is the Director of the Fairlawn and Hudson Schools of Music. He is the winner of the 2013 Outstanding Artist in Music award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance and the 2014 30 for the Future Award from the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.
Kurt began playing the guitar at the age of 9. His studies were primarily with Steve Aron, prefessor at Oberlin College and the University of Akron. Kurt is an accomplished classical guitarist, having won 2nd prize at the William Carey Guitar Competition in Hattiesburg, Missisippi and was featured in "Tomorrow's Stars and their Guitars" at the University of Akron. During his time at the University of Akron, he placed 3rd in the James Stroud All-Ohio Classical Guitar Competition and was President of
Guitar Club.
He became interested in electric guitar when he discovered an Elvis Presley record at his grandparents' home. Kurt decided to study with Dean Newton for a year to learn more about jazz guitar and applied his skill from his classical and jazz studies to rock music. He currently plays with multiple bands, including Verve Daddy, Lithium, and projects with various students.
Kurt has been teaching privately in the greater Akron area since 2001. He began hosting an active, aggressive and successful rock program for students of all ages. His students have played and competed in local and regional events, including winning the Tri-C High School Rock Off. In 2007, he co-founded Jam Session Music School in Kent, which is now Hudson School of Music. He is currently running a rock band program at both Hudson School of Music and Fairlawn School of Music, through which students are encouraged to participate in pop and rock ensembles of their choice for the live stage.
Kurt is a tireless advocate for Akron and area arts and culture opportunities. He is a volunteer with the Highland Square Neighborhood Association and serves on the planning committee for the Porch Rokr Arts and Music Festival.