October 2025 Student Spotlight: Carlynn Graefe

Our October 2025 Student Spotlight highlights a dedicated singer and pianist who is deeply invested in her craft – Carlynn Graefe.

Carlynn recently changed teachers this summer and has begun working with our talented vocal coach Christopher Lottes, who says of his new student: “Carlynn has been a student of Stages for a long time, but when I began working with her recently, I could immediately recognize her talent! She is a fantastic performer who is always in an open mic performance or singing competition. She regularly brings a new repertoire of songs each lesson, and is always looking to learn more; we started as just a voice lesson, but we recently picked up piano as well, so she can accompany her own performances!”

Congratulations to Carlynn for this well-deserved recognition! Read on below to learn more about Carlynn in her own words…

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

I do vocal lessons as well as piano. I have loved to sing ever since I was a little kid. And for piano, I love to perform and accompany myself.

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

I have as Chris as my teacher. He makes learning new singing techniques so rewarding and overall is such an easy person to talk to you and learn from.

What kind of music do you listen to or play? Who is one of your favorite artists?

I listen to a lot of slower indie artist. Most recent favorite has been an artist Avery Anna.

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

For a while, I couldn’t find how to convey energy and emotion through music but with practice, it becomes easier.

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

My favorite thing about stages is going in every week knowing I will learn and try something new.

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

One music related to goal is eventually releasing music. A non-music related goal is continuing my advocacy and leadership positions in school.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A fun fact about me is that I love to paint and draw and do all kinds of things creative.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in music?

For someone just starting, I would like them to know that music it’s never something that you can be perfect at. There’s never going to be one answer to a single solution. Everyone is unique and everyone has special qualities about them.

What is something you’ve accomplished musically that you’re really proud of?

I’ve been doing a lot more open mics and performing. Specifically, I’ve been doing the national anthem at my high school football games.

Who is your musical role model or inspiration?

Music has changed my life by giving me an outlet to convey my story and my feelings.