August 2025 Student Spotlight: Kush Kayastha

Our August 2025 Student Spotlight highlights a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist young musician who takes advantage of everything Stages has to offer – from private lessons to our band program to music production and more – Kush Kayastha.

Kush has been around so long, he’s studied with several teachers who all have rave reviews for his musicianship and work ethic. He’s currently studying with both Ian Wysham (drums) and Brennan McShane (piano), who says “Kush is a multi talented rockstar student who is a living embodiment of the mission of Stages! He can be seen lighting up the stage at band showcase concerts, gracing our Performance Hall for recitals, making sick beats on the lesson room computers, and recently gained admission into Eastern Tech’s prestigious and acclaimed music program. Kush and I have been working together for about a year now, and it has been incredible watching him progress along on his musical journey. He has such an open mind and diverse musical palette- working on repertoire spanning from Chopin to Elton John to Rush on piano, drums, and guitar. Kush is an obvious and extremely deserving candidate for this month’s Spotlight- rock on Kush!”

Congratulations to Kush for being our student spotlight for August!
We can’t wait to watch where you grow.

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

I study the drums and piano here at Stages. I picked the drums because of how they sound, how they are used in songs, and how fun it is to play. I picked the piano mostly because it sounded good to me. You can do so much with both instruments! 

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

Currently, I take lessons from Ian Wysham. One thing I love about Ian is the way he teaches me through the basics and foundations of drumming. With these things, my drumming improves sharply.  One more thing I love about Ian is how easygoing and funny he is to me during lessons. For piano, I take lessons with Brennan. Brennan is a very nice person who is always ecstatic during our lessons. He brings new ideas and insights to me every lesson. 

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

I like all types of music. Mostly, I love listening to hard/classic rock such as Led Zeppelin, Rush, Black Sabbath. This is mostly the type of music I will play during lessons and in bands. I will also listen to jazz works, pop, and rap. Recently though, I have been getting into Snarky Puppy. 

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

My greatest musical challenge would probably be practicing daily. My schedule is a bit packed and sometimes, it is difficult for me to get some practice in.

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

My favorite thing about Stages is how you can engage with others in bands. It is always nice to see what other people enjoy and play different songs. In bands, I get to see other types of music. 

What are your musical goals? 

My musical goal is to get better every day so that I am capable of playing more difficult songs. 

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

My non-music related goals are to get into a good college and get better at basketball.  

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

Some advice I would give to someone starting out would be to try different types of music to see what you enjoy and to practice, of course. 

What’s something you’ve accomplished that you are really proud of?

Something I have accomplished musically that I am proud of would be getting good at the instruments I play and learning difficult songs for my instrument.  

Who is your musical role model or inspiration?

My musical inspiration is Neil Peart, the drummer for Rush. I cannot really say much about him other than that he is good at drums. He is a mastermind and has elevated rock drumming to a new level with his precision and complex parts. He is nicknamed “The Professor,” for these reasons. 

How has music changed your life?

Music has really shaped the person I come to be, and music is always there for me anywhere. Music uplifts me and gives me joy when I listen to it. I would be a very different person if it were not for music.