26
Nov
2025
December 2025 Student Spotlight: Jason Cuomo
Our final student spotlight for 2025 is an incredibly dedicated grown-up guitarist and student of Paul Tokarz – Jason Cuomo. Paul says that over the five years Jason has been his student “he has grown as a musician and greatly deepened his knowledge as a guitar player. He has been passionate about music since he was young and has been playing keyboard and guitar for many years. In the lessons, Jason and I jam over complex chord progressions, learn advanced music theory, improvisation, and advanced guitar techniques. His abilities keep me on my game and we grow together as musicians and guitar players.”
Read on to learn more about this long-time student and accomplished guitarist…
What is your instrument and how long have you been playing?
I’ve been taking guitar lessons at Stages for about 7 years. I also studied classical piano as a child and jazz in high school.
What kind of music do you like to listen to and play?
I have a really eclectic taste in music – I’m partial to classic rock, everything about the ’80’s, and ’90’s alternative. I will also listen to reggae, the blues, jazz, and everything in between.
What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?
Stages offers a great space to learn and perform. Everything about it is conducive to making great music and having opportunities to grow as a musician. I think sometimes I take it for granted that I’m entering what essentially is a professional studio for my lessons each week. It’s such an amazing space filled with so much talent in terms of staff and the musicians.
What are your musical goals?
Since joining Stages, I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to play with a band at different venues which included playing at Camden Yards twice before the Oriole games for Saturday ‘at the Yard’. At this point, I’m always looking for opportunities to share my love for music with others, including my children.
In the lessons, Jason and I jam over complex chord progressions, learn advanced music theory, improvisation, and advanced guitar techniques. His abilities keep me on my game and we grow together as musicians and guitar players.
If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?
I’d have to say Guthrie Govan. I love how versatile he is on the guitar and it’s so effortless to him. I’ve never seen a singular musician incorporate so many different techniques and styles at such an exceptional level.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Don’t give up. Commit the time to understand the concepts and you’ll realize that it is manageable to play something that sounds hard with practice. Find opportunities to play music with friends who will support you.
What’s something you’ve accomplished musically that you are really proud of?
Being able to play out in front of live audiences which include friends and family has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of a band is something that creates opportunities to share music with others.
How has music changed your life?
It’s been a constant form of expression for me. It’s something that I enjoyed while I was in school. Now that I have children, it is something I share with them.
What are your hobbies or interests besides music?
I have 4 children and I enjoy spending time with them at their activities and sporting events.
What inspired you to start playing music?
My parents purchased a keyboard when I was about 3 years old and I started taking lessons. They were unconditionally supportive of my interest in music. Listening to songs I liked on the radio and being able to replicate those melodies on an instrument has always been inspiring. Seeing the joy that playing music brings to others and teaching music to my children is equally rewarding.
Who are the musicians that inspire you most?
Derek Trucks, Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, Steve Lukather, John Frusciante, Mark Knopfler, and Albert King.
Who is your teacher and what do you appreciate about them?
Paul Tokarz is the best teacher and musician I’ve ever studied with, hands down. He’s exceptionally talented and adapts his lesson plans to your musical interests and skill level in a way that’s understandable and relatable. He’s humble and outgoing – he motivates you to grow in your musical abilities outside your comfort zone. When you think you have something mastered, he introduces a new concept that requires you to expand your understanding of what you’ve already learned. He’s the consummate professional and the motivating force behind my love for playing the guitar.
What do you love most about playing music?
I love the joy that it brings to others.
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