July 2025 Student Spotlight: Anabel Koch

Our July 2025 Student Spotlight highlights a long-time Stages student, dedicated guitarist and talented songwriter – Anabel Koch. 

Anabel studies with Paul Tokarz, who is full of enthusiasm and optimism for her musical future: “It has been great to watch her progress over the last few years I have been teaching her.  She is very adept in songwriting and music theory.  She writes great original songs, probably close to an album’s worth already.  She has an indie/folk vibe to her songs and voice.  Oftentimes she will write songs with intricate chord progressions and modulations.  She was recently accepted to The Carver Center for Arts & Technology for singing and music composition, but has chosen to attend Dulaney High School (where I went). Recently, we have been talking about getting some of her songs recorded!  I am excited to continue to teach her and watch her grow musically!” 

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

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

I study guitar and I chose that instrument because the classical songs I listened to were emotional and inspiring.

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

My teacher is Paul Tokarz and I love how he always teaches me something new and doesn’t let me get bored of anything we learn.

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

The music I play tends to be what I listen to, like pop songs or alternative rock, but I also enjoy and play classical music a lot.

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

Staying consistent and practicing everyday.

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

My favorite thing about Stages is the many things to do. There are many camps over the summer and classes taught by professional musicians that are brought in for the students. I also really like the recitals they have every three months.

What are your musical goals? 

One of my musical goals is to be able to improve on the guitar. I would love to be able to just play and for it to sound good. 

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

A non-music related goal of mine is to achieve good grades in school.

Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself not related to music.

I love winter sports like ice skating and skiing. They’re very fun and I always look forward to the winter because of them.

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

Stick with it. It might get hard or you might get tired, but if you stay with it and tough it out through the hard times, it will get better. Everything has good and bad parts to them. Just get through the hurdles. It’ll be worth it.

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

I have played songs in many genres and they were really fun to learn.

Who is your musical role model or inspiration?

My musical role model/inspiration is my chorus teacher. He plays the guitar and is self taught. He also plays the piano and makes music and for that, I really look up to him.

How has music changed your life?

Music has always been an important part of my life and it has allowed me to find peace in playing. I appreciate it much more, now that I have been learning to create it.