June 2025 Student Spotlight: Adriana Blaha

Our June 2025 Student Spotlight highlights a skilled young drummer who is already experienced playing with a band – all while juggling music with three sports!

Adriana studies with Taso Kotsos, who praises her dedication: “Adriana never misses a lesson (thanks to Dad for his generous support getting her here always). She is an extremely diligent student and soaks up all the information I give her. She practices very hard, despite her very busy and full sports life, and has a huge passion for the drumset. When I see her perform at showcases with her band, she surprises even me with her tight, professional sound – she holds down better grooves than many older, more experienced drummers and she’s still so young. She has a natural knack for creating a wonderful rhythmic groove for her band and I can’t wait to see where she grows.” 

Congratulations to Adriana for being our student spotlight for June! Read on to learn more about this young beatmaker in her own words…

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

Drums! When I was younger, I saw a drummer playing a cool rhythm and I thought “I want to try that!”

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

My teacher is Taso and I love that he always has a positive attitude. He gives me compliments about my performance and he emphasizes lots of different genres of music. Also, he teaches complicated drumming in a very clear way. 

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

I like to listen to pop and country. music, but my favorite style to play is rock music. My favorite song from my band’s winter performance was “Zombie” by The Cranberries. 

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

Juggling practicing the drums alongside the sports that I play – swimming, softball and basketball. My schedule is very busy. Also, sometimes my high school aged sisters think I play too loud when they are doing their homework!

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

My favorite Stages memories are my two band performances at The Rec Room. It is so much fun to play live in front of people at a real music venue. I was very nervous for my first one, but I was less nervous for my second one and I felt very prepared. 

What are your musical goals? 

I hope to continue to play drums throughout my school years and play in both my school bands as well as rock bands with my friends or with others through Stages.

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

If I don’t end up playing music in college, I’d love to play college sports. 

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

I finished in the top 10 in the state for swimming!

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

Stick with it! It takes a lot of practice to get good at an instrument, so don’t get frustrated when you can’t figure something out right away.

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

My performances with the Stages’ band program. I think both of my performances were well received and they really inspired me to stick with the drums!

How has music changed your life?

I appreciate music much more now. I listen to music in a different way after learning to play the drums – I hear details in the drumbeats I couldn’t hear before. I truly appreciate how hard it is to be an expert musician. I also have enjoyed jamming with my dad when he plays the guitar – it is something fun to do together.