31
Oct
2025
November 2025 Student Spotlight: Charley Vinyard
November’s Student Spotlight is shining on a long-time Stages student, incredibly talented drummer and member of our All-Access Rising Stars – Charley Vinyard. Charley is also a student in the Digital Instrumental Program at Carver High School and the recipient of a full-ride scholarship to Berklee College of Music’s 2025 Summer Program.
Charley studies with Jason Cohen, who said he nominated her “because of her incredible attitude and drive for music. She has an insatiable passion that spans multiple genres and mediums, and she approaches every opportunity with dedication and curiosity.”
He continues to say: “I’m so proud of how much she’s grown not just as a musician, but as a person. In the past few months she’s stepped far outside her comfort zone: attending Berklee’s 5-week summer program, participating in bands and projects at Carver, holding her seat in the Stages Rising Stars bands, performing with a variety of other ensembles, and attending countless concerts. I have watched her self confidence and musicianship sky rocket.”
Congratulations to Charley for this well-deserved recognition! Read on below to learn more about Charley in her own words…
What do you study and why did you pick that instrument?
I study drums and I picked it because I was naturally drawn to them. I always liked
listening to the drum part of songs the most.
Who is your teacher and what do you love about them?
My teacher is Jason Cohen. I like that he gives the best advice when it comes to music and he
is always able to help with anything I want to learn. He always thinks of new things for
me to practice.
What kind of music do you listen to or play? Who is one of your favorite artists?
I like to listen to a lot of rock, R&B, and alternative music. I love playing classic rock and
funk music. Right now, I like listening to Prince, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, and
Mk.gee.
Charley is fully committed to her musical journey. There’s no doubt she will achieve any goal she sets, and I’m excited to see what her future holds.
What has been your greatest musical challenge?
My greatest musical challenge has been learning music theory.
What’s your favorite thing about Stages or do you have a favorite Stages memory?
My favorite thing about Stages is how much I like all the teachers. A good memory I
have is playing at all the Frost Fests.
What are your musical goals? What is one of your non-music-related goals?
A musical goal for myself this year is to push myself to learn some hard pieces. A non-
music related goal is to improve my grades in school.
What are some of your non-music hobbies?
Two things I really like to do besides music is going fishing and swimming.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in music?
Advice I would give to someone just starting out in music is to really listen to your
teachers when they say practice every day. Also, to listen to and play a lot of different
styles of music.
What is something you’ve accomplished musically that you’re really proud of?
One of my biggest accomplishments that I am grateful for is getting a full tuition
scholarship to the summer program at Berklee College of Music.
Who is your musical role model or inspiration?
My musical role model is my teacher, Jason, because he has done a lot of awesome
things with music in his life and he’s created a lot of cool music.
Music changed my life by giving me something to be passionate about.