September 2025 Student Spotlight: Forrest Paterakis

Our September 2025 Student Spotlight is shining on an energetic young singer and piano player with a passion for Taylor Swift and a deep admiration for her music teacher, Emily Gradowski. Even at the young age of 8, Forrest already has two years of experience studying music and it has been a gift to watch her growth!

Forrest is one of our Mini Music Maker graduates and her teacher Emily shares how “She is always excited to be in class and she works really, really hard. Even when something is challenging, she will focus and work through the problem – which is amazing for an 8-year-old. Forrest has done every recital that she can, she loves to perform and she is the student that we all wish we had.”

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

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

I play piano and I picked it because my Daddy plays it.

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

Miss Emily is my teacher and I love her because I like that she teaches me music and she’s kind.

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

My favorite artist to listen to and play is Taylor Swift. 

What has been your greatest musical challenge?

Learning ‘Pink Pony Club’ on the piano and singing it at the same time.

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

My favorite thing about Stages is that Miss Emily teaches here. My favorite memory is my first concert singing ‘My Favorite Things.’

What are your musical goals? 

I want to play ‘Where Are You Christmas’ for the winter concert.

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

My non-music related goal is to develop my soccer skills.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I love chickens. 

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

Put your head up and sit like a seahorse – straight up!

Who is your musical role model or inspiration?

It makes me happy! When I’m sad I like to sing to myself and it makes me feel better.