Russell Reed received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in piano performance at Baylor University, where he studied with artist-in-residence Krassimira Jordan who familiarized him with European Classical techniques and training. Russell is currently working on a dissertation for his Doctorate in music composition at the University of Texas. During his stay at UT, Russell has studied with Dan Welcher and Donald Grantham, and served as assistant director of and pianist for the UT New Music Ensemble -- one of the most respected and acclaimed university ensembles for new music in the country.

Russell describes his approach to teaching piano as more directed toward the specific needs of each individual student rather than a general method or pedagogical program. He believes the patience and steadiness of the teacher can help students develop at their own pace and learn to love music for themselves. He feels that learning to play the piano should also be about learning to be a whole musician -- technique, repertoire, history, theory, artistry, and certainly, if not namely, fun.