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December 06, 2021

Student Spotlight

Reuben Pugliese

Male student sits at a grand piano, with other musical instruments and musical writing on a whiteboard behind him.

Mountainhome, Pa., native Reuben Pugliese is a commercial music major at Kutztown University.  He plans to graduate in May 2023.

Why did you choose KU?

One of my good friends from high school graduated a couple years before me and went to KU, and he told me about the great music department here and a bunch of professors with prestigious reputations. One professor in particular, John Riley, plays the drums and he’s a legend in the music world, so the fact that he teaches here was very convincing.

What clubs and organizations are you involved with on campus?

I’m in involved in the Rock Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble I, and in the Composer’s Ensemble for original composition, which is new as of last year.

What made you choose Commercial Music as your major?

KU is one of the only schools in the country that has a music program with an option dedicated specifically to the aspects of commercial music like live performance in a contemporary commercial pop music setting. I think it’s cool and proactive that we have a program like that here because it’s what the music industry is today. It’s cool to see us learning and growing with the times.

How has Kutztown prepared you for this career track?

The expectations set here are what you would see in the professional world. There’s no sugar coating, but at the same time it’s a very warm, family-like environment. Everyone tries their best to make it more than just a business and career environment. We take it to the next step and have a bond on a personal level.

What is your favorite thing about attending Kutztown?

The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had with all the great friends I’ve made here and the great relationships I’m developing with my professors here. It’s just a beautiful environment, too, all around.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Don’t sell yourself short. If you have something that you want to achieve, don’t allow anything to prevent you or discourage you from achieving whatever it is you want to achieve. Dream as big or as small as you want, but don’t let any preconceived notion of what you should be doing hold you back.

Meet Reuben Pugliese, Commercial Music Major

Junior Reuben Pugliese talks about the musical journey that led him to KU.

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