MacKenzie Reed is a classically trained musician, improviser, writer, and teacher. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University (B.M., Piano and Organ Performance, summa cum laude) and the California Institute of the Arts (M.F.A., Performer-Composer). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Vocal Pedagogy from The University of Kansas.
A former concert pianist and organist, MacKenzie was a featured soloist at the Los Angeles Suzuki Institute Keyboard Festival Concert, the National Choral Directors Association National Convention, The American Church in London, and National Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. She concertized in the United States, Germany, Iceland, and Japan as a soloist and collaborator, most notably with Moondrop Circus, Opera Animata, and Stephen Schwartz and the Santa Clarita Master Chorale.
While residing in Los Angeles, MacKenzie developed a strong following as an accompanist and vocal coach for actors. After relocating to Kansas City, she began her study of comedic improvisation at ComedyCity and KCIC and also started applying her skills as a pianist and vocal coach, eventually becoming the music director of the musical improv duo RadioOctave. She is currently Founder and Artistic Director of Cacafōnius, an active musical improv and sketch comedy group.
A sought-after voice teacher, MacKenzie helps her students build a foundation of good technique and also better understand their own natural strengths as singers. She firmly believes that anyone can sing, and sing joyfully.