Mefford Music Studio
Mefford Music Studio

Mefford Music Studio

$40
starting price


It’s free, with no obligation to book

Introduction: I have been teaching piano almost as long as I have been performing, coming up on 10 years. I started teaching beginners when I was just a teenager, and as I learned more about pedagogy and about piano myself, I branched into teaching more advanced students. To date, I have taught lessons to over 100 different students ranging in age from 5 to 70, and ranging in skill from complete beginner to college piano performance major. I have the ability to teach students at any level. I have taught complete beginners how to read music and have good posture for the first time, and I have worked with advanced students who are polishing pieces for an audition or competition. I have fixed technical struggles and helped students overcome pain in their playing, and taught students how to think more consciously about how to interpret a piece. Not every student is going to think I’m the best fit for them. I expect consistent practice, completion of assignments, and attention to detail in music. I have had many trial lessons that don’t pan out because the student or parent thinks my expectations are too high for them. Make no mistake; I expect a lot, but I also care deeply about music and have great understanding and sympathy for those who genuinely try. Whether your goal is to learn to read music, improve rhythm, learn to play the great classical repertoire, or simply have a good time learning the piano, I can and will help you achieve it. If you want to learn and read more about me as a pianist, check out my website. Lessons are either online over Zoom or in person at my studio in downtown Peekskill, NY. Contact me with any questions and set up a trial lesson today!
Overview

Serves Peekskill, NY

Background checked

1 employee

14 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook

Featured Projects

11 photos

Specialties
Musical style

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, value, and professionalism.

5.0

2 reviews

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pro avatar
Marissa S.
Nov 22, 2020
Kessa is a very professional and talented piano teacher. My son loves going to lessons and we love hearing him practice such pretty music. We're impressed with Kessa's ability to explain confusing concepts and to encourage my son when he is having a tough time. She's done so well with transitioning to Zoom lessons during the pandemic and we love being able to have lessons from home. I recommend Mefford Music Studio to anyone who asks!
Mefford Music Studio's reply
I’m so glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed your experience even with the pandemic! Transitioning to Zoom was a new experience for all of us but you and Micah took it in stride!
pro avatar
Caleb G.
Nov 22, 2020
I had the opportunity to work with Kessa when we were both in undergrad and I was trying to decide if I wanted to be a music major or not. She gave me a few lessons and helped me to improve my audition pieces and practice habits. Even though I ended up deciding not to audition, I still value the lessons we had together and the things she taught me about music.
Mefford Music Studio's reply
Thanks so much! I’m so glad music has remained such a big part of your life despite choosing a different field and that we’ve stayed in touch all this time.
Credentials
Background Check

Kessa Mefford

FAQs

  • What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

    My base rate is $20 per 15 minutes of lesson time. It is expected that students will have at least weekly lessons, whether that weekly amount is 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes, depending on the student's age, piano experience, and the family's financial ability. Some families may choose to have multiple lessons a week. This is most common with young kids with short attention spans or advanced students who want extra lessons. In a 4-month period, we will typically plan to have 16 lessons and take a holiday one or two of the extra lesson days. Slight discounts are available if lessons are purchased in larger bundles. 5 lessons receive a 5% discount, 10 lessons receive a 10% discount, and 20 lessons receive a 20% discount.

  • What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

    In a trial lesson for a new student to me, my approach can vary slightly depending on whether or not the student has studied piano or another instrument before. If they are a brand new beginner completely new to music, then we will start out with some very basic exercises or activities to familiarize the students with the instrument as well as start to learn a couple very simple songs. If the student has had lessons before, or has studied another instrument and knows some about the piano, then we will spend the first part of the lesson discussing or having the student demonstrate what they already know. I will then spend the next part of the lesson discussing with the student or parents my observations about what they do and don't know and where we will be able to go from here in lessons with me. We will discuss expectations and goals in that first lesson, which can vary from being very specific or more broad depending on the student's needs and abilities. Common goals include improving rhythm, learning to read music, improving technique, or improving ability to interpret a piece.

  • What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

    I have a BM in piano performance from Brigham Young University and an MM in piano performance from the Mannes School of Music.

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