Meet Katy Stevens | Private Music Instructor & Performance and Communicator Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I am so grateful to have built a successful private studio over the past 30 years where I give instruction in voice, piano, music theory, flute and ukulele. I think the most important factors in success are truly loving what you do and giving people a safe and creative space where they can be seen, heard, understood and appreciated. Creating a personal connection with each person with whom I have the privilege of working is really important so that they feel free to explore all of the music they have that makes their hearts come to life!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been surrounded by music of high quality literally since birth. Singing in front of audiences dates back to when I was three years old. Though I didn’t think I wanted to be a music educator (like all true divas, I majored in vocal performance in college), I taught my first private lessons as a high school senior. Later as a young wife and mom, teaching music lessons seemed a good fit for having young kids and needing flexibility; that has built into a business over 30 years later where I’ve had the opportunity to teach close to a thousand students. In addition to instructing students of all ages in music, I love working with speakers and empowering them to speak stronger and longer by employing good, foundational habits.
I also really enjoy composing. Whether it is a comedic song that my entertainment partner, Mo, and I use in our variety shows or a poignant song about something or someone that I hold dear, I love the opportunity to create this way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Though I’m native to Ohio, my family and I have been living in Baltimore, Maryland for almost 25 years now. We love the east coast! We are in close proximity to so many beautiful, interesting and historical sights. Though beautiful places like our capital, Annapolis, are easily accessible by car, my very favorite mode of transportation is train. Whether it’s an hour to nearby Washington DC or a less than three hour trek to New York City, the opportunities to take in arts, culture and entertainment is everywhere. Staying in the immediate Baltimore area, I would make sure guests got the opportunity to visit the Open Gate Guinness Brewery (the only Guinness Brewery in the US), trendy Hampden with it’s artsy spaces and vintage shops, lovely Fells Point where the waterview lunch spots are unmatched or the majestic Fort McHenry, where the National Anthem was penned during the War of 1812.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to my family; my husband and sons for always supporting me in what I love doing and the crazy hours it requires. A huge shoutout is also due to my best friend, business & communication partner and podcast/brand co-host, Mo Barrett for referring me to you amazing folks at the ShoutOut series, for unlocking all of the crazy creative stuff I’ve always wanted to do and for pushing me to be my very best. I have so much appreciation to my parents and sister for providing an upbringing full of tons of music and love. I am forever grateful to my high school voice teacher, Stephanie Henkle, who modeled excellent musicianship and what it means to be a really stellar human being. Also raising the roof for those who have spoken into and given invaluable input and coaching in my personal and business life: Mark Sylvester and Kymberlee Weil, our awesome Master Circle group and also to Helena Kim.

Website: www.katysmusicstudio.com and www.hardatquirk.com

Instagram: katystevens8, moandkatyshow and katysmusictudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katy.stevens.14/ and https://www.facebook.com/moandkatyshow/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoandkatyshow

Image Credits
Photo #8 – Chrissy Lyon