About
My name is Meredith Hourihan. I am a music educator and classically trained pianist.
Music has always been part of my life.
I started playing piano when I was five years old, joined band and choir in middle and high school, gigged as an accompanist, and continued my music education at Ithaca College.
Since then, I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels – from preschoolers and kindergarteners to high schoolers, college students, and adults.
I started teaching piano in college in the late 1990s. After graduate school, I then spent 10 years working as an education designer while maintaining a private studio on the side.
I am kind, patient, and passionate about helping my students achieve their musical goals.
You will find that I put my students first.
I center lessons around my students’ interests and skill levels, and I individualize instruction. I understand how people learn and know that everyone develops at their own pace, in their own way. I also believe that learning music should be fun. I teach a wide range of genres and focus on repertoire that excites my students and advances their musical ability.
Simply put, I believe that anyone can play the piano.
My goal is to help my students realize and develop that skill through coaching and mentoring. Along the way, my students discover the joy that comes from honing an artistic craft. I know that not all students will stick with piano. Some students may transfer the skills they gain to another instrument or another technology. Some may have extracurricular activities that take a higher priority in time, while others will play piano well into adulthood.
My primary objective is to pass along the benefits of a quality music education.
Experience & Education
While my background is in music education, I am not what one might call a typical music teacher. Prior to opening my studio, I spent a decade building training and development programs for the Federal government as an instructional designer. I also taught undergraduate academic writing at American University and North Carolina State University.
Following my successful career in training and development, I returned to my passion: music education. I have taught preschoolers, K-12 students, and adults; worked as general music teacher and accompanist; and have had students go on to study music formally at the collegiate level.
I hold a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, a Master of Arts in English from North Carolina State University, and a Master’s Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology from George Mason University.
Testimonials
We continue to be so very grateful for you. There are many talented musicians in the world; what makes you exceptional is your additional ability to so precisely and sensitively understand your students and convey information and skills in a way that sticks and builds confidence. I am perpetually inspired and impressed as I observe your work with N—.
– Parents of N— (13)
Thank you for teaching piano with such patience and compassion. G— has made such progress and has truly enjoyed every lesson with you. Your holistic approach is a gift! You have helped G— not only with music and piano skills but also with being more positive and confident. We are very grateful and look forward to another year of piano.
– Parents of G— (11)
Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your talents by teaching C—!
– Parents of C— (12)
Dear Mrs. H.,
Thank you for teaching me how to play the piano. This was one of my dreams to play the piano and you taught me how to play the piano. Thank you for making my dream come true.– Student (7)