Meily J. Mendez

Dr. Meily J. Mendez, NCTM, earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with a minor in Music Education/Piano Pedagogy from the University of Arizona, where she studied under the mentorship of pedagogue Dr. Lisa Zdechlik and Steinway Artist, Dr. John Milbauer. With over two decades of experience in piano instruction, Dr. Mendez has established herself as an esteemed educator and performer in the Southwest region of the United States. She is also a well-known collaborative artist in the Tucson area, regularly performing with the Tucson Duo Project and as the pianist for the Arizona Women’s Chorus.

As a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music accredited by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Dr. Mendez actively engages with the local musical community through her involvement with the Tucson Music Teachers Association (TMTA). She chairs the TMTA Piano Ensemble Committee, spearheading the organization of the annual piano ensemble performance extravaganza that culminates in a performance at the University of Arizona’s Centennial Hall. This event showcases the talents of over 350 grade school, middle school, and high school performers from various communities, including Oro Valley, Marana, Tucson, Vail, and Sahuarita, featuring twelve grand pianos provided by Hachenberg and Sons Piano Store.

Dr. Mendez's teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. She believes in scaffolding students' knowledge and skills, leveraging their strengths while addressing areas for improvement. Her studio emphasizes the development of independent critical thinking and listening skills, coupled with a diverse curriculum that encompasses technique, composer studies, musical concepts, and their practical applications.