OhioMTA SouthWest Member Spotlight: Kelli Stegman

Meet Kelli Stegman, one of our Inspiring Teachers out of Mason Ohio

Thanks Kelli for being a part of our local OhioMTA Southwest District!

Can you tell us a little bit about your teaching history and how you got started?

Teaching piano and clarinet from my own independent studio in Mason was not something I ever intended to go into. After five years studying music performance at Miami University, that was not the life I wanted and I was burned out.

I got a degree in Commercial Art, and worked in publications at Playhouse in the Park and Jungle Jim’s International Market. When my husband and I were expecting our son, I faced a choice.

In the same week, I had an audition with a piano studio and had a second interview with a magazine publisher. Midway through the magazine interview, I realized I was bombing it on purpose and that I wanted music back in my life; I wanted to share that love and teach others. That was nearly eighteen years ago.

Since then, I established my own studio, joined a jazz band and a cover band where I also get to sing, and have performed with these groups at a variety of parties and events, including the post-race for the Flying Pig and overseas in the Czech Republic! These bands have kept me from taking things too seriously, and that has rekindled the joy in music for me.

What a great story about following your passion! So when did you decide to join the MTNA?

I joined MTNA…I don’t remember when exactly, but it was a few years after I joined a local keyboard teachers organization and that was about fifteen-sixteen years ago. I was looking for further ways to grow as a teacher and find a sense of community. Despite my training and experience, I am easily intimidated, and hadn’t attended any MTNA events until recently. Redefining success for myself has been the best antidote for that imposter syndrome.

Well we are glad that you have been attending recent events and hanging out with all of us! Do you have any other family members that are musicians?

My mother was a professional singer, and then a watercolor artist, and finally an interior designer. Her art, as well as her mother’s art, adorn the walls in my home studio. My husband plays drums in bands with me, and we met doing improv theater in college. My son is now at Miami for music ed.

So it definitely runs in the family. That sounds like a fun and musical home. Do you have any other hobbies you enjoy?

A graphic design project pops up now and then, and lately I’ve pursued another hobby: creative writing. I finally finished my first novel and am trying to wrap my brain around publication. In my studio, I create lyrics to go with many of my student’s pieces and they’ve really helped with rhythm and fluidity in their playing. Maybe someday I'll publish a book of my lyrics alongside the pieces.

Well if you do publish that book, be sure to share it with your fellow teachers because we would all love it. What do you like to do in your free time?

On my days off, I’ll binge British mysteries like Midsomer Murders. There’s enough grit in the world, I want light-hearted, escapist entertainment…with a murder or two thrown in.

What kind of music do you enjoy to listen to?

In my car, you’ll likely hear a motet. Occasionally folk-rock...or possibly a random selection of movie soundtracks and big band jazz... It really depends on my mood. Mostly motets and antiphonal brass.

A motet; that isn't something you hear everyday! What is your preference when it comes to hanging out socially?

I like gatherings where I have something to do. My entertainment choices make finding common ground for small talk difficult, or that’s because deep down I’m an introvert. Admittedly, I also battle with depression and anxiety. Couple that with periodic migraines, flare ups of Meniere’s disease, and possibly Sjogren’s syndrome, for a few extra challenges to my days. We all have things we battle, and these give me perspective as well as remind me to offer grace to others.

That sounds like you have had some issues to overcome and a good reminder for all of us to keep that perspective as well. When you travel, what is your favorite means of transportation?

Trains. I wish there were more trains to places throughout the US. We took a special train to the Grand Canyon from a small town in Arizona; it was magical. I love seeing new places, but I do not fly well.

Kelli, it sounds like you have so much to offer our teacher community! Would you have any advice to give to new teachers?

I mentioned redefining success. I think teachers starting out need to define that for themselves. I missed out on some things trying to teach 40+ students; I thought a large studio meant success, and while the money helped, I wasn’t happy. I now cap at 28, and I’m better for it. In my favorite comic strip, Peanuts by Charles Schulz, Charlie Brown asks Linus what he wants to be when he grows up. His answer is “Outrageously Happy.” I’ve come to redefine success and happiness in my own terms. There are ups and downs, but I want to look back and say I’ve been outrageously happy in my life.

Thank you Kelli, and congrats for being our Member Spotlight! Kelli is a teacher in Mason OH and is listed as a teacher on the OhioMTA-SW website.