We create
music makers for life
East Mountain Studios is an in-person lesson & production studio based in the Hudson Valley, NY. We teach creative music education through songwriting. Through our blog we also provide resources to parents with kids who love music, grown-ups who want to learn, and music teachers in need of new teaching ideas.
We empower our students to think for themselves, speak the language of music, and find their own unique voice.
Our Purpose
At East Mountain Studios, we teach the language of music. We empower our students to make their own creative choices, find and develop their unique voice, and confidently share their music with others. We don’t just teach students how to play; we teach them how to think for themselves as musicians.
Our mission is to create music makers for life by guiding kids and adults to play, collaborate, and joyfully speak the language of music.
We teach songwriting as a method of self-discovery, and as a vehicle to learn foundations of music: rhythm, harmony, melody.
Our students trust their ears and also read music - learning to identify what they hear, and then learning to write it. (Just like a language!)
We focus on chord numbers - so students can actually understand what they're playing, and can create their own chord progressions.
The Mountain Method™ is our proprietary teaching method. Grounded in a strong foundation of rhythm, the Mountain Method™ is a modern, creative approach to learning and playing music, refined over our combined 30+ years of teaching and writing songs.
We prepare students to play for a lifetime, whether their goal is to perform on stage or play their favorite songs around the campfire.
Mission
Our Purpose
Is to guide individuals toward greater clarity, confidence, and aligned living — through meaningful coaching and intentional growth.
Create space for self-discovery and personal breakthroughs
Empower action through clarity and mindset shifts
Support growth with empathy, structure, and accountability
Encourage purpose-driven choices and long-term fulfillment
Build lasting transformation through deep, honest conversations
Studio Offerings
1000's+
Songs written!
30+
Years of Combined Teaching Experience
Performing + Teaching Artists
Berklee + UNT Grads
The Mountain Method™
Our proprietary teaching method helps students feel the rhythm, speak the language, and make songs their own. We have crafted this method over 30+ years of combined teaching, and chosen the process that is the most fun and effective for our students.
What our students are saying
"My son's had several piano and music teachers over the course of the last two years and we’ve not seen him as excited as he was to go back to Stephen. It’s really great to hear your kid say every day “is it time for my music lesson yet?"
- Johnny P.
"My teen is someone who hasn't taken to music lessons before. I am really pleased with how Stephen is working with this child. He is meeting this human being where they are, and helping them move forward, developing musical skill and nurturing the enjoyment of playing. Highly recommended!"
- Bonny C.
"I thought my biggest challenge would be not having any knowledge of music theory. However, Kat soon demonstrated with her amazing teaching skills and her fantastic approach to learning music theory that there was no need for me to see this as a stumbling block. She made learning and understanding so easy. Thank you."
- Celia B.
Process
Our Coaching Process
1 - Book Your Free Discovery Call
We’ll connect to explore your goals and see if we’re the right fit.
2 - Clarity & Roadmap
Together, we define your vision and create a personalized plan for growth.
3 - Weekly Coaching Sessions
We meet regularly for powerful conversations, tools, and accountability.
4 - Sustainable Transformation
You walk away with clarity, confidence, and lasting mindset shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
We offer 1:1 private lessons (piano, guitar, voice, ukulele, bass, drums, banjo, production), songwriting prodcution, group ukulele & guitar classes for adults, and many online courses to learn from wherever you live at your own pace.
How do I get started?
Start by booking a free discovery call. We’ll explore your goals and see if our coaching is the right fit for you.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
We do not offer 1:1 private lessons, however Kathryn has an online group ukulele group that is only $10/month. Learn more here!
Can we book you for a live music performance or teaching workshop?
Yes! Please fill out our contact form. We love performing and teaching in the Hudson Valley, and are open to travel.
What resources do you have for teachers?
We are working on a comprehensive package for music teachers that includes the Mountain Method, a library of worksheets, songs, training videos and studio setup. Please contact us if you are interested!
What free resources do you offer?
We offer tons of fun and free music education resources on our blog and our YouTube channels!
Your studio is full and not accepting any more in-person students. What options do I have?
If you are local (Cold Spring, Garrison, Beacon, etc.) please join our waitlist. We also offer Ukulele Basics for Beginners, taught by Kathryn, as well as several other online courses.
What is your studio schedule?
Our teaching studio season runs September - June each year, with a break in July and August. We generally follow the local school schedule for holidays and closures.
Start playing!
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