About Us

We love what we do ◡̈

The Duo

Kat Lee Rivers and Stephen Selman are a husband-and-wife music teacher and musician duo based in Cold Spring, NY. They first met years ago while teaching music together in Brooklyn, a partnership that eventually inspired them to co-found East Mountain Studios—a creative space where kids and adults can discover the joy of music. Together, they developed the Mountain Method, an innovative, student-centered approach designed to make learning music collaborative, intuitive, and fun.

Who We Are

We’re a life coaching practice rooted in the belief that real change begins with clarity, self-awareness, and support. Our mission is to help individuals move beyond doubt, overwhelm, and uncertainty — and into lives that feel purposeful, confident, and aligned.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper fulfillment, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, our coaching process is designed to meet you where you are. Through honest conversations, proven tools, and compassionate guidance, we help you uncover your goals, shift your mindset, and take meaningful action.

We’re not here to tell you who to be — we’re here to walk beside you as you become the version of yourself you’ve always known was possible.

Co-Founder + Teacher

Kat Lee Rivers

Kat Lee Rivers is a Hudson Valley music teacher, songwriter, and performer who believes that music education should be filled with joy and connection. With over 15 years of experience, Kat teaches voice, beginner piano, ukulele, and songwriting to both kids and adults at East Mountain Studios. She’s all about spreading good vibes, serving as a Kindness Ambassador for the Be a Friend Project, and bringing an encouraging, human approach to every single lesson.

An official ambassador for Kala Brand Ukuleles, Kat also hosts the popular YouTube channel Ukulele Wine Time, where grown-ups can find accessible, high-quality ukulele tutorials.

Kat holds a Master’s in Vocal Jazz from UNT and was a top-five finalist in the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition. Her musical journeys have taken her from studying in Spain (she loves singing in Spanish and Portuguese!) to sharing stages with Ben Folds and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Whether you're here to learn your very first chord or dive deep into songwriting, Kat meets every student exactly where they are.

Look out for her brand-new album dropping this October! You can learn more, listen, and follow her musical journey at katleerivers.com.

Co-Founder + Teacher

Stephen Selman

Stephen Selman is a music educator, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and studio engineer based in the Hudson Valley, NY.

With 17 years of teaching experience, Stephen is passionate about bringing the power of songwriting and playing music with others to his lessons. Whether on guitar, bass, piano, ukulele or drums, his students learn to speak the language of music and express themselves freely. He believes that when students experience the joy of making their own music, and share that music with others, the motivation to build technique comes naturally.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music in songwriting and guitar performance. He studied songwriting with Mark Simos, Jon Aldrich and the legendary Pat Pattison. He studied guitar with Thaddeus Hogarth, Lauren Passarelli and Mike Ihde.

As an active musician in Brooklyn, NY for nearly a decade, and in the DC area before that, he performed on synthesizer, organ, guitar and vocals in several touring bands including The Big Parade, Hollow Hills and Dagger Shores.