Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Kay Hopkins.
Hi Mary Kay, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I knew from the age of thirteen that I wanted to pursue a degree in music to be a private piano teacher and a church music director/pianist. I have been teaching for nearly thirty years and just retired as a church music director after serving forty-nine years. I have also sung in college and community choirs, played for plays, weddings, funerals and other gigs. I enjoy teaching ages four through adult, including Music for Little Mozarts small groups.
I also collaborate with my husband on original songs with plans to record/release. I’m interested in collaborating and doing some session recording.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. I dealt with my first husband’s drug addiction in addition to being a mother to our son. After our divorce I raised my son and completed my degree in Music Education. as a single mother. Other struggles include a second failed marriage, a few moves with new start-ups and cancer struggles for family members.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a piano teacher I share music with students ages four to adults. I am proud of knowing that I have an impact on students’ lives by shaping their love for the arts, enhancing cognitive skills in other disciplines and being an empathetic example. I am also proud that a few of my former students have chosen to go into the music field as teachers, music therapists and the music industry. I’m excited that one of my young students is currently writing a musical and I am happy to have a hand in that with her.
My Music for Little Mozarts program always brings me great joy.
As for myself, I met my husband, Reid, online in 2020 and I am really enjoying writing the music for his lyrics -mostly soft rock/love songs! With him I feel I have come full circle and I am looking forward to all of our future adventures together!
What were you like growing up?
I have always loved children. I sang as a toddler, making up my own “stories” from my own experiences. I started dance when I was four, but at the age of eight my dance instructor suggested piano lessons as a way to build upper body strength and I was thrilled when I started piano even though I was sad to quit dance. I still love to dance!
I was outgoing with friends, reserved with strangers as a borderline intro/extrovert. (I still am!) I am very sensitive to the emotions of others and often my playing piano reflects that. (A huge part of playing in music ministry)
I love to read historical fiction (with light romance) because I love history. I developed an interest in painting from my paternal grandmother but never really pursued it so
I plan to take some drawing and painting classes in my near future. I’d like to pursue other music classes that weren’t included in my original degree(jazz studies, composition)
Pricing:
- • Music for Little Mozarts $175 per student (limit 4 students/class)
- • Private lessons all ages $200/month
- •Gigs $200.00/hour
Contact Info:
