Coda Fine Arts | Coda Mountain

Coda Fine Arts
& Fine Arts Kidz

Fine Arts 2023: Happy Trails!

Whether you are a new musician or have tons of experience,

circle up the wagons for a Wild West musical adventure

at the Fine Arts music, art and drama camps in July!

For string players, the Fine Arts chamber music track is taking some exciting new steps

for those who already have playing experience. More info soon!

Coda Fine Arts Kidz
July 9 - 14

Ages 5 - 10
9:00 - 1:30 pm

Tuition $165

Coda Fine Arts

July 16 - 21
Ages 11 - 17

Tuition $185

9:00 - 4:00 pm

Map

what we do and why

Why Art Education?

Art encourages:

self-expression
team work and collaboration
community
problem-solving
visionary thinking
diligence and hard work
vulnerability
self-awareness
empowerment through personal creation

String orchestra rehearsal led by Emma Short of Richlands, NC

Student shows off box guitar made in woodworking class

Student and parent volunteer Carla Bower work on project in stop motion class

Grades, attendance, and behavior improvement have been connected with involvement in the arts. Ask us about the statistics from our after-school program!

Student string quartet rehearses during morning hours

Campers participate in folk dancing led by John Steadman of Cincinnati, OH

The arts call students to

listen harder,

look deeper,

and envision a better future

Campers work on landscapes in a watercolor course

Student poses with djembe after a rhythm class with Rob Gross

Fine Arts Kidz present final program for the community showcasing what they learned during the week

Meet Our Team

Esther Morey Executive Director Esther is the vision, the momentum, and the very heart behind Coda. Her contagious love and passion for providing a bright future for the next generation has inspired the founding of Coda Mountain Academy and strengthened of countless individuals toward the same goal. From her smile, to her gentleness, even to the frequent bottle of kombucha or carrot juice in her hand, exudes an atmosphere so often absent from our educational system today - one of love, acceptance, and joy.	Kathie Kiser Fine Arts Director Kathie has taught music in WV for the past 43 years. Her roles have included president of the New River Youth Symphony and Chorus, director of the NRYSC Beginner Chorus, and a classroom teacher, among others. Kathie holds a BS in Child Development and a BS in Social Work from Berea College and puts her energy toward helping children and parents achieve their goals and live happy, fulfilling lives. Kathie and her daughter Perri have been directing Coda Fine Arts since 2016.	Perri Kiser Fine Arts Director/Strings Perri is an active teacher and performer based in southern WV. She first began with Coda as a student in 2008 attending the SMF. Perri has taught in various capacities, from the beginner string ensemble Emerging Strings to preschool music in Seville, Spain. Perri holds an MM in Violin Performance and MA in String Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a BM in Violin Performance and a BM in Instrumental Music Education/Piano from Liberty University.
Lydia Butterfield Cello Lydia is a strings instructor in Lima, OH and owner of Butterfield Music Academy. Her study has included both violin and cello, entering college as a violin major and switching to cello halfway through. Completing a minor in international studies, Lydia researched the music and cultures of Asia, leading to fieldwork in Beijing and Xi’an, China in 2018 Lydia received an MA in String Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a BA in music history and cello from Ohio Northern University.	Robert Gross Percussion Rob picked up a set of drumsticks at the age of three and immediately captured a passion for drumming and the creativity of music. He was a member of his high school band, participating in the corps marching, concert, and pep bands, as well as serving as a church percussionist. Rob has appeared at the Mountain Music Fest, Big Something, FunktaFest, and Valley Fusion Festival, and shared the stage with Larry Keel, Tauk, and Tyler Childers.	Savannah Miller Choir/Voice Savannah has grown up around a variety of music. She learned vocal technique during her seven years in the Nicholas County Girls Choir, directed by Amy Hypes, in addition to private lessons. She has taught for over a decade, including choir at Coda Mountain Academy, has a Level I Orff Certificate, and is the director of the New River Youth Chorus. Savannah is passionate about how music teaches teamwork and brings together a community of diverse souls that love to make music.
John "Mudcat" Peters Bluegrass Guitar Mudcat was born on Pickle Street in Weston, WV as child number eight of nine and began learning to play instruments at home at a young age. Mudcat is well established in many genres. He enjoys tickling the ivory, picking on the banjo, strumming the guitar, chopping on the mandolin, and a variety of other instruments. He has decades of sound engineering experience, formerly owning and operating a recording studio with his wife, Debbie.	Kellie Pittman Head Cook Kellie is a child of God, wife, daughter, and mother to three beautiful girls here on earth and to a son in heaven. She is a cancer survivor, avid vegetable and flower gardener, and loves to cook and put smiles on the faces of others. Kellie and her family reside in Fayetteville, WV, where they love to be out exploring creation. Kellie's life verse is Psalm 37:4-5.	Emma Short Violin/Orchestra Emma is from Carthage, North Carolina and is the orchestra director at Richlands High School and Trexler Middle School in Onslow County, NC. Emma’s passion for teaching stems from her love for students and sharing the gift of music. She also enjoys performing with the Coastal Carolina Community Orchestra based in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Emma graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education: Instrumental Music and a minor in Special Education.