Meily J. Mendez, DMA, NCTM is an Assistant Professor of Practice for Piano and Class Piano for the UA School of Music. She received her Doctorate in Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Arizona’s School of Music, studying performance with Steinway artist and Professor of Piano, Dr. John Milbauer, and pedagogy with Professor of Piano Pedagogy and GrouPiano, Dr. Lisa Zdechlik. Dr. Mendez is an active member of Tucson Music Teacher’s Association, the Arizona State Music Teacher’s Association, and the Music Teachers’ National Association. Dr. Mendez also teaches piano lessons to all ages and all levels as an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. She has served as an adjudicator for music competitions and she continues her research and performances of solo and collaborative works.