Coda Fine Arts | Coda Mountain

Coda Fine Arts,
Fine Arts Kidz,
& NEW this year...
Fine Arts Littles

Fine Arts 2024: Surf's Up!

Young musicians of all experience levels had a blast on an island-themed adventure at our Fine Arts 2024: Surf's Up! music, art and drama camps this July!

Coda Fine Arts Littles
July 1-3

Ages 5 - 6

Coda Fine Arts Kidz
July 8-12

Ages 7 - 11

Coda Fine Arts Teens

July 15 - 19
Ages 12 - 17

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 undergraduate violin lessons as a TA at Ohio State 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.	Evan Ellison Intern - Fine Arts Kidz Evan is a senior at Liberty University Academy and Fayette Institute of Technology and will graduate with an Associate's degree in May. Evan has played cello for eight years, participated in WV All-State, and is currently taking lessons in Blacksburg, VA. Evan has attended Coda music camps since he was eight! He is eager to intern, helping others learn about music and the art of playing cello. Evan also enjoys photography, listening to music, and playing video games.	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.
Stan Kiser Woodworking Stan is a native of southern WV and has been building, repairing, and restoring instruments since he was a teenager. His projects have ranged from building hammered dulcimers and mountain dulcimers to restorations of guitars, violins, cellos, and string basses. Stan has been playing music most of his life, formerly performing with his band Hearts and Flowers, studying string bass in college, and teaching guitar over the years. Stan resides in Victor, WV with his wife Kathie Kiser.	Eliana Lustgarten Intern - Fine Arts Kidz Eliana Lustgarten is a violinist of nine years. She is the concertmaster of the New River Youth Symphony and has participated in the West Virginia All-State Orchestra for the past five years. Eliana is a rising senior in high school and she is eager to work with Coda this summer!	Rayna Lustgarten Intern - Fine Arts Kidz Rayna Lustgarten is a sophomore in high school and plays the violin, viola, and piano. She is part of the New River Youth Symphony and has participated in the West Virginia All-State Orchestra for the past four years. Rayna is currently a student of Adam DeGraff.
April Moore April was first introduced to Coda in 2019 when her daughter attended Fine Arts Kidz and immediately fell in love with the opportunities Coda makes available for the next generation. April is joining the staff for a second year and is looking forward to being surrounded by such wonderfully talented people and having the opportunity to make a positive impact. April lives in Mount Nebo with her amazing husband and their beautiful daughter.	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, 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 sparks community. Recently, she is enjoying being a new stay-at-home mom.	Debbie Peters Ukulele/Theater Born in Richwood, WV, Debbie has been a resident of Craigsville, WV for many years. She was a member of Nicholas County High School band for four years and was honored with “most outstanding female in high school band.” Debbie plays the mandolin, ukulele, guitar, and loves to sing. She has been blessed to perform in many different bands, genres including Bluegrass, Country Gospel, and Classic Rock. Debbie enjoys teaching ukulele, mandolin, drama, and art with Coda.
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.	Ava Ries Intern Ava is a high school sophomore from Richlands, NC. She has played the baritone for four years and will join the high school marching band this fall, aspiring to be a drum major by the end of high school. Ava also plays piano and drums. Her life goal is to become a music/art teacher. Ava has attended the Coda Fine Arts camps for several years and is excited to intern with Coda Fine Arts Kidz. Ava loves to draw, sketch, and paint, and is the youngest of four sisters.
Crystal Robertson Arts & Crafts Crystal recently relocated to WV from Phoenix, Arizona. She has worked with children of all ages for 30 plus years. Crystal's passions include family, animals, and various types of art. She enjoys using many different mediums in her creations.	Amber Roehrig Rhythm Ensemble/Theater Amber Roehrig grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and studied music education at Northern Arizona University with a focus on instrumental music. For the past five years, she has taught general music, choir, and theater at an elementary school. In addition to music, Amber is passionate about painting, arts & crafts, and taking care of her pet cats.	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.
Lauren Zimmerman Intern - Fine Arts Kidz Lauren is an upcoming junior at Fayetteville High School in Fayetteville, Tennessee. She has been playing violin for the past 10 years and the piano for 5 years. She is a current member of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra in Huntsville, Alabama. Lauren is very artistic and passionate about playing music and learning about violin and other forms of art. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and drawing.