Living Ind

In The Music Garden

by Rhonda Gleason Breaux

Melissa Stelly Stevenson's commitment to invest in the future of creative and critical thinkers and art makers through music instruction extends from the classroom to her new studio

Photo by Robin May

Acadiana cannot sustain the very unique culture for which we are known throughout Louisiana, across our nation and among nations abroad without stewards of creativity and community like Melissa Stelly Stevenson. Her commitment to invest in the future of creative and critical thinkers and art makers through music instruction extends from the classroom to her new studio, The Music Garden.

IND: Why open the studio?

Photo by Robin May

Stevenson: Music has always been an important part of my life. I grew up singing in various groups and choirs throughout my school years. Eventually I became a music teacher, and I began writing and performing my own children’s music. I made two albums with the help of my husband, Cal, who is a also a musician and audio engineer.

Long story short, my husband and I decided to take a big risk and go for it. We officially leased the building in June, and I began teaching Music Together classes there. For the fall we have added group and private piano lessons, group voice class, after school art and music classes and a weekend yoga class. We will slowly be adding different programs, classes and camps. We are also working on creating an outdoor musical play space in the front yard, and an outdoor stage for music performances. The space just has lots of potential for so many different activities — we are very excited about it. We hope that The Music Garden can be an asset to our community offering positive and creative experiences for everyone.

Photo by Robin May

The Music Garden

**1424 St. John St., Lafayette 70506
**

**[email protected]
**

**[email protected]
**

(337) 781-8863

Save