Private Lessons & Coaches in St. Petersburg, FL

With over eight years of experience as a swim instructor, Mercedez Shelton has been teaching swimming since she was 16. She has worked with students of all ages from infants in “Mommy and Me” classes to children, teens, adults and elderly, adapting her teaching style to meet each individual’s needs. Mercedez is passionate about helping swimmers build confidence, improve technique, and develop a lifelong love for the water. She is skilled in a variety of swim programs and teaching methods and brings a positive, encouraging approach to every lesson. Beyond swim instruction, she has experience leading water-based activities such as water aerobics and fitness exercises, and her background as a nanny and after-school program director gives her exceptional skills in childcare, safety, and classroom management. Mercedez prides herself on her ability to connect with students and parents alike, creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where every swimmer can thrive.

"My son has mild sensory challenges, and finding the right instructor was hard. Mercedez was incredible, she was patient, understanding, and creative with her approach. He looks forward to every lesson now and has made so much progress in just a few months.

From concert halls to your home, I bring 12 years of professional piano experience. As a former professional pianist, my passion is nurturing musical talent in students of all levels. I tailor my teaching to individual needs, fostering both technical skill and artistic expression.

My passion for piano transcends mere performance – it's about igniting that same love in others. As my main instrument is percussion, I started on piano 10 years ago and have been on and off for the past 6 years. With this experience and my other music teaching endeavours, I guide students of all levels, fostering their musicality through engaging and personalized instruction.

With a passion for music that spans decades, I began my journey in piano teaching in 2006, conducting private and group sessions. My musical voyage began even earlier during my high school days at Smithfield High School in VA, where my exceptional talents were recognized by my choir director, leading me to pursue higher education at Shenandoah University Conservatory. There, I earned my BM and MM degrees in Piano Performance with a minor in organ, shaping my profound understanding of classical music. Over the years, I've honed my skills in chamber music and music theatre, amassing 26 years of experience accompanying and coaching singers, as well as a decade in ballet dance accompaniment. Notably, I had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall in 2014 and continue to enrich my musical journey by collaborating with local bands and performing at prestigious events.