We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Teresa Stewart-Meli and have shared our conversation below.
Teresa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Great question. On most weekdays, I get my Java in, then make sure my daughter is awake and ready for her day. Quickly I say hello to my wonderful husband and then get myself up to the studio to start teaching. I may or may not come home for a bit to grab some lunch and then I head back and teach until about 7:30 or 8 most nights
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Dr. Teresa Stewart-Meli, and I am a the owner of Musicology in downtown Denton. We are a music studio, focusing on research based methods to accelerate, customize, and celebrate musical training for individuals who may learn differently. Specifically, my student works with individuals with nuerodiversities.
Additionally, I have co-authored a book, “Diversity in Music”education with Victor Lozada, PhD. I’m currently working on a second book “The piano teacher’sguide to the extra-ordinary student” to be released in spring 2027 through Bloomsbury publishing.
Lastly, I am also the founder of Resonance Sound Collective which is a non-profit sponsoring adaptive ensembles in Denton. Our goal is to empower every voice and sound to be heard.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
This is a brilliant question. Respect. A lack of respect which can manifest in a vast aray of actions such as judgment, hate, control, and rage. My true belief is that a lack of respect for an individual to exist or understand life differntly will sever their bond however long-standing. Recently, I have experienced this in a profound manner.
Restoration lies in humility; in the ability of humans to admit a less than transcendental knowledge. After the humility, then respect equals restoration.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Type III. This has caused profound medical problems throughout my life; 3 back surgeries, 3 cranial surgeries, and eventually a stroke to name the highlights. Having this challange has helped me be a more compassionate educator and led me to a researching the use of music to retrain and teach the mind.
Because of a series of undesirable events, I was led to my true purpose to facilitate musical learning in individuals with various differences.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The new 501c-3, Resonance. This non-profit is newly founded but I have total faith in North Texas to support several adaptive ensembles. There are more community ensembles here than anywhere else in the US, so why not a handful for individuals with intellectual and physical differences?
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m teaching. Time is non-existent. I’m completely immersed in whatever the subject matter might be. Seeing a student “get it” is the biggest high I’ll ever know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.musicologydenton.com
- Instagram: Musicology_denton
- Facebook: Musicology_Denton
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@musicologydenton?si=c70xq2naJ9a-ppGv
Image Credits
Taylor Collins
