Vanessa McKinney

Vanessa’s love of music first began while learning piano at age 6 and continues today. She has written her own music for over 20 years and is currently in several local bands playing guitar, ukulele, and lead vocals. Vanessa has written and self-produced an EP under the moniker VansAnn.  She has a great love for a variety of music from classical to punk rock. One of Vanessa’s highlights in her career has been playing Minneapolis Pride in 2021 with her band Pink Triggers. She has over 10 years of experience playing the ukulele and over 20 years of playing guitar.

Vanessa has been teaching piano to children and adults since 2019, working with Schubert Club's Project Cheer program in Saint Paul as well as offering private lessons. She enjoys getting to know her students’ interests and curating lessons that engage and excite them. This can include learning popular songs as well as making up songs together or simply processing performance anxiety before a recital. Vanessa believes that musical talent is as diverse as each student; one might excel at playing music by ear while another will start reading music in a snap!

In her free time, Vanessa loves camping in her VW Westfalia named Poppy, climbing, biking, and traveling, and she has recently discovered a passion for painting. She also strongly believes in the importance of diversity and inclusivity.

• Vanessa teaches songwriting lessons and classes, and piano lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

• Lessons with Vanessa start at $30 for 30 minutes