Guitar, Piano, Voice
Mandi Powell began singing at the young age of 3, and by the age of 5, she was singing in local talent shows across Houston and beyond. Mandi picked up her first instrument, the clarinet, at age 11 and soon began playing in her junior high and high school band. She soon switched to her high school choir to pursue her passion for singing. After finishing high school, Mandi attended Houston Community College, where she took her first piano course. After her first semester, she decided to pick up a guitar privately. She began playing guitar and pursuing music full-time, playing acoustic and then, in 2011, forming her first full band and playing across Texas and many other states across the U.S. In 2012, Mandi released her first full-length album of original music she wrote. Her band, sponsored by OnStage Stands, played their first big out-of-state show at Winter NAMM in Anaheim, California.
In 2014, Mandi began her career in teaching at the School of Rock in Katy, TX. This opportunity allowed her to use her experience as a band leader to teach the next generation how to play music and grow to be passionate about it. "Teaching music has been such a joy for me. I show up to inspire my students and build a trusting foundation for them, but they often inspire me as well. It's my top priority to make sure they feel safe, validated, and have fun while learning the universal love language of music."
Most recently, Mandi taught guitar for Houston Independent School District and her own private roster of students. In her spare time, you might find Mandi out running, playing with her beloved dogs Archie and Willow, riding her paint horse Shelby, or playing sand volleyball with her friends.