Private Lessons & Coaches in Brandon, 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.

Robinson High School alum, college catcher. I teach both hitting and catching to kids and teenagers. I have experience with coaching youth and high school/college athletes.

Former NCAA Division III lacrosse player and collegiate coach with over 14 years of competitive playing experience and 3 years of coaching experience. Skilled in player development, practice planning, film analysis, leadership, and mentoring student-athletes. Passionate about building competitive programs while fostering character and athletic growth.

Former division 1 football player. Started coaching football at FAU after my career ended. Transitioned into fitness and 1:1 training for all sports. Found a love for pickleball and consistently won pickleball tournaments at The University of South Carolina

"Had him teach my twin boys how to play. They fully understand the rules and can play with each other for hours now!

I'm a skilled pianist, composer, and teacher with over 20 years of experience in jazz, blues, ragtime, and classical piano. My musical journey began in early childhood with classical piano lessons and a love for the violin, growing into a lifelong passion shaped by decades of focused study, performance, and creative exploration. I specialize in helping students of all ages and levels not just play the piano, but truly understand the music—building lasting confidence, solid technique, and expressive freedom.   I'm not just a pianist, but a versatile musician. During my years at Clarkston Middle and High School, I also played saxophone in both concert and marching band, gaining a well-rounded foundation across instruments and styles. At 17, I began intensive boogie-woogie piano training under Matthew Ball, “The Boogie Woogie Kid,” whose YouTube channel has over 5 million views. Around the same time, I studied jazz and classical theory, composition, and arranging while earning college credits at Oakland Community College.   After moving to Florida, I began performing professionally at age 26, booking regular gigs at restaurants and venues throughout the local area. Since then, I’ve composed over 30 original works in jazz, classical, and ragtime styles. My musical interests have also grown to include modern production, using the Yamaha MOXF8 and Montage to explore synth-based sounds, ambient textures, and chill lounge music—perfect for students drawn to both traditional and contemporary approaches.   My teaching style is student-centered, encouraging, and highly adaptable. Whether you're a total beginner, a casual hobbyist, or a serious musician working toward advanced goals, each lesson is tailored to your needs. We'll strengthen your technique, develop your creativity, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Lessons are 1-on-1, online or in person based on your location. New students can pay their first lesson in full, or receive 100% money back—book today and start your musical journey!

"A Great First Lesson Scott is an excellent piano teacher! As a beginner, I really appreciate how patient, clear, and encouraging he is. He has a great way of breaking down the basics so they’re easy to understand and practice. His guidance on technique and fingering has already made a noticeable difference in my playing. Scott’s teaching style is structured yet relaxed, which makes each lesson both productive and enjoyable. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to build a strong foundation in piano!

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.

With three decades dedicated to basketball, I cultivate players' potential. My experience allows me to tailor programs to individual needs, fostering growth on and off the court. Join me, and let's elevate your game! Coaching helps me help others, but also strengthens my game. The stronger my game grows, the more I have to give.

My nickname is the "Pickle Ninja". I'm a PPR Certified Pickleball Coach. I am certified to teach private and group lessons for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Learn the following skills (And many more!): Beginner - Consistent serving, dinks, & drives Improver - Drops, overheads & volleying Intermediate - Topspin, resets, blocks & opponent awareness Advanced - Deception, angle shots, fast hands & smart movement around the court Sharpen your game. Train with the Ninja!

Michael-Ray Pallares, the Director of Coach Training and Education for the UPT, is a former professional tennis player from the Dominican Republic. As a player, he was a two-time USTA national champion as a junior, received a full scholarship to play at the University of Alabama, ranked Top 10 in NCAA Division 1 tennis and held an ATP ranking for more than ten years while representing his country in the Davis Cup and the Central American and Caribbean Games. Michael-Ray has traveled extensively as a professional tour coach and/or sparring partner for several ATP and WTA players ranked top 10 in the world. He also served as Technical Director of the Panamanian Tennis Federation, Turkmenistan Tennis Federation and the Guam National Tennis Federation as an Expert Coach for the International Tennis Federation undertaking the Development of National Sport Structure, creating an action plan to strengthen the tennis program approved by the International Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity. He is now promoting the game of tennis worldwide through his foundation, One Love Tennis and the UPT coach education platform.

"Michael-Ray has really helped with my footwork, conditioning and overall movement on the court, which has improved my game so many levels!

Former soccer player now certified sports performance coach specializing in youth athletic development, speed, agility, strength, and conditioning. I’ve spent years helping athletes improve performance, build confidence, and develop discipline through structured, high-energy training. My goal is to create a competitive and supportive environment that pushes athletes to reach their full potential.