Before The Talent House existed, owners Trey Willis and Kaycee White were already leaving their musical footprint on the Cypress community. The duo met at the Community of Faith Church, where they both played in the lead worship band for more than 10,000 members.

"Kaycee and I have both been plugged into this community for a long time," Willis said. "I grew up in Cypress and have been personally teaching lessons out here since 2001. Kaycee had a bunch of students of her own. A lot of people in this area know us."

When the Talent House opened on Mueschke Road, it did not take long for business to take off through word-of-mouth. The business, which started in April 2013, saw its enrollment grow to nearly 100 students by the end of the 2013–14 school year.

Willis teaches guitar, bass, drums, percussion and saxophone, while White teaches piano, voice, violin and viola. Although the future of The Talent House could contain creative arts, drawing and photography classes, the owners say they are focused on continuing to grow. Willis said he has been developing a program to teach students how to write music.

"I try to inspire kids to write because I think that's a good form of expression, and it's just fun," he said. "I'd eventually like to start recording their songs so they can show friends and family."

Willis said the location suits the business well when it comes to creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

"It feels very much like a home setting, like you're hanging out with your buddy," Willis said.

Willis and White both agreed that few jobs are as rewarding as using a personal passion to teach others.

"To see that fire grow and to see how they get passionate about it is a really good feeling," Willis said. "Plus, it's just fun playing music all day."

Summary of services

The Talent House offers private lessons, which usually run 30 minutes per week, but more advanced players sometimes schedule hourlong lessons, co-owner Trey Willis said. The business has seven teachers on staff, including Willis and co-owner Kaycee White. Almost everyone on staff has a degree in music.

Lessons for all ages are offered for:

piano

voice

guitar

bass

drums

saxophone

violin/viola

other percussion styles

The house

The layout and design of The Talent House is similar to a residential dwelling. Two waiting rooms resemble living rooms with comfortable couches and chairs. One lesson room focuses on piano, voice and string instruments and another on guitar, bass and percussion.

The owners recently converted space into two new private lesson rooms and a kitchen. The house also has a back porch area for students and parents that serves as a waiting area.

Meet the founders

Trey Willis

Willis, who has been playing in bands throughout his life, earned his bachelor's degree in percussion performance from Sam Houston State University. He has been playing and teaching professionally since 2001. He is involved in several bands as a songwriter and producer. He said his forte guitar styles are blues and rock.

"Ever since I picked up a guitar at age 13, music has been my passion," Willis said. "When I was a kid I tried just about everything, but once I picked up a guitar, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. It's literally all I do."

Kaycee White

White's aptitude for music was apparent from an early age—she started giving other high school students lessons while she was still in high school herself. In college, White was a vocal performance major and also earned a double minor in piano and violin. Soon after graduating, she started teaching again.

"I love music, and teaching other people to make their own music is really cool," she said. "To watch them go from not knowing anything about music to playing something themselves is rewarding."

The Talent House

15835 Mueschke Road

Cypress 281-213-0403

www.thetalenthouse.net

Hours: Mon.–Fri. 3–8 p.m.