From dazzling fans on stage at the Country Music Awards, to performing at popular spots all over Nashville, 2010 Maine-Endwell grad Tessa Dzuba is living her musical dreams. But decades before her singles Mercury Rising and Around the Truth were lighting up the Spotify charts with millions of streams, she was writing and performing her songs on the floor of her family’s ice cream shop – the popular Pat Mitchell’s, which was purchased from the previous owner when Tessa was a child.
As this M-E grad grew older, music was always a part of her life, whether it was the piano lessons gifted to her by her Grandmother, or the countless artists whose songs filled the walls of her childhood home.
“I’ve always loved music, but we’re from a small town, and it didn’t even occur to me that I could write songs or move to a place like Nashville,” said Dzuba.
For this Spartan alum, country music was everything. As she went through school, she continued singing and playing instruments, eventually starting a band with her friends. But this wasn’t the country band she dreamed of. Instead, it was a rock band. Dzuba didn’t mind one bit.
“I just wanted to perform. I love music,” said Dzuba.
The new female-fronted rock band would perform all over Broome County, and even through it wasn’t country music she was performing, Dzuba was hooked.
“I didn’t even know where that was going to lead. I just knew I wanted to do music full-time and be an artist,” said Dzuba.
When Tessa entered middle school, she jumped at the chance to sign up for chorus, where she’d perform for the remainder of her high school career. She credits those early memories in the music department for getting her to where she is today.
“There’s something about learning from the classics. I think it really helped me. Starting to learn notes in piano and being able to read sheet music, I definitely think that set me up for where I’d be later in life,” said Dzuba.
Looking back at her time at Maine-Endwell, Tessa says it’s her teachers and fellow classmates that helped her grow, both musically, and professionally.
“I loved Maine-Endwell. I’m so glad I went there. I think high school, you learn a lot about who you are. I felt like the people there and the whole atmosphere allows you that space to figure out who you are. It’s very close knit. You knew every one of your classmates. There wasn’t one person I couldn’t name,” said Dzuba.
When Tessa was a junior at M-E, the reality of her future began to set in. Was it college? Was it entering the workforce? One thing was clear; She knew she didn’t want to pursue anything but music…so she did.
Dzuba would apply for, and later get accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music at its Boston campus. A short time later, she set her sights on the big apple, where she landed a job working in the music department of Saturday Night Live. Dzuba’s job was working with artists and management daily, while assisting with rehearsals and performances.
“It was the first time that I really saw the music industry and how it worked. Up until then, you just see a famous person on your TV or on a stage, and they feel so far removed. SNL was really the first time I saw what the music industry was,” said Dzuba.
Just like that, she was hooked once again, and it was only the beginning. Dzuba’s job at SNL was her first true foray into the music industry, and it didn’t take long for her to realize the magnitude of her opportunity. One day on the job, she remembers being asked to head downstairs to let a guest in for a rehearsal. She grabbed her keys, and took the elevator to the basement, just as she always did. But this lover of all things music never could have imagined what she’d be walking into.
“These big metal doors slide open and there’s a black escalade. These huge bodyguards get out, three times my height, and out of the back door, Drake walks out.”
It was her first week on the job.
While her time in New York City was filled with great memories, she knew in her heart that Nashville was where she was always meant to be. With her bags packed, and her dream more alive than ever, she’d soon embark on a new chapter.
“I never visited, I just up and moved and I absolutely love it. It is such a cool city. There is music literally everywhere,” said Dzuba.
While it was a major risk, especially moving away from the family that had been supporting her from day one, she knew she had to follow her dream. And boy did it pay off.
Today, Tezza, as she’s known to fans all over the world, has performed and headlined hundreds of shows across the U.S., released music on multiple platforms, and continues to cement her name as a true pop-country star. Dzuba also works closely with a number of musicians in Nashville, hosting her own shows, and even opening for major artists, including back home in Binghamton at the Spiedie Fest.
Tezza, whose career only continues to grow, says she also wouldn’t be where she is today without the lessons she learned at Maine-Endwell. She’s excited to see opportunities in the district’s fine arts only grow, thanks to the implementation of classes such as music production and guitar, as well as Rock Band Club.
“I think that is such a great foundation. The skills you learn in high school can really help your career later in life. I wish I did a music production class when I was younger. They can take that class, and with that, put out their own music by themselves,” said Dzuba.
Today, when she’s not hosting major events in Nashville or performing to crowds of screaming fans, this 2010 grad is giving back to the community she once called home. Dzuba, along with her mother, work closely with Mercy House of the Southern Tier, a home for the terminally ill. Whenever she’s here to visit, Mercy House is one of her first stops, and you’ll often find her singing to residents in her free time – bringing smiles to the faces of those who need it most.
“You meet them and their families, and you just see how impactful music can be and how it brings people together. It makes you realize what’s really important in life. Careers are great, money is awesome, but at the end of the day, when that all falls away, we have each other, and the ways we can help one another,” said Dzuba.
The music of Tezza can be found on all steaming platforms, along with Instagram and Facebook. We could not be more excited for her continued success.