Tallahassee Music Academy
Welcome to Tallahassee Music Academy, a local traveling music studio serving Tallahassee since October 2023. Our mission is simple: to provide high-quality music lessons for people of all ages and abilities in a supportive, encouraging environment.
We offer convenient in-home music lessons across the Tallahassee area, along with online lessons for students who prefer virtual learning. Whether you’re brand new to music, returning after a break, or preparing for auditions and performances, our instructors create personalized lesson plans that build confidence, creativity, and strong musical skills.
Students can study piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, and more with teachers who know how to meet each learner where they are. At Tallahassee Music Academy, we believe music education should feel welcoming, accessible, and something you genuinely look forward to each week!
MEET THE TEAM
Aly Harrison
Founder/Director
Education: B.S Music Education
About Aly: Aly began her musical journey at just seven years old, studying piano and voice and developing a lifelong love for the performing arts. Over the past 15 years, she has built a strong foundation as a vocalist, pianist, guitarist, and ukulele player, shaping both her musicianship and her approach to music education.
With eight years of experience as a music educator, Aly has taught in both classroom (K–12) and private lesson settings. In 2023, she founded Tallahassee Music Academy, where she now serves as Owner and Director. In this role, Aly oversees curriculum development, instructor training, and the overall educational vision of the academy, ensuring that every student receives high-quality, individualized instruction in a supportive and inclusive environment. Her background includes extensive work with young learners, students with special needs, and singers preparing for college vocal auditions.
When she’s not directing the academy or performing, Aly enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her dogs.
Anna Leach
Administrative Assistant
Education: Seeking BA in Music Education
About Anna: Anna began her musical journey in sixth grade playing French horn and later added jazz trumpet while attending LaVilla School of the Arts. Her passion for music continued to grow at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where she developed strong skills in performance, collaboration, and leadership. Now a third-year student at Florida State University’s College of Music, Anna brings both musicianship and organization to everything she does.
As Tallahassee Music Academy’s Administrative Assistant, Anna helps keep day-to-day operations running smoothly for families, students, and instructors. She supports scheduling and communication, assists with studio organization, and helps ensure events and recitals are well coordinated from start to finish. She also serves as TMA’s event photographer, capturing special moments at recitals and studio events.
Anna’s background includes extensive experience performing in solo, band, chamber, and orchestral settings. At FSU, she has been an active member of the Marching Chiefs and has served in a leadership role within the organization, strengthening her ability to work with teams, manage details, and follow through in fast-paced environments.
Outside of TMA, Anna enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
MEET THE TEACHERS
Rebecca Stewart
Instruments Taught: Voice and Beginning Piano
Education: Seeking BA in Music Education
About Rebecca: Rebecca has loved music for as long as she can remember. As soon as she could speak, she was singing, and she joined choir at the earliest opportunity. That lifelong passion for music led her to pursue a career in music education, where she enjoys helping others discover their own love for music.
Rebecca is currently pursuing a degree in Choral Music Education at Florida State University. She is an active performer in several ensembles, including Levana (SSAA choir), the Modern Pop Ensemble, Tallahassee Community Choir, and FSU’s premier all-gender a cappella group, All-Night Yahtzee.
She has training in a wide range of vocal styles including classical, pop, musical theatre, gospel, and jazz, and also has extensive experience in piano. Rebecca loves supporting young musicians by creating a fun, healthy, and encouraging learning environment where students feel confident exploring music.
Rebecca is excited to work with students as they develop their musical skills and discover what inspires them most about music. When she is not teaching or performing, she enjoys spending time with friends and continuing to explore new musical opportunities.
Natalie Ealum
Instruments Taught: Voice, Beginning Piano, Beginning Guitar, and Ukulele
Education: BA in Music, Seeking Masters in Music Therapy
About Natalie: Natalie has been surrounded by music her whole life. Coming from a musical household she was given the genes and the environment to pursue a path in music. Natalie studied musical theatre for 10 years as well as voice and piano and over the years added guitar and ukulele to the mix! After earning a Bachelors degree in music from Jacksonville University, Natalie is now pursuing her Masters in the music therapy equivalency program at FSU!
With 5 years of teaching private/group music lessons, Natalie has found a passion for sharing music with others in whatever form that may be. Her teaching philosophy is to ensure each unique student has the opportunities to succeed. She is passionate about inclusivity and providing students of all abilities with a safe and supportive learning environment! Natalie loves to have fun with music and explore new ways and activities to keep the student engaged with musical ideas!
When she’s not teaching or in class Natalie is rewatching her favorite TV shows, playing with her three dachshunds, or enjoying a sweet treat!
Annalise Milligan
Instruments Taught: Voice, Guitar, Beginning Piano
Education: Seeking BS in Communication Science and Disorders
About Annalise: Annalise has had a love for music from a young age. She began her musical journey at age 11 when she started learning guitar, and soon after began studying classical voice and piano as well. At just 12 years old, she started writing original music, a creative passion that has continued to grow throughout the years.
Her love for music has led her to become actively involved in the Tallahassee music community. Annalise continues to write and release original music independently, perform live at local venues and events, and sing in the St. Thomas More Mass Choir. She also has experience collaborating with other performers and producers, allowing her to explore many different aspects of music and performance.
Annalise serves as the Social Media Coordinator for Tallahassee Music Academy, where she helps highlight the accomplishments of TMA’s talented students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families. She has experience with graphic design in Canva and social media management, and enjoys using creativity to help share TMA’s mission with the community.
Annalise is passionate about encouraging and supporting young musicians as they grow in confidence and discover their own love for music. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, getting coffee, and spending time with her pets.
Seth Stringer
Instruments Taught: Piano, Beginning Violin
Education: B.A. in Music
About Seth: Seth began his musical journey at the age of seven, growing up in a musical family and playing in Church regularly. His love for the piano pushed him to pursue more opportunities to play and perform for people all throughout high school.
Seth earned his Bachelor's in Music from Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, where he has the opportunity to train classically and grow as a pianist. With his time in Rome, Seth served a variety of churches as a pianist and has played for private weddings and venues.
Seth strives to help students develop a love and passion for music and to give them the space to feel safe and grow as students. He has had the opportunity to teach students at a variety of ages and backgrounds, and is excited to continue working with students as they develop their skills as musicians.
Maya Robertson
Instruments Taught: Violin, Piano, French Horn
Education: Seeking BA in Music Education
About Maya: Maya began her musical journey in sixth grade when she joined her middle school orchestra and chose the violin. By eighth grade, she had also fallen in love with the French horn and has continued to play both instruments ever since. Originally from the Orlando area, Maya performed in both the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble at Timber Creek High School, where she earned first chair on both instruments and served as mellophone section leader in the marching band, The Regiment.
Maya is currently pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education at Florida State University. During her time at FSU, she has performed in the College of Music’s Concert and Symphonic Bands, participated in several small ensembles including horn quartets and quintets, and is an active member of the Horn Studio.
She has experience teaching private lessons and working with younger students, bringing a patient and adaptable approach to her instruction. Maya believes in helping students find balance between practice, school, and other activities while developing both technical skill and musical expression.
Gabriel Lanza Santos
Instruments Taught: Guitar, Ukulele, Beginner Piano, Voice
Education: Seeking BM in Jazz Performance
About Gabriel: Gabriel is a Brazilian guitarist versed in many different genres, from classical all the way to current popular music. He’s been developing his skills on the instrument for almost 10 years, where he finds himself currently at Florida State University pursuing a Jazz Performance degree with the hopes of not only performing professionally but also making a real impact on Jazz Education in the future.
Gabriel has had the chance to play and gain experience in many different settings, such as professional pit orchestras, jazz bands, choirs, classical guitar groups, and even ethnic music groups such as Jaragua (FSU’s Brazilian Ensemble). However, in his time as a musician, Gabriel has also had the chance to acquire piano and vocal training, which he believes all circles back to make each individual instrument stronger foundationally.
Gabriel has developed a teaching philosophy of meeting students where they want to be met. With his extensive background, he always strives to provide the student with whatever they wish to learn, as well as the tools they need to achieve the goals they are shooting for, all while ensuring that it is not negatively impacting other aspects of life.
Jack Flaumenhaft
Instruments Taught: Drums, Guitar Beginning Piano
Education: Seeking BM in Jazz Performance, BMEd in Instrumental Music Ed
About Jack: Jack began his musical journey as young as he could, growing up in a musical family, he started playing piano at 3 and switching to drums at 10 and picking up guitar at 13. As he grew up in music, Jack found himself playing shows that would expose him to more musical genres such as latin, pop, jazz and theatre music. This culimated in his acceptance into the National All-Stars program for School of Rock for 2 years, touring the country and recording with both original music and famous rock songs. After this, Jack was offered admission into Berklee College of Music as well as Florida State University for jazz performance and music education. At Florida State Jack is a dual honors student as well as a constantly performing musician with local bands and the schools jazz big band and combo. He also is part of the National Association for Music Education as well as a member of the Deans Student Association Council in his free time.
Jack has taught private lessons for many years and loves seeing his students grow their passion and discover their musical artistry.
Elly Cross
Instruments Taught: Voice, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
Education: Seeking BA in Music Therapy
About Elly: Elly began her musical journey early on- as soon as she could speak she was singing, and as soon as she could walk she was dancing. She started singing in church, school, community, and opera choirs, as well as partaking in musical theater in elementary school. Her love for performance continued as she got older, in middle school, Elly picked up the ukulele, and in high school, she picked up the piano and guitar and never looked back, going on to perform solo in her community in South Florida, writing and performing her own music. She graduated from Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts and is currently pursuing a degree in Music Therapy with minors in child development, psychology, and studio art at Florida State University.
Elly has experience with voice, guitar, ukulele, and piano, but most importantly, Elly values teaching students how to find their own voices, express themselves, and find joy through music. Elly has experience in classical, popular, folk, and jazz singing, and has had experience performing at Florida State with Levana, Vocal Jazz, and Gospel Choir, as well as solo gigs focusing on folk and popular music. Elly also interns with the Capital Children’s Choir, serves as secretary of FSU’s Music Therapy Student Organization, and as president-elect of the Southeastern Regional American Music Therapy Association for Students.
Elly knows music is a universal language, and is passionate about utilizing music to help students gain confidence, to encourage expression, and to create inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds, needs, and abilities, focusing on student-centered teaching, whether that be in songwriting, technique training, or simply learning along with favorite songs.
Isabelle Jocelyn
Instruments Taught: Violin, Voice, and Beginner Guitar
Education: Seeking BM in Voice Performance
About Isabelle: Isabelle has been singing since the age of five and began playing violin and guitar at ten. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Florida State University, where she performs with several ensembles including Levana (SSA Choir), Gospel Choir, and FSU’s premier soprano-alto a cappella group, the Acabelles. She is also an active member of the College of Music’s Black Alliance, serving as Performance Chair.
With training in Musical Theatre, Pop, Jazz, Gospel, and Classical vocal styles, Isabelle brings versatility and passion to her teaching. She has extensive experience working with young students and is highly skilled in teaching both voice and violin, fostering musical growth through encouragement, creativity, and a supportive learning environment.
Isabelle is thrilled to be part of the Tallahassee music community and loves helping students discover their own voice and confidence through music.
Julie Cruz
Instruments Taught: Voice, Piano, Guitar
Education: BA in Music, Seeking Masters in Music Therapy
About Julie: Julie discovered her passion for music at the age of six and has been involved in musical activities ever since. Originally from the Miami area, she participated in her high school’s women’s honor chorus and took every opportunity to perform with ACDA and FMEA ensembles. She earned her undergraduate degree in Music from Florida State University and is now pursuing her master’s through FSU’s Music Therapy Equivalency Program.
At Florida State, Julie has performed with Levana (SSA Choir) and the Steel Pan Band, Mas N’ Steel. She is also a proud member of the international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, where she has served as Sergeant at Arms. Julie loves fostering creativity and confidence in her students and is excited to share her lifelong love of music through teaching.
Outside of school and teaching, she enjoys drawing, crafting, and photography.
Maggie Merrell
Instruments Taught: Voice and Piano
Education: Seeking BA in Music Education
About Maggie: Maggie has been singing and playing piano since the age of five and has dedicated her life to sharing her love of music with others. She is currently pursuing a degree in Choral Music Education at Florida State University, where she performs in several ensembles including Chamber Choir, Women’s Glee Club, and FSU’s premier soprano-alto a cappella group, the Acabelles.
As the Acabelles’ apprentice music director for the past two years, Maggie has enjoyed arranging, audio producing, and traveling to record albums with the group. She is also an active member of the international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota, where she currently serves as Music Director, organizing performances and recitals for her fellow musicians.
Outside of school, Maggie works as the Music Intern at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, where she sings and assists in leading the adult choir for Sunday services and special events. Her favorite genres include pop, rock, musical theatre, jazz, and classical. In her free time, Maggie enjoys swimming, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends.
Addy Burwell
Instruments Taught: Piano, Beginner Violin
Education: BS Music Education, Masters in Music Education
About Addy: Addy is a Florida Certified Teacher and pianist with a strong passion for music education and performance. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education with Applied Piano Study from the University of South Florida, graduating with honors. During her time at USF, she served as president of the collegiate National Association for Music Education (cNAfME) chapter, where she developed her leadership and teaching skills while collaborating with fellow educators.
Addy is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education at Florida State University, where she also serves as the collaborative pianist for the College of Music’s community outreach choirs. In addition to piano, she has a background in teaching orchestra and continues to sharpen her violin skills to expand her versatility as a musician and educator.
As a teacher, Addy strives to make each lesson creative, engaging, and tailored to the individual student. She incorporates not only fundamental piano technique but also encourages exploration in popular music, music theory, and composition. Addy is an active member of the Florida Music Education Association and the Music Teachers National Association.