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.
An active performer, Aly sings with the Tallahassee Community Chorus and continues to refine her musicianship through ensemble performance. Her commitment to learner-centered teaching is reflected in her publication featured in Learner-Centered Teaching in Music Education: The Guitar Class by F-flat Books. Her performance experience also includes earning front-of-the-line passes for American Idol in 2017 and 2018 and over a decade of involvement in musical theatre, including directing Moana Jr. in Tampa, Florida.
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
David Griffith
Instruments Taught: Voice, Beginning Piano, and Beginning Guitar
Education: Seeking Masters in Music
About David: David began his musical journey at a young age, performing in local churches and community choirs in his hometown of Upstate New York. What started as a childhood love for singing quickly grew into a lifelong passion for the performing arts and music education.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Eastman School of Music and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Music at Florida State University, where he continues to develop his skills as an opera singer and performer.
With experience teaching students of all ages, David enjoys helping others explore their creativity through music. He teaches voice, piano, trumpet, and beginner guitar, focusing on making lessons engaging, supportive, and personalized to each student’s goals.
For David, teaching music is more than sharing knowledge—it’s about inspiring confidence, creativity, and a lasting love for the art of making music.
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!
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.
Julian Bassett
Instruments Taught: Guitar, Bass, Piano
Education: Seeking Bachelors in Commercial Music
About Julian: Julian began his musical journey at 8 years old, starting out with cello and piano and eventually teaching himself electric guitar and bass. He began his college education at Miami Dade College, studying jazz guitar, and recently transferred to FSU to pursue a degree in Commercial Music.
Throughout middle and high school, Julian has had extensive gigging and performance
experience. 10 years' worth of orchestra performances and competitions and 2 years of gigging around Miami with School of Rock, including an east coast tour, among many other opportunities. Pursuing guitar as his main instrument, Julian strives to be fluent in multiple styles. His obsession and curiosity for his craft have led him to study many genres, including rock, funk, jazz, heavy metal, pop, and even classical music.
Julian believes that music knows no limitations and is a gift to be shared with others. By creating a supportive environment for students of all backgrounds, he hopes to inspire and encourage others along their musical journey.
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.
Daniel Cobbey
Instruments Taught: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar
Education: BM Jazz Performance, Seeking Master's in Musicology
About Daniel: Daniel is an experienced pianist and educator with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington. He began playing piano at six years old and discovered his love for jazz during high school. With training in both classical and jazz techniques and performance experience in local bands throughout Tallahassee and the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Daniel provides students with a strong foundation for any musical path they wish to pursue.
Daniel has taught private music lessons since high school and worked with the UT Arlington Jazz Orchestra’s workshops and outreach programs. He believes that lessons should be both fun and focused, helping students stay engaged and inspired while learning to think creatively about music.
Outside of teaching, Daniel enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing board games, composing new music, and jamming with friends.
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. He teaches drums, guitar and beginning piano
Charlotte Palmer
*Not accepting new students
Instruments Taught: Voice, Guitar, Piano
Education: Seeking BA in Music Therapy
About Charlotte: Charlotte began her musical journey at six years old and has been passionate about music ever since. Originally from the Orlando area, she has performed in a variety of settings including high school and church choirs, voice studio recitals, and paid local gigs. She is currently pursuing a degree in Music Therapy with a certificate in Gerontological Social Work at Florida State University.
At FSU, Charlotte performs with the Levana (SSA) Choir and Gospel Choir, serves as President of the university’s Music Therapy organization, Alpha Mu Alpha, and plays guitar and sings for the Wesley Foundation’s worship band. She is also an active member of the FSU Club Water Polo Team and performs regularly at local events around Tallahassee.
Charlotte has experience teaching music to children and individuals with special needs and believes that a flexible and personalized approach is key to meaningful learning. She strives to adapt her lessons to each student’s unique goals and learning style, helping every musician build confidence, creativity, and joy through music.
Isabelle Jocelyn
*Not accepting new students
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
*Not accepting new students
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.
Josie Frein
*Not accepting new students
Instruments Taught: Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Education: Seeking BA in Music Therapy
About Josie: Josie has been immersed in music since the age of five and has loved every moment of her musical journey. With a strong background in musical theatre, she graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2022 and is now pursuing a degree in Music Therapy at Florida State University’s College of Music.
Josie has experience teaching voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, movement, and acting, and she loves helping students express themselves through art and music. She has training in jazz, classical, and folk vocal styles and performs with the Old Time Music Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. In addition, she serves as Vice President of FSU’s Music Therapy Organization and interns with the Capital City Children’s Choir.
Josie is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment and works wonderfully with students of all needs and abilities. She especially enjoys teaching songwriting and adaptive instrument play, helping each student find their own creative voice.
Addy Burwell
*Not accepting new students
Instruments Taught: Piano, Beginner Violin
Education: BS Music Education, Seeking 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.
Maggie Merrell
*Not accepting new students
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.