We come to you! Music lessons in your home or online!
Tallahassee Music Academy
Meet Your Teachers
Owner/Director
Aly Sullivan
Instruments Taught: Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Guitar
Education: B.S Music Education
About Aly: Aly started her musical journey at the age of 7, immersing herself in the world of piano and vocal training. With 15 years of experience in music, Aly has mastered the art of voice, piano and ukulele. Her passion of music has been a constant force throughout her life, driving her to share the joy and beauty of music with aspiring learners. Aly has had experience in various teaching environments, including classroom settings and one-on-one lessons. She prides herself in created personalized curriculum tailored to each unique learner. With experience teaching diverse students, including those in early childhood and with special needs, Aly brings an inclusive approach to her lessons. She understands the importance of adapting her teaching style to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered on their musical path. In her free time, Aly loves to play with her dogs and do yoga!
Dr. Emily Javarone
Instruments Taught: Violin and Viola
Education: DMA Violin Performance
About Emily: Emily Javarone began studying violin at the age of 6. Born in New York and raised in Colorado, Emily received her bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, where she studied with Richard Fuchs and Jubal Fulks. During her time at UNC she was concertmaster of the University Orchestra and appeared as a soloist with the orchestra in 2014 and 2016. She was also the winner of the UNC concerto competition and the Southard Competition in 2015. Emily attended several chamber music festivals throughout her undergraduate career, including the Montecito Music Festival and Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival. Emily graduated from Purchase College with her Artist Diploma and master’s degree in violin performance under the tutelage of Deborah Buck of the Lark Quartet. While at Purchase, she held several leadership positions in the symphony orchestra, and was a member of the graduate string quartet. She has participated in masterclasses given by Philip Setzer of Emerson Quartet, Ani Kavafian, Kristen Lee, the Kronos Quartet, and participated in a live-streamed masterclass at Rose Studio led by Sean Lee, given by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. She attended Brevard Music Festival, where she was concertmaster, assistant concertmaster, and principal second of the Brevard Sinfonia, and assistant concertmaster under William Preucil with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. Emily graduated from Florida State University in 2022 with her doctorate in violin performance under the guidance of Benjamin Sung, and now plays professionally throughout Florida.
Matthew Howell
Instruments Taught: Saxophone, Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele
Education: M.M. Music Composition, B.A. Music
About Matthew: Matthew is a composer, performer, and teacher from Oklahoma. Matthew has been playing music in a variety of different contexts since age 10, including wind bands, jazz bands, church bands, chamber ensembles, and marching bands among many others. Matthew currently teaches at Community Leadership Academy where he teaches elementary music to 4th and 5th grade as well as leading the middle and high school rock and guitar ensembles. He has also taught Aural Skills at Florida State University, and marching band at Guthrie High School (Guthrie, OK) and Morris High School (Morris, OK). In addition to his work as a teacher, Matthew is a professional composer. Matthew won the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Composition Competition, and wrote the title track for the recently released album “Angular Tuesday” recorded by the Oklahoma State University Jazz Orchestra. Outside of music, Matthew enjoys cooking and traveling with his wife, taking care of his two cats Delilah and Finley, and spending quiet time in nature.
Neil Anderson
Instruments Taught: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Banjo
Education: B.A Philosophy - Has taught music for 10 years
About Neil: Neil graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He has been playing music since he was 5 years old, and throughout his life he has sung and played Guitar/ Bass/Piano in many bands throughout the Southeast (Stone Street, Swingin’ Harpoon Band, The Heebie Jeebies etc.) Music is his primary passion and he appreciates music’s ability to convey complex emotions. Neil has provided private instruction in both musical and academic subjects for a combined 10 Years! He employs a robust set of communication skills to instruct learners in a broad range of musical disciplines. Teaching is incredibly important to him because knowledge is power, and he loves empowering others as they pursue their dreams. In his free time, he enjoys novels, photography, films, composing music, and writing fiction/poetry.
Josie Frein
Instruments Taught: Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
Education: Seeking BA in Music Therapy
About Josie: Josie has been studying music since she was 5 years old, and has loved every moment of it. She has a background in musical theatre, and she graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 2022. Josie currently studies music therapy at Florida State University’s College of Music. She has experience teaching movement, acting, voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele, and loves to help students express themselves through art and music. Josie is a lover of all types of music and has training in jazz, classical, and folk vocal styles. She performs with the Old Time Music Ensemble, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, is an intern for the Capital City Children’s Choir, and serves as the Vice President of the Music Therapy Organization at FSU. Songwriting and adaptive instrument play are some more of her favorite skills to teach.