A Quick Update!
Our owner, Aly, is currently on maternity leave! During this time, our administrative assistant will be available to assist with questions and messages Monday–Friday from 1–4 PM.
Lessons will continue as regularly scheduled, so students should continue attending their normal lesson times.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while Aly enjoys this special time with her family!
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.
Abby Francis
Administrative Assistant
Education: Seeking Masters in Music Therapy
About Abby: Abby’s musical journey began in elementary school when her mother enrolled her in piano lessons, giving her a strong musical foundation that would shape her future. In middle school, she discovered the euphonium and quickly developed a passion for band. She continued playing throughout high school and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Psychology from Jacksonville University.
During her time at Jacksonville University, Abby immersed herself in every musical opportunity available, performing with the wind ensemble, orchestra, marching band, and pep band. Along the way, she expanded her musical abilities by learning trombone, marching baritone, and voice. It was during her undergraduate studies that she discovered her passion for music therapy.
Abby is currently pursuing her Master's Equivalency in Music Therapy at Florida State University, where she is continuing to combine her love of music with a desire to help others through meaningful musical experiences.
Outside of TMA, Abby enjoys crocheting, reading, and treating herself to a good cup of coffee.
MEET THE TEACHERS
Yin (Apple) Lin
Instruments Taught: Piano
Education: DMA in Collaborative Piano, MA in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, BA in Music Education
About Apple: Dr. Apple Lin began studying piano at the age of three in Shanghai, China, and went on to earn her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance from Shanghai Normal University. During her studies, she performed extensively as a pianist and accompanist, including international performances with the Shanghai XingZhi Girls’ Choir in Spain and at APEC in Shanghai. She has also received recognition in several national and international competitions, including Second Prize in the 3rd Zhu Jiang Piano Cup National Piano Competition.
Since moving to the United States in 2017, Dr. Lin has continued to build an active career as a collaborative pianist, chamber musician, and educator. She has collaborated with numerous vocalists and instrumentalists in recitals, masterclasses, and competitions, including an international virtual vocal masterclass with acclaimed soprano Lisette Oropesa. She has also participated in chamber music masterclasses with musicians from the New York Philharmonic and USC Thornton School of Music, as well as the Emerald Chamber Music Festival.
As an educator, Dr. Lin has more than 15 years of piano teaching experience and is passionate about helping students develop both strong musical foundations and a love for music. She has also served as an artistic director and piano coach for international music programs and competitions. In addition to classical music, Dr. Lin has studied and performed jazz vocal music in Shanghai.
Dr. Lin received her Artist Certificate in Collaborative Piano from Azusa Pacific University and a Music Performance Certificate in Collaborative Piano from La Sierra University. She is currently pursuing her DMA in Collaborative Piano at the University of Southern Mississippi.
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.
Elizabeth Milan
Instruments Taught: Violin and Piano
Education: BM in Violin Performance, Seeking MM in Violin Performance
About Elizabeth: Elizabeth Milan was raised in a family of musicians that fostered her early development as a multi-instrumentalist, making her public debut at 5 on violin and piano. She held youth orchestra positions in both Indiana and Florida starting in 2012, and appeared as a soloist with the Pinellas Youth Symphony in 2022, shortly before graduating from high school.
During her undergraduate studies at Florida State University, Elizabeth expanded her performance work across violin, piano, flute, and organ, developing a broad and versatile artistic profile. Her interests have developed to include both newly composed works, featuring the premiere performances of several new solo and chamber works, as well as historical performance practice on the Baroque violin. Elizabeth has earned recognition in local and regional competitions in recent years, with a number of finalist placements and multiple public performances. Most recently, she was invited to perform as a featured artist soloist with the Atlanta Metropolitan Symphony.
Elizabeth recently received her Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from FSU and is now a graduate assistant there, pursuing her Master of Music. She is a Suzuki certified teacher for Violin Books 1 and 2 and plans to continue her Suzuki training throughout the years. Elizabeth is thrilled to now be a part of the Tallahassee Music Academy as a violin and piano teacher!
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.
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.
Jarobi Watts
Instruments Taught: Piano, Guitar, Electric Bass, Double Bass, Beginner Drums
Education: Bachelors in Music, Seeking Master of Music
About Jarobi: Jarobi Watts is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and performing artist specializing in double bass, electric bass, guitar, piano, drums, and percussion. Raised in a Caribbean and African American household, Jarobi’s musical foundation was shaped by gospel, jazz, R&B, funk, Afro-Caribbean music, rock, and classical music.
Jarobi holds a Bachelor of Music from Stetson University and is currently pursuing a Master of Music at Florida State University, where he studies classical and jazz double bass. He is a tenured section bassist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra and a substitute bassist with the Orlando Philharmonic, Ocala Symphony, and Brevard Symphony Orchestras. He also performs with the Orlando-based band Jupiter Storm, works as a studio musician, and collaborates with artists and ensembles across Florida.
His recorded work includes Jodi-Ann Taylor’s All Creation Sings, Michael Fantaro’s Jazz Age Revived, and Jupiter Storm releases including “Bee,” “Vile,” “Noise Pollution,” “Bridge Over Bridge,” and “Fire.”
Outside of music, Jarobi enjoys reading, gardening, and nature walks. He is married to his wife, Jodi-Ann Taylor-Watts, and shares his home with their three cats, Leo, Ginger, and Cally.
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!
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.
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.
Neil Anderson
Instruments Taught: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar
Education: BA in Philosophy, Has taught music for 12 years
About Neil: Neil began his musical journey at the age of five and has since developed into a versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Throughout his life, he has performed with numerous bands across the Southeast, including Wild Ginger, Stone Street, Swingin’ Harpoon Band, and The Heebie Jeebies. His musical experience spans guitar, bass, piano, and voice, and he is especially passionate about music’s ability to communicate complex emotions and connect people.
Neil graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. Alongside his musical career, he has provided private instruction in both academic and musical subjects for more than 10 years. He brings a strong foundation in communication and a flexible approach to teaching, allowing him to work with students across a wide range of musical disciplines and experience levels.
As an educator, Neil believes that knowledge is empowering and loves helping students build the skills and confidence they need to pursue their goals. Outside of teaching and performing, he enjoys reading novels, photography, films, composing music, and writing fiction and poetry.