Asia Ellingsworth Columbia Piano.

Born in Rolla, MO, Asia Ellingsworth discovered her passion for music at the young age of 7. Her musical journey began within a local community choir for children, where she took her first steps into the world of melodies. During her time in this choir, she found inspiration in a skilled pianist who left an indelible mark on her heart.

Upon grasping the essence of music and its intricate workings, Asia embarked on a new path—learning to play the piano. Guided by a team of exceptional music instructors, she tirelessly honed her skills, gradually unraveling her deep-rooted affinity for the instrument.

Currently a sophomore at Mizzou getting a music degree and a certificate in multicultural studies, nurturing her ambition to become a Music Therapist. Her desire to touch lives through the magic of music has always burned brightly within her. Endowed with kindness, compassion, and unwavering patience, Asia extends these qualities to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Carter Moore Columbia Guitar, Piano, Bass, Voice, Ear Training, Music Theory, Ukulele.

Carter Moore was born into a very musical family and has been singing and playing instruments for most of his 26 years. He received his vocal training from Nollie Moore, and while getting his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Columbia College, he performed in various productions, including playing the role of Dickon in the college’s production of The Secret Garden, Fagin in Oliver!, as well as Jack in Into the Woods, and the role of Jesus in Godspell. Carter has performed in over 30 staged shows during his time in musical theater, starting from age 7 and continuing to this day.

While at Columbia College, he also advanced to the national round of the singing competition NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and placed 2nd in the musical theater category, while placing 1st in musical theater and 2nd in classical at the annual Mid-Mo NATS.

Moore plans to continue his education with a master’s degree in vocal performance and conducting. Carter also performs live around Columbia with the local band Outermind, where he is the lead guitarist, keyboardist, and a singer-songwriter for the group.

Dominick DeStefano Columbia Piano, Saxophone, Ear Training, Arranging, Music Theory, Song Writing.

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Dominick is a composer, musician, and music educator. As a composer, he has written works for a wide variety of ensembles, including wind ensemble, big band, brass ensemble, and various chamber ensembles. His works have been recorded and performed by numerous groups including the West Chester University Wind Symphony, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, Network for New Music, and Constellation Men’s Ensemble.

In addition to his work as a composer, Dominick performs regularly as a bassoonist and is an active educator. Dominick holds a bachelor’s degree in composition from West Chester University and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Missouri.

He enjoys sharing his passion for music and helping students grow as musicians.

Kaitlin Arellano Columbia Piano, Voice, Ukulele, Ear Training, Music Theory, Improvisation, Song Writing, Conducting.

Kaitlin is a classically trained musician from rural southwest Kansas. Although it was a challenge to pursue music education in an agricultural environment, Kaitlin and her parents were determined to find opportunities for musical growth wherever they could. Weekly hour-long drives for piano lessons, trips across the state for weekend performances and collegiate music workshops, along with daily in-home musical immersion, have all shaped Kaitlin into the musician she is today.

Kaitlin received her degree in Music from Emporia State University, where she minored in Psychology, sparked by her interest in Music Therapy. She understands the intrinsic motivation required to continue pursuing music education and works hard to instill confidence in her students by fostering a positive, healthy learning environment.

With eight years of teaching experience, Kaitlin has positively impacted many students and is passionate about how music can shape us into better individuals. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and creating, traveling back to Kansas to visit family, learning Spanish, and advocating for causes like environmental sustainability within her local community.

Mikayla Fender Columbia Piano, Voice, Ear Training.

Mikayla, a recent music graduate from Central Methodist University, has been singing since she was 10 years old. Throughout middle school and high school, she continued to participate in the worship team at her church, knowing she wanted to pursue music as a career. Mikayla picked up the piano the summer before attending college, and went on to study both voice and piano as part of her degree.

While in school, she participated in the Worship Band, Jazz Band, Conservatory Choir, and maintained a 4.0 GPA for all four years of study. Due to her dedicated work ethic, she was able to graduate a semester early in December of 2022.

Mikayla focused on music ministry in college and has applied those skills in various aspects of her life. She consistently plays, sings, and leads contemporary worship music at local churches in Columbia. Beyond her primary involvement in the church, she regularly performs as the lead singer and keys player for her cover band, which she started with her husband.

Mikayla enjoys teaching students who may be new to music, looking to learn, and practice basic knowledge and skills. While Contemporary Worship is where her greatest passion lies, she also has a deep appreciation for Musical Theater and Pop.

Moon Ray Columbia Piano, Voice, Ukulele.

Moon Ray was practically born on the stage, dancing by the age of four and appearing in countless musical theatre productions with PACE, CEC, and Maple Wood Barn over the years. Throughout the years at school, Moon participated in regional and state ensembles and solo vocal competitions as well as competitive show choir.

More recently they performed original songs at local venues and worked with The Revolution Church's primary and youth worship bands – helping lead vocals and teaching harmonies, as well as playing bass.

Moon enjoys making art, hiking and composing songs, and is abundantly grateful to be able to teach and perform music with others.

Phiya Kushi Columbia Guitar, Piano, Ear Training, Arranging, Music Theory, Improvisation, Song Writing.

At an early age his older musical sister taught him to read music and he was immediately hooked. By age 11 he spent hours on the piano learning every song and style he heard and loved. In his teens, he was gifted a classical guitar and quickly developed the ability to learn songs and complex chord arrangements by ear on the guitar. Although he loves playing and teaching all different genres, his forte is classical and finger styles.

Professionally, Phiya is a macrobiotic educator and has worked in the natural and organic foods industry his entire life. Through the years, in his spare time and as a hobby, he strove to advance his musical skills whenever he could, focusing more recently on jazz piano improvisation and expanding his Brazilian, Spanish and classical guitar. Through the years he has met and been inspired by many musicians who sees music as the universal language that brings people together.

Tanner Henley Columbia Piano, Ear Training, Music Theory.

Tanner Henley, a native of Jefferson City, MO, took up piano at the age of 12. Initially self-taught, he began private instruction the following year with Karen Larvick and continued his studies with her throughout high school. Tanner pursued formal musical training at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he studied on scholarship with Dr. Mia Kim. At UCM, he taught piano to students of all ages through the university’s community music program. He graduated summa cum laude in 2022 with a BM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.

Tanner has earned top honors in numerous statewide and regional competitions, including First Prize at the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra Piano Concerto Competition (2018), First Prize at the Pittsburg State University Concerto Competition (2019), and Runner-Up at the Missouri Music Teachers Association State Honors Auditions. He has extensive collaborative experience in a wide range of musical settings, including performances with orchestras, premieres of new piano works, improvisation on a “prepared” piano, and accompaniment for choirs and opera productions. Tanner has worked with singers across multiple genres, as well as with string and wind instrumentalists. In addition to concert performances, he has performed for church services, weddings, holiday events, and other special occasions.