Alex Perides Columbia Song Writing, Improvisation, Voice, Piano.

Alex Perides grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. Throughout her schooling she participated in many ensembles and solo voice competitions. Alex learned basic percussion and piano while still in high school. During this time Alex also assisted with theater summer camps.

After graduating Alex attended University via a scholarship as a vocal music major. She continued learning percussion and dabbled in violin. While there she participated in honor choir, show choir, general choir and the percussion ensemble.

Alex has a background in basic music theory and vocal diction for English, Italian, and German.

Asia Ellingsworth Columbia Piano.

Bio coming soon!

Audrey Bush Columbia Song Writing, Improvisation, Violin.

Audrey was born into a family of musicians from the small river town of Washington, Missouri. She began learning violin—classical and folk/fiddle—at the age of five, taking private lessons and joining the Washington School District orchestras, where she eventually became concertmaster. In high school, Audrey also participated in four musical theatre productions, sang in the East Central College Community Choir and earned state festival recognition.

Audrey plays music for occasional church services and regularly performs for local weddings and events, including the annual Sounds of Starkenburg Holiday Concerts. Her musical influences include Dr. Susie Thierbach of the Metropolitan Orchestra of St. Louis, Alison Krauss and, of course, Lindsey Stirling. She loves all styles and teaches learners of all kinds!

Audrey completed her BA in English from the University of Missouri in the spring of 2023 and is now working toward her graduate degree. She believes that music, with all its psychological benefits, truly has the power to stop time and change lives for the best. Audrey has worked at A Major Music Lessons since 2020.

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

Bio coming soon!

David Petrov Columbia Music Theory, Voice, Piano.

David is a piano player, and vocalist born in Bulgaria. He currently resides in Columbia, MO. He recently graduated from the University of Missouri with an Actuarial Science degree. He grew up playing piano, both for recitals and in competitive auditions. He has received numerous piano awards and has a Preparatory High School Diploma from the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Additionally, he has experience in accompanying vocal soloists and choruses.

He has also sang most of his life in Choir and performed various vocal solos through high school and college. He has sung in Allstate, and All-Eastern choruses, and competed in solo contests. He enjoys many music genres and musical theatre, whether it is participating in the production as a cast member, or being a part of the band playing piano for the production.

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

Bio coming soon!

Josh Golden Columbia Song Writing, Music Theory, Ear Training, Mandolin, Ukulele, Drums, Bass, Guitar.

Bio coming soon!

JT McClendon Columbia Drums.

JT is a drummer from Dixon, MO. He started playing drums as a toddler but started taking it seriously at around 13 years old. He played in school, churches, and cover bands growing up and now plays in a band around the Columbia area. As a kid he mostly listened to metal and heavy rock, which led to progressive metal and jazz in high school and college.

JT's passion and natural talent for drumming has helped him refine his skills to get where he is today. Now he wishes to help other people build their talent and skills so they can feel the joy of creating music. 

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

Bio coming soon!

Laura Harder St. Charles Music Theory, Drums, Piano.

Bio coming soon!

Lauren Abbott Columbia Violin, Voice.

Lauren Abbott was born and raised in Rolla, Missouri. She grew up singing in church and started playing violin at the age of 8. She immediately loved it and excelled quickly.

She enjoys listening to and playing lots of different music genres, including but not limited to indie, 80s, and modern rock.

Lauren has previously been employed at a summer camp ministry, working for multiple summers and gaining experience on building relationships with kids. She moved to Columbia in 2022 and gained more experience with children working as a school photographer.

She is so excited to teach new students wether they are beginners or advanced!!

Lyla Brite Columbia Song Writing, Ukulele, Bass, Piano, Guitar.

Bio coming soon!

Michael Dixon Columbia Conducting, Cello, Music Theory, Violin.

Michael Dixon has been playing the violin since 4th grade. Michael’s passion for orchestra music soon grew as he continued to play through middle school and high school. This eventually led to him leading a high school quintet to state finals in the Kansas Solo and Ensemble Festival.

He realized that in leading this group, he enjoyed helping others and teaching. Michael pursues a music education major. He is currently student teaching in the Columbia School District.

Throughout his musical career, Michael has performed in the Johnson County Community Orchestra, Emporia Symphony Orchestra, Baker University Orchestra, and is currently playing with the Columbia Civic Orchestra.

Mikayla Fender Columbia Ear Training, Voice, Piano.

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 Ukulele, Voice, Piano.

Bio coming soon!

Scott Fletcher Columbia Song Writing, Music Theory, Arranging, Bass, Guitar.

Scott is a guitarist and singer born and raised in Eureka, MO, just outside of St. Louis. He first found his love for playing music in 8th grade after joining a band with his friends. This band gave Scott much experience in playing, performing, and especially songwriting throughout high school.

He's been playing guitar and singing night and day since he was a kid. He enjoys all kinds of genres ranging from rock, jazz, country, etc.

Scott is currently attending Mizzou and seeking a degree in Secondary Education. He has a passion for teaching and sharing his love of music with others.

Tanner Henley Columbia Music Theory, Ear Training, Piano.

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.

Trey Parks Columbia Guitar.

Trey Parks grew up surrounded by a wide variety of music, from soulful blues and classic country to countless other genres that shaped his musical ear. Picking up the guitar at 13, he quickly discovered a passion for both playing and sharing music with others.

Born and raised in the heart of Texas and now based in Columbia, Missouri, Trey has spent years honing his craft through live performances and collaborations. He’s played everywhere from intimate coffeehouse jams to lively local venues, developing a deep appreciation for the energy and connection that come from making music with a team.

As a teacher, Trey combines solid fundamentals with creativity and fun, encouraging his students to grow not just as players but as musicians who can enjoy the collaborative side of music. His approachable, easygoing style makes lessons engaging and welcoming, whether you’re a beginner learning your first chords or a more advanced player looking to refine your sound.