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, Asia is passionately pursuing psychology, 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.

Becca Griffin Columbia Guitar, Piano, Ukulele.

Rebecca Griffin is a piano and guitar teacher. She loves to teach beginners and enjoys journeying with students as they learn their instrument. She enjoys finding the best way to teach each student – everyone is different!

Rebecca Griffin has been playing guitar since a young age and has teaching experience even before being trained and starting here at A Major Music. She minored in music and is currently studying to become a Music Practitioner, a practice that creates a healing environment in clinical settings for patients by responding musically based on the science of sound. She uses voice, guitar, and piano for this practice.

Rebecca loves playing and singing for special events and has worked as a professional musician since 2010.

Jamaica Scott Columbia Piano, Improvisation.

Jamaica is from Saint Louis, Mo. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 9. She has a love for education and has held a love for music her entire life. Classical music is her favorite, but she also enjoys jazz and ragtime. Jamaica has attended Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and is finishing up her Psychology degree and Elementary Education certification at Columbia College.

Jamaica has played at churches, weddings, recitals, competitions, and talent shows. One of her relishes is to be able to share the gift of music with the world and ignite the talent in those around her. Jamaica has one daughter, 7, and is a full-time homeschooling parent. She and her daughter enjoy reading, watching 'Turtle Tales' and listening to Michael Jackson in their spare time.

Kendall Flaherty Columbia Piano, Voice, Ukulele, Saxophone, Music Theory, Conducting.

Hi! I'm Kendall, and I've been fascinated with music since the day I was born, right here in Columbia, MO. I began learning piano at the age of 9, and I have loved playing music ever since. I have learned a wide range of instruments from saxophone and clarinet, all the way to ukulele. My passion has always been for piano though, and I loved every second teaching piano lessons since 2020. 

My favorite thing to do is listen to music, whether it be the classical inspirations of Chopin and Modest Mussorgsky, or some of my favorites by Stevie Wonder and The Alan Parsons Project, I always have music playing whenever and wherever I can! I love taking part in concert bands, small bands with friends, choir, and especially marching band! I have also been to all 88 state parks in Missouri and I love spending time outdoors!

I think it’s important to help students develop their own music tastes, classical and beyond. I have taught a wide variety of ages, and I love finding new and creative ways to teach new people. The students teach me just as much as I teach them! I believe music can improve anyone's life if they have a passion for it, and it’s never too late to start!

Mikayla Fender Columbia Piano, Voice, Ear Training, Music Theory.

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.