Our Founders
This page, along with all others on our site, is a tribute to our co-founder and esteemed teacher, Mr. Matt (1983-2016). His legacy of love and unwavering dedication to music education continues to inspire us, and it’s a torch we’re committed to carrying forward indefinitely.
Elexa Bancroft
Founder and Director of Atlanta Music Education
Education Director of Capitol City Opera Company
Summer Camp Director and Teacher
Children’s Chorus Director and Voice, piano, ukulele and acting teacher
Elexa Bancroft, the founder and director of Atlanta Music Education, LLC, celebrated a significant milestone in early 2022—over a decade as a small business owner. Her program boasts a team of over 8 talented co-teachers and a student body of more than 100. Elexa has dedicated her life to pioneering modern and innovative educational programming in both public and private sectors.
Hailing from Florida, Elexa holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Florida State University, where she studied under Marcia Porter and Carla Connors. Her stage credits include notable roles such as Peaseblosson in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Belle in Disney’s The Beauty and the Beast. She furthered her studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, for her Master of Music in Voice Performance under the tutelage of Phyllis Bryn-Julson.
Elexa’s professional career includes performances with esteemed organizations such as Capitol City Opera, The Atlanta Opera, and The Atlanta Opera’s children touring company. She made her mark as a versatile performer, captivating audiences with her portrayals of characters like Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Teenchy Duck in Rabbit Tales.
In 2011, Elexa co-founded Atlanta Music Education with her partner, Matt Johnson. Under their guidance, the studio’s students have showcased their talents at various venues across Atlanta, including the Tucker Farmers Market and The Conant Performing Arts Center. Notably, one of her students secured a role in the national Broadway tour of The King and I.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Elexa is an accomplished mixed media artist, renowned for her art pieces created from recycled sheet music. Her art has been featured at Georgia art festivals and most recently, Broadwaycon in New York City, Dragoncon, New York Comic Con and Megacon Orlando. You can find her work online at http://www.lexiconofloveart.etsy.com. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her craft were recognized when she won the Amber Grant for female entrepreneurs in April 2019.
Elexa’s influence extends beyond the stage; she has served as an executive board member and Education Director at Capitol City Opera and mentors students at the Dekalb School of the Arts. Her passion for fostering young talent is evident through her popular Kids Open Mic programs, featured in various magazines. Read her feature in Broadway World
In April 2019, Elexa won the Amber Grant for female entrepreneurs.
The March of Dimes Atlanta awarded her Woman of Distinction for her fundraining efforts to provide families with low cost performing arts classes during the 2020 COVID pandemic. With a multifaceted career spanning music, education, and entrepreneurship, Elexa Bancroft continues to inspire and empower others through her artistry and dedication to education.
Ms. Elexa is on a waitlist for in-person and online lessons.
Our Teachers
Daniel Summerour
Guitar, Piano, Music Theory and even Skateboarding
Daniel was originally born and raised in Marietta, GA. With over 20 years of experience, he began playing guitar at the young age of 10 and has kept practicing his techniques ever since. HIs inspiration arose from his Mother’s old CD collection where he stumbled upon an array of albums that became big inspirations for him, including Metallica’s “Master of Puppets,” Green Day’s “Dookie,” as well as Boston’s “Boston” Album. To this day, one of Daniel’s biggest guitar influences is Kirk Hammett from Metallica.
Daniel started guitar lessons immediately upon picking up the instrument, taking three years of formal lessons from instructors at Jennings Music Store in Kennesaw, GA. His love for music grew even more as his passion for skateboarding grew. Daniel became infatuated with the skate world, particularly the filming and editing that went into making videos. His horizon for music grew as he watched more videos and learned about the different genres of music that were used. He became engulfed in this world where it was acceptable for a video to have a smooth jazz song, followed by a reggae song or even a thrash metal song. Every kind of music, as well as any kind of person was accepted, and this is a major key of what drew Daniel into the skateboarding world. Daniel also has a background in singing; he took vocal lessons in middle school and performed with his choir at Disney World in 2008.
After graduating from Sprayberry High School in 2012, Daniel enrolled in Kennesaw State University. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a focus in Media Studies in 2017 and took classes such as “Rock and Roll History,” where he was encouraged to attend Jazz ensembles for extra credit. This encouraged Daniel to learn more formal applications of music theory, as well as following his passions for the music he loved to play.
Besides working with Atlanta Music Education, Daniel teaches After School Guitar Club to Elementary School students. He teaches classes of up to 15 students who go through a semester-long curriculum. Daniel’s passion for teaching began from teaching younger children how to skateboard, as well as teaching fellow friends and his younger brother how to play guitar. He takes a very fun approach to teaching guitar and creates a low-pressure environment where students can learn at their own pace, as well as encouraging students to pull from their own musical inspiration. One of Daniel’s strengths is his ability to adapt to any student’s taste of music, mostly because of his versatile influences that he has gathered over the years. Outside of music, Daniel has worked in the film industry for numerous years now on projects that have been released on HBO Max and has even released his own independent projects in theaters. He continues to skateboard and create skateboard films, all while pursuing his own hobbies including basketball and tennis. One of Daniel‘s favorite superheroes is Spiderman and he loves playing the Spiderman video games, along with games like Mario and Sonic. He has a Black Lab/ Golden Retriever Dog named ‘LadyBird’ and has recently adopted a cat named ‘Brick.’
Mr. Daniel is now accepting in-person and online lessons.
Noa Freeman
Noa Freeman is beyond excited to join the AME team! An Atlanta native through and through, Noa has called many parts of the city home. She’s been singing since the age of three and grew up surrounded by music—her father is a producer and musician, her mother is a multi-talented fine artist, and her sisters are also pursuing careers in music. Learning by ear, Noa picked up piano and guitar before later mastering sheet music in public school.
From starring in school musicals to leading choir performances and rocking solo sets at school events, Noa has always thrived in the spotlight. Her passion for performance led her to pursue a career as an R&B/pop artist and music educator. She is currently finishing her degree in Music Education at Georgia State University and jumps at any opportunity to perform—whether it’s talent shows, festivals, parties, or intimate gatherings.
Noa draws inspiration from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Jazmine Sullivan, SZA, Tate McRae, Lucky Daye, and Amelia Moore. Teaching comes naturally to her—she’s spent years helping her little sister with piano and tutoring classmates in music theory. Noa is known for her bubbly, passionate, and kindhearted personality, making her a favorite among students and peers alike!
Beyond music, Noa is a dedicated fan of cartoons and anime. She loves hosting costume parties, attending events like Dragon Con, and dressing up as her favorite characters. In her free time, she enjoys photography, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and being involved in church events at Victory Midtown.
Noa can’t wait to share her love of music with the AME community and inspire the next generation of musicians!
Ms. Noa is now accepting online and in person students
Amanda Smolek
Piano and Voice
Soprano Amanda Smolek is a professional vocalist as well as a private music instructor. She has studied with some of the top voice teachers in the US and has a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance. Her repertoire is versatile ranging from opera, classical song, sacred music to pop, musical theater and jazz. She has been a member of the esteemed Atlanta Opera Chorus and a finalist in several competitions including National Opera Association Competition and American Traditions Competition. Opera credits include performing the title role in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme with Capitol City Opera and Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the La Musica Lirica festival in Novafeltria, Italy. She also was honored to perform the leading role of Terentia in Dan Shore’s The Beautiful Bridegroom which premiered for the National Opera Association of America at their annual convention.
Ms. Smolek has been teaching for over 15 years and is passionate about helping her students unlock their full potential! Her fun and engaging teaching style emphasizes classical technique, strong musicianship, and audition performance preparation. Her students have been accepted and received scholarships to prestigious music programs at Berklee, CCM, Indiana University, Pace, Boston Conservatory, University of Miami, Baldwin-Wallace, Syracuse, Western Michigan, Elon, Belmont and many others.
Some of her student’s accomplishments include local and national talent competition wins, top awards at solo/ensemble competitions, students who were awarded grand champion and finalists at show choir invitational solo competitions, All-State Chorus, leading and secondary musical theater roles in professional and school productions, had students nominated for IHSMTA Broadway in Chicago awards and students that have been given recording contracts! She has students that have performed on Broadway and students featured on television shows such as American Idol and So you think you can dance.
Ms. Amanda is now accepting online and in person students.
Ben Dawson
Clarinet, Euphonium, Baritone, Trombone, French Horn, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Tuba, Piano, Voice, and Composition
Atlanta-native Ben Dawson is a Trombone/Euphonium player with 14 years of both classical and jazz performance experience. From a young age Ben has been an avid gamer and lover of musicals and credits video game music as the driving force behind his love for music. After learning Euphonium and Trombone in middle school, Ben picked up the Tuba in high school where he served as a section leader and Dunwoody High’s Drum Major.
Mr. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from the University of Missouri-Columbia where he studied voice, composition, and Euphonium as well as played in many of the school’s different ensembles including choirs, jazz band, and Marching Mizzou, the university’s marching band. In 2019, he was commissioned to write The Hunter’s Dream for the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. In 2020, he was commissioned by The Sheldon Concert Hall | Saint Louis to write a piece for French horn and piano, God of Doors. Ben loves musicals and before returning home to Georgia enjoyed playing in his community theatre’s productions. In the summer of 2019 he even conducted Columbia Entertainment Company’s run of Hairspray as Orchestra Director.
As an educator, Mr. Ben’s teaching is based around the intersectionality of music theory, performance technique, and auditory skills. Whether you’re learning how to read notes, how to identify a V chord, or taking composition lessons, we will touch on aspects of solfege, interval training, and keyboard competency. As a proponent of catered teaching, Mr. Ben devises custom lesson plans and teaching strategies based on what and how the student wishes to learn.
Mr. Ben’s especially enjoy learning from his unique experiences as a full time published composer and enjoy having lessons in digital music production and modern approaches to composition. You can join his monthly studio class Mr. Ben’s Music Help Hotline to ask questions about his life as a composer and get tips on the latest digital programming out there.
In his free time, Ben enjoys playing video games, watching audio production videos on YouTube, and studying Japanese.
Mr. Ben is currently accepting online and in-person students and specializes in teen and adult musicians.
Victoria Gendron
Online Violin, Viola, and Piano
Victoria is a graduate of Emory University with a Double Major in Violin Performance and plans to major in Music Performance and Business. She has been teaching one-on-one lessons for over six years, and has a passion for teaching other strings and piano lovers!
Victoria was one of twelve individuals selected worldwide to attend BUTI’s Violin Workshop 2018, and was also selected for Curtis Institute’s Summerfest and Interlochen’s Summer Violin Institute. She has performed in master classes with many renowned musicians, such as Midori Goto, Robert McDuffie, Vienna Philharmonic members, and Chicago Symphony members.
Victoria is now a member of the Symphony Orchestra at Emory where she has been awarded Associate Concertmaster and Principal 2nd Violin for the Spring 2021 season, and has received 1st place in the Southwest Florida Symphony Society Scholarship Competition.
As an educator, Ms. Victoria’s students enjoy a well rounded curriculum whether they are young or experienced in music. With her strings background and foundation of piano skills, she enjoys bringing a unique perspective to the Atlanta Music Education team in her lesson plans.
Ms. Victoria’s favorite teaching moments include hosting her Lion King Studio Class in Spring 2022 where students worked on rhythm, movement and heard a performance on live violin and she’s looking forward to hosting her new Music Drawing class combining both music with art for a fun studio class.
Ms. Victoria is accepting weekend online students for lessons.
Jennifer Nicholas
Piano, Violin, and Voice
Originally from Florida, Jennifer Nicholas is a licensed teacher with a deep passion for music education. She has taught music since high school and earned a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2020. Ms. Jennifer began learning piano in the classical tradition at five and started learning violin in Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Preparatory Program under Renata Guitart at seven. Throughout her middle school years, Ms. Jennifer began playing violin for the Treasure Coast Youth Symphony and pursued voice and theater with various programs that sparked her lifelong love of musical theater. Her favorite musicals range from recent hits like Hadestown and Pierre, Natasha and the Great Comet of 1812 to Sondheim classics Company and Sunday in the Park with George.
Ms. Jennifer is passionate about community-based arts outreach and remained highly involved in local organizations while pursuing B.A.’s in History and Anthropology at the University of Florida. She continued to perform and teach violin and piano with Arts in Health, played Princess Merida for Royal for a Reason, and acted and directed with the local Shakespeare in the Park. Her favorite Shakespeare roles were Cassandra (Troilus & Cressida) and Juliet (Romeo & Juliet).
Ms. Jennifer first taught piano and violin as a high schooler at music studios in her hometown of Stuart, FL. She has taught music in elite sleepaway summer camps, local summer camps, in-home, in-studio, and in groups. Her experience teaching the arts led her into the public schools, where her experience ranges from Title 1 to award-winning charters. She is a Teach for America-Baltimore 2018 alumnus and most recently served as the Program Director for St. Petersburg College’s Collegiate High School in Tarpon Springs, FL. She loves helping students realize their goals and build lasting and transferable skills.
Ms. Jennifer loves to travel and has been to 30 countries and 35 states. She is currently working towards the goal of visiting all 63 national parks. She also scrapbooks and loves spending time with her dog, Barksdale.
Ms. Jennifer is on a waitlist for online and in-person students.
Alexandra Watson
Piano, Acting and Voice
Alexandra Watson is thrilled to bring her passion for performance and teaching to the AME community! A classically trained soprano, Alexandra has enchanted audiences across the country with her expressive voice and vibrant stage presence. Born in the Mountain West and now calling Atlanta home, she has appeared in a wide range of roles—from the charming princess Pamina in The Magic Flute to the beloved Liesl in The Sound of Music.
Alexandra holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Reinhardt University. She has graced the stages of the Atlanta Opera, Capitol City Opera, and Utah Opera, and was most recently recognized with an Encouragement Award in the 2024 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. A standout both in solo and ensemble work, she’s performed in productions including Verdi’s Macbeth, Die Zauberflöte, Ned Rorem’s Our Town, Le nozze di Figaro, La serva padrona, and Susannah.
An enthusiastic and warm-hearted educator, Alexandra loves working with students of all ages to nurture their unique musical voices. Her training includes masterclasses with world-renowned artists such as Kathryn Lewek and Arlene Shrut, and she continues to study under the guidance of esteemed voice teachers and coaches.
When she’s not teaching or performing, Alexandra enjoys exploring Atlanta’s art and food scene, diving into a good book, playing Dungeons & Dragons, hiking in the north Georgia mountains, and scouring Goodwill for her next thrift find. Although a lover of opera, Alexandra also enjoys jamming out to music by Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande. She’s passionate about creating a positive, encouraging space for students and can’t wait to help the next generation fall in love with music!
Ms. Alexandra is accepting online and in-person students.
Trent Walker
Guitar, Drums, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, and Voice
Trent Walker, a graduate of Birmingham Southern College, has recently made the move from Alabama to Atlanta to pursue his passion for teaching guitar and bass. With a rich background in education spanning both Birmingham and Atlanta, Trent brings a wealth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to his lessons.
During his time at Birmingham Southern College, Trent’s education was a vibrant blend of theory, performance, and musical history. As a dedicated member of the school’s jazz ensemble, he honed his skills in improvisation and ensemble playing. His academic pursuits extended into diverse areas such as composition, conducting, and music history, complementing his practical experience on guitar and piano. This comprehensive education has equipped Trent with the tools to inspire and mentor aspiring musicians in Atlanta.
Beyond his teaching commitments, Trent Walker is an active freelance audio engineer within the vibrant Atlanta music scene. Armed with a discerning ear for sound and a passion for capturing musical moments, he brings a professional touch to recording sessions and live performances alike. Alongside his engineering work, Trent is deeply engaged in various guitar teaching roles across the city, where he shares his expertise and ignites a passion for music in students of all ages and skill levels.
Trent’s dedication to making learning enjoyable is evident in his approach to lessons. He has curated a diverse collection of tablature and sheet music with input from his students, incorporating music from a wide array of sources including movies, video games, TV, pop culture, and more. This ensures that there’s always something exciting and engaging for his students to explore and master.
Mr. Trent is accepting online and in-person students.
Katie Shin
Piano, Early Music Education, Ukulele and Violin
Ms. Katie is a senior at Emory University double majoring in Violin Music Performance and Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. She is a Liberal Arts Music Scholar and was given a scholarship to attend Emory based on musical merit.
Hailing from Auburn, Katie started her musical journey at the age of 5, learning both piano and violin. She continued her studies in violin throughout her childhood, participating in local county orchestras in Gwinnett every year throughout middle school. Katie was a devoted member of the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra throughout high school, became a finalist for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program for music, and was selected to attend GMEA’s All-State Orchestra multiple times.
Currently, Katie performs in the Emory University Symphony Orchestra and serves as their work-study orchestral manager. Her current professor is Jessica Wu of the Vega Quartet. Katie has had the pleasure to perform for many acclaimed musicians such as Peter Winograd of the American String Quartet and Justin Bruns, the Assistant Concertmaster of ASO. When not performing in an orchestra, you can find Katie playing the violin at the City of Atlanta’s 4th of July celebration, Universal Studios’ production sets, and many other unique places!
At Emory, Katie enjoys combining her love for music, neuroscience, and helping children through her clinical research. As a senior research assistant of the Baby Brain Optimization Project Lab in the School of Medicine, Katie is a part of multiple research studies that utilize music therapy and cognition to help improve motor & developmental outcomes for children of all ages.
As a teacher, Katie has been teaching private lessons to students of all ages for many years. She enjoys using fun and innovative approaches to teaching music that caters to the uniqueness of each of her students. Her ultimate goal as an educator is to instill confidence, form a solid musical foundation, and create performers that share her unyielding love of music.
In her free time, Katie enjoys crafting, and restoring typewriters, exploring Atlanta’s restaurants cafes, and playing with her dog, Benedict.
Ms. Katie is on a waitlist for online and in-person students.
Jonathan Roof
Piano and Bass Guitar
Jonathan Roof is a dedicated musician whose lifelong passion for music is rooted in a rich family heritage. Coming from a deeply musical family, and with a father holding a degree in classical piano, Jonathan’s own musical journey began at the foundational age of four with the piano, setting the stage for a future of deep artistic exploration.
With a decade of bass guitar experience, Jonathan has become a seasoned and reliable rhythm section player, lending his talents to multiple churches. This extensive background has not only honed his technical skills but has also instilled in him a profound understanding of the crucial role the bass and piano play in creating a solid musical foundation. His playing is heavily influenced by a love for the classic rock of the 70s, a genre renowned for its iconic and driving rhythm sections, while also maintaining a keen appreciation for the nuances of contemporary music.
Jonathan’s dedication extends to a profound passion for teaching music. He finds immense fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and fostering creativity in kids, believing that igniting that musical spark in a young student is one of the most rewarding aspects of his journey. This love for both playing and educating fuels his commitment to his craft and to inspiring the next generation of musicians. He also practices capoeira and sings karaoke in his free time, and has a tuxedo cat named Michi.
Mr. Jonathan is available for online and in person students.
Andre Chiang
Piano and Voice
André Chiang is a passionate music educator and acclaimed baritone whose extensive performance career enriches his teaching. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of South Alabama. As an Assistant Professor of Voice at Emory University, he is dedicated to guiding students in developing both technical skill and artistic expression.
Beyond the university, Dr. Chiang has taught at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp and maintains a private studio, with his students going on to study at prestigious institutions. His performance career includes roles with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Portland Opera, and Virginia Opera, and concert appearances with the Louisiana Philharmonic and Richmond Symphony.
Dr. Chiang is excited to bring his passion for teaching to Atlanta Music Education, where he looks forward to inspiring young musicians. His holistic approach helps students build confidence, refine their technique, and explore their own artistic voice.
As both a performer and educator, Dr. Chiang believes in fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment. His teaching philosophy emphasizes vocal health, stylistic versatility, and expressive storytelling, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in any musical setting.
Mr. Andre is a substitute teacher multiple weeks a season for online students for lessons.
Ms. Shelsy
Substitute Teacher for Piano, Voice, Acting, Dance
Shelsy is happy to join the AME team! She’s a Philly native making strides in the Atlanta performing arts world. From a young age, Shelsy was engulfed in all things music. Choir was her way to feed into her curiosity of the magical world of music. Orchestral music was her first love- starting with the clarinet at age of 9 then transitioning to the world of percussion. By age 11 she found her way to the glockenspiel- mastering the art of speed and maintaining resonance within the different bell sounds. During high school, Shelsy was inducted into the Tri-Music Honor Society through her many years of musical involvement – vocally in two different singing groups, liturgical handbells, and general ensemble; where she was introduced to even more percussion instruments. This was also where she got her start on stage performing for various musicals and dramas.
Performing arts is where Shelsy thrives! She was bitten by the theatre bug at a young age and never looked back. Honing her skills through dance during college – Shelsy made it her mission to learn all she could in order to be a better performer in the future. She loves golden age musicals- specifically anything with a heavy jazz sound. You may have seen Shelsy locally in some recent works throughout Atlanta and neighboring areas. Some past credits include Cabaret as Sally Bowles, Escape to Margaritavilla as Marley, Drowsy Chaperone as Trix the Aviatrix, and Once Upon A Mattress as Jester.
Today you can find Shelsy heavily involved in the art industry within the Philadelphia, ATL, and NYC areas. She is a designer, actress, dancer, and model; and is always finding new ways to give back to the community. You can find some of her recent works featured in Shoutout Atlanta & Sarze magazines – as well as local Atlanta nominations for Best Costume Design & Best Performer. Shelsy is super excited to continue to share her gifts with the public! Over the last few years she has begun teaching the next generation of actors and dancers in Metro Atlanta schools and afterschool programs. Although Shelsy’s love for performing started on a musical level, she has mastered many different fields in the artistic world! She graduated from Philadelphia University – now known as Jefferson – with a B.S. in Fashion Design. Post-graduation she launched her own couture Evening Wear line called Jéan T.t., which is inspired by her Haitian roots.
Ms. Shelsy is now a substitute for in-person and online lessons.
Joi Richardson
Substitute teacher of Voice, Musical Theatre and Piano
Joi is a dedicated music educator who brings a wealth of professional experience to her students. With a background in classical vocal performance, she understands firsthand the discipline, creativity, and passion required to succeed as a musician. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Converse University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at Georgia State University. Her extensive performance career, including roles such as Frasquita in Carmen and Voluptua in La Pizza con Fuhgni, informs her teaching style, allowing her to guide students with both technical expertise and real-world insight.
As a passionate instructor, Joi finds joy in helping students discover their own musical potential. She is excited to be a part of Atlanta Music Education as a substitute teacher, where she fosters a supportive learning environment for students of all levels. She especially loves working with beginners in piano and voice, helping them build confidence, develop foundational skills, and find their own artistic expression. Through her teaching, she strives to inspire a love for music while equipping students with the tools they need to grow as musicians.
Ms. Joi is a substitute teacher for Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday lessons.
Alexis Howser
Substitute Teacher for Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and more
Originating from the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Ms. Alexis has gained a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary styles of music. Alexis began playing instruments at the age of five when she was fully immersed in the style of playing popular in the rich musical history of her home region. She began teaching at fifteen after gaining notoriety in the local metal community for being a proficient guitar player. Shortly after this, Ms. Alexis began to study under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed German guitarist Christian Münzner. This evolved her understanding of performance and composition which she actively teaches her students.
Beyond professional lessons with contemporaries, Alexis also gained certifications from both the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Suzuki programs in both teaching and performance. She teaches all ages, and specializes in motivating students to take on music as a lifelong passion. Her students have become top performers in festivals, and many others have learned skills such as improvisation, composition, and advanced music theory.
Other than teaching, Ms. Alexis plays in a variety of rock and metal bands in the Atlanta area. She has experience writing, recording, performing, and releasing music, and inspires her students to learn these skills. Alexis’ lessons revolve around setting goals and finding the steps needed to achieve them. All of Ms. Alexis’ lessons are personalized to the needs of the student based on what they would like to achieve, and whatever their learning style is. She employs a diverse catalog of all genres and musical styles to find whatever motivates students the most to be the best musicians they can be.
Ms. Alexis believes that the key to being a successful musician is to never quit. She teaches patience and creativity through the medium of music. Alexis believes that every child is capable of achieving their musical goals and aspirations through a personalized and connected teacher.
In her free time Ms. Alexis enjoys going to concerts, and has seen many artists like Muse, Chon, and Polyphia. Another one of her other favorite activities include playing video games like Pokémon and Animal Crossing. She also is an avid animal caretaker, and has cared for an extensive list of cats, dogs, toads, frogs, and other creatures.
Ms. Alexis is now a substitute for online students only.
Aaron Kienstra
Substitute Teacher for Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, and Acting
Born and raised in Melbourne Florida, Aaron Kienstra was introduced to music at a young age. He remembers hearing his music teacher mother’s students and hearing children plunking out notes in the living room until he graduated high school. It wasn’t long after being immersed in such a musical family that he began to fall in love with musical theatre and music education himself.
In 2021, Mr. Aaron graduated from The University of Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts with a specialty in acting and music. He moved to Atlanta the following Fall to pursue his performance career and education opportunities. Some of his favorite roles he’s performed include Orpheus (Eurydice), Howie (Speech and Debate), and The Baker (Into The Woods). Most recently Mr. Aaron can be seen on the big screen as well performing in both TV and movies filmed here in Atlanta.
Mr. Aaron loves sharing the beauty of music and performance with his students in ways that keep their musical spark alive while simultaneously creating a gifted performer. Everyone has their own relationship with music and he aims to strengthen that connection with every one of his student’s through personalized lesson plans and interactive exercises.
In his freetime, Mr. Aaron enjoys mountain climbing, shopping local farmer’s markets, playing video games like Fortnite, and jamming with friends. His students love working with him on some of his favorite musicals like Waitress and Les Miserables as well as modern indie and pop rock. He is excited to join the Atlanta Music Education team and get to know all the wonderful families and students!
Mr. Aaron is a substitute teacher for online students only.
Justin Dalisay
Substitute Teacher of Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and Drums
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Justin Dalisay has been playing the guitar and piano since he was 7-years-old. His musical journey began when his father taught him chords on the guitar and he started taking classical piano lessons. By the time he was 12-years-old, Justin developed a strong passion for recording original songs and cover song arrangements using Garageband. He is now a freelance musician and independent artist with 13+ years of performance experience and 2+ years of teaching experience. Over the years, Justin has performed various genres of music in many different facets as a multi-instrumentalist. He has performed in pit orchestra ensembles for musicals such as Heathers: the Musical, Violet the Musical; for weddings, recording studios, business openings, and most recently, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio in April of 2023.
In 2019, Mr. Justin graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor Degree in Music where he studied the classical and jazz guitar under the internationally acclaimed classical guitarist, Dr. Stephen Robinson. During his time at Stetson, Justin performed in masterclasses with numerous world-renowned classical guitarists such as David Russell, Jason Vieaux, Irina Kulikova, and others. After graduating from Stetson, he attended Florida State University and received his Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration in 2021. He moved to Atlanta in the Fall of 2022 to further pursue his passion for music and business in the arts.
Justin has a family-oriented approach to teaching as his family was ultimately what helped spark his passion for music. He strives to develop a genuine connection with each of his students through a shared love of music. He feels that the most important part of learning music as a young student is to discover the joy in music above all. He also believes that music can teach several creative and disciplinary skills that can be applied to all aspects of life. He hopes his students will experience the same joy that music has brought him by teaching any style or genre of music that motivates his students, no matter their age!
In his freetime, you will find Mr. Justin writing or recording music, thrifting, attempting Buzzfeed cooking video recipes, hiking, playing Wii Sports, watching Marvel movies, or napping with his orange Tabby cat, Amarillo (nicknamed Rio)!
Mr. Justin is now a substitute for online students only.
Magda Roub
Substitute Teacher of Voice, Piano, and Ukulele
Magda Roub is a graduate of Valdosta State University, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, with a concentration in musical theatre. She has been singing, acting, and making music since before she could talk, and specializes in the musical theatre and pop styles of singing. Some of her favorite credits at Valdosta State include Agatha (Guys & Dolls), Beatrice and Ms. Violet Balfour (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), and Tantomile (Cats). She also served as the vocal captain for several musicals and cabarets during her time at VSU, assisting the music director.
Ms. Magda moved to the Atlanta area in May, and was working as a performer at the World of Coca-Cola for their 2021 summer, Fantastic Halloween, and Magical Holiday seasons. Other career highlights include her time working as a box office treasurer for Peach State Summer Theatre in Valdosta, Georgia, playing Little Miss Muffett at Stone Mountain Park’s PumpkinFest, and working as a performer at Wild Adventures Theme Park. At Wild Adventures, she performed in their children’s Halloween shows in 2018 and in their live nativity musical in 2020 as Mary.
Ms. Magda’s students always leave her lessons with a sense of confidence, knowing they are learning and growing their skills. Ms. Magda firmly believes that music lessons are for the student and teacher to work together to learn about the student’s abilities, and she is here to guide your student through learning their instrument with an individualized lesson plan that will help them learn best.
In her free time, Ms. Magda loves to spend time with her cat, named Freddie Mercury, or play Animal Crossing on her Nintendo Switch. She can also frequently be seen watching Disney movies like Frozen and Frozen 2, or exploring the Harry Potter universe through books, movies, or the Lego Harry Potter video games (she’s a Hufflepuff, btw).
Ms. Magda is now a substitute for online students only.
Tatiana King
Substitute Teacher of Voice and Piano
Ms. Tatiana (the kids can call her Ms. T), is thrilled to be teaching voice and piano at Atlanta Music Education this year. She has a strong musical background that began in childhood, performing in professional choirs and taking private lessons, which led to earning her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Valdosta State University in the spring of 2023.
Her teaching experience includes everything from substituting in charter schools to assisting with preschool-aged students, and she loves working with learners of all ages. Her goal is to create a positive, engaging lesson experience that not only helps students grow in their musical skills but also inspires a genuine passion for music. She emphasizes
foundational music theory, but she also believes in connecting music to the world around us—helping students see how it’s woven into our daily lives.
A few fun facts about her: They’re originally from Florida, so she loves the sunshine and ocean, and this past year was actually her first time seeing snow! She’s a huge musical theatre fan—some of her favorite shows are Hamilton, Legally Blonde, and Wicked (and yes, High School Musical counts too—he’s a proud Disney Channel kid!). Their favorite Disney movies are The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog, and Hercules. Oh—and she’s always loved ducks. She even wanted one as a pet growing up! She’s so excited to make music together this year and to be a part of your child’s musical journey!
Mrs. Tatiana is a substitute for piano and voice students.
Atlanta Music Education 