Meet Our Staff

I began my journey at Walt Disney World, spending 10 unforgettable years creating magical moments for guests — an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for customer service. Over the past 30+ years, I’ve continued helping people in all kinds of roles, always aiming to bring passion to every interaction.

Twenty-five years ago, I met my better half, and together we’ve traveled, built a beautiful life, and raised two amazing boys who are now young adults.

For the last 3 years, I’ve been happy to share my life experience at The Music Studio Atlanta (formerly Courtnay & Rowe), where I continue doing what I love most — connecting with people, creating a community, and supporting a place where music and joy come together.

I’ve spent most of my life in Atlanta, growing up in Chamblee before heading to Birmingham, Alabama, to attend Samford University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After college, I moved back to Atlanta just in time to experience the excitement of the 1996 Olympics—a once-in-a-lifetime event that made returning home even more special.

My early career began in Human Resources, working for several companies before deciding to pursue my passion for sports. That led me to Georgia State University, where I earned a Master’s degree in Sports Administration with a concentration in Event Planning. I then spent 17 years as a corporate event planner with an event production company—an exhilarating and fast-paced career that I truly enjoyed.

Eventually, I began looking for a role with more personal meaning and a better work-life balance. In 2020, I found the perfect opportunity as Front Desk Manager at The Music Studio Atlanta. Though I’m not a musician, I’ve always loved music and felt immediately connected to the studio’s mission. Starting during the height of the pandemic meant supporting students and families through online lessons, but it was incredibly rewarding to see the return to in-person music-making over time.

Since then, I’ve grown with the studio, first as Assistant to the Director, where I supported a wide range of operations, and now as Hiring Manager. I’m excited to continue contributing to the studio’s growth and to help bring passionate, talented people into our community.

Have you ever been dumped by your voice teacher?

It's sad at first- oh wait, let me clear this up. I was not dating my voice teacher.

"What do you want, Caroline?" she asked me one day through the Zoom screen (this was the COVID spring).

I responded by sliding down my chair and out of her sight.

She continued, unabashed. "We're at a point where I think you need to go somewhere else. You have a lot of potential, and it's time for you to spread your wings and fly," she said. "So, what do you want to do?" (This is starting to sound like a Hallmark movie-esque break up. No student-teacher boundaries were harmed in the making of this story).

I thought for a minute. It was pretty obvious that I was at a bit of a standstill in my 20-year-old life. Tired of switching majors and disliking the actual school part of school, I dropped out of college to go experience "the real world." It was amazing at first - I worked as a personal assistant, performed in a musical, volunteered with a community nonprofit, and signed up to have lunch with my sister at her school on Fridays. Life might have continued blissfully in that way if March 2020 hadn't happened. Suddenly, all those things except voice lessons were unable to occur, and no one had any idea if or when they would come back. I knew I wanted to go back to school at some point, but had been avoiding considering if this was the right time.

When my teacher asked that question, all the things that I loved (and missed so much) swarmed in front of me - community events, theater, music, working with kids... and they all seemed to merge together in one place.

"Music Therapy," I said.

Despite my initial response to her question, this answer felt correct. When I was in high school, my younger sister received services from a woman in this unusual profession. I grew up playing classical piano, and my mom pointed out that I'd probably really enjoy being a music therapist. My mom is usually right. All my values, all the activities I cherished and loved, and so many of my passions seemed like they could be found in this field.

The rest, as they say, is history. I got my music therapy degree, became board-certified, and got licensed in the state of Maryland (and then the state of Georgia, when I moved here).

When the Music Studio Atlanta reached out to me on Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised to find they were looking for a music therapist! Cecilia told me who she was looking for, what she thought a music therapist could offer here, and followed through by listening to what I was looking for in a job. I looked around on the website, learned about the incredible performance opportunities for students, read some glowing teacher reviews, and I was sold!

Sometimes you just need the right questions, from the right person, to find out where you want to be. I am honored to be a music therapist for The Music Studio Atlanta!

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Long before I joined the team at TMSA, I drove past the building every day on my commute. Something about it always caught my eye, whether it was the unmistakable "Music Lessons" sign, the steady flow of families, or the energy you could almost feel from the parking lot. I remember wondering what kind of place it was, thinking it must be something special to have that kind of buzz every afternoon. Without realizing it then, I had found home.

When I later joined the team, I started at the front desk, the very front line of the student and family experience. It was often hectic, full of surprises, and always rewarding. I was the first smile people saw when they walked in and the last voice they heard as they left. I quickly saw how powerful a warm welcome, a quick response, or a well-timed follow-up could be. Most of all, I realized the little things weren’t little at all. They were the moments that made students feel valued, parents feel supported, and teachers feel empowered.

When my husband later landed an exciting job in Chicago, the Studio didn’t just send me off with a “good luck” wave. They made space for me to stay on the team remotely. I was thrilled to continue being part of the team, and it was a clear reminder that we’re not just about music, but about supporting our community, whether it's students or staff.

What I learned in those early days at the front desk has shaped everything I do as the Studio’s Operations Manager. Now, I get to focus on curating the small things that quietly make a big difference, like making sure the right message lands at the right time. Whether I’m streamlining communication, simplifying how families engage with us, or supporting teachers behind the scenes, my goal is to create meaningful experiences through seamless processes that reflect the heart behind everything we do, even if it’s from 700 miles away.

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A passionate percussionist with over 23 years of experience, I have dedicated my time to nurturing the next generation of musicians. I began working in a similar capacity at a vibrant school in New York, where I thrived in an environment that resonated with my commitment to empowering young artists.

Seeking new horizons, my fiancé and I decided to relocate south where I was fortunate enough to discover The Music Studio of Atlanta while researching new opportunities. Instantly, I felt aligned with their mission and values, which emphasized fostering talent and creativity. Joining TMSA was an easy choice, and I was warmly welcomed by an incredible team that shares my vision.

I remain inspired and committed to contributing my expertise and passion both individually and with this wonderful team to help shape the future of music education in this inspiring community.

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I spent four years of high school preparing to go to college for music education. I spent five years of college preparing to be a band director. And I spent seven years as a band director feeling that my positive, student-centered approach was not welcome at the schools where I found myself.

By the time I applied at The Music Studio Atlanta, I was looking to leave music education entirely. In fact, when I first interviewed, I told the owner that I wasn't interested in teaching music anymore—I just wanted to answer the phones. She convinced me to give it a shot teaching lessons at TMSA, telling me that I'd probably find they did things a little differently than what I was used to. I'm so glad she did.

Two years since leaving the classroom to teach private lessons here, I haven't looked back. I still answer the phones sometimes, so I got the change of pace I was looking for—but I got it without having to walk away from my passion for teaching music, and I'm glad I didn’t have to say goodbye to that.

My latest role here is to welcome new teachers to The Music Studio, some of them in similar positions to where I was: disillusioned music educators looking for a place where they wouldn’t have to give up their passion. And when I meet them and wonder for a moment what’s made me feel so much more at home here, I’m reminded when I see that our new teacher handbook makes positivity a policy.

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Music has been part of my life since as early as I can remember. I first learned piano and then alto saxophone and eventually performed music competitively throughout high school. A significant moment came when I was invited to join an all-saxophone ensemble at VCU. After the performance, my dad (who rarely showed emotion) had tears in his eyes. That was the moment I truly understood the power of music. And honestly, I’ve been chasing that kind of impact ever since.

At the same time, I’ve always had a drive to improve things; I often notice what isn't working and instinctively want to fix it. This blend of creative heart and strategic mind led me to earn my MBA in Marketing Analytics from Penn State. I’ve always been drawn to the bigger picture: how people experience a brand, where the gaps are in systems, and how to align what we say with what we deliver.

When I came across the job posting for The Music Studio Atlanta, it felt like it was written just for me. This was a chance to bring all of my experience, my passion, and my love of music into one place. Now, as the marketing director, I get to help families experience the same joy, growth, and connection that music brought into my own life. My work here isn’t just about running campaigns or planning events. It’s about building a symphony behind the scenes—where story, systems, customer experience, and operations all come into harmony.

Music remains a huge part of my life. My three kids have also studied music, and I have seen firsthand how it builds their confidence, creativity, and resilience. A few years ago, I even picked up my sax again to perform a surprise solo alongside some of our amazing teachers at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during one of our Destination Performances. Because once music becomes part of you, it never really leaves.

To me, marketing is a lot like music; it’s an act of expression and connection. Like performing, great marketing requires preparation, heart, and the ability to tune in to what people truly need. That’s what drives me, and it's also why I love the work we do here. Here at TMSA, I have the opportunity to work with an amazing team to create meaningful experiences that truly resonate with those we serve.

Music has always had a place in my life. I grew up playing piano, and while I didn’t continue it into adulthood, the feeling of being around music, its energy, creativity, and emotion never left me. That early exposure planted a deep appreciation for artistic expression and the environments where it thrives.

I began my professional journey in office management at a music studio in California, where I served as a Studio Manager for four years. It was there that I discovered how much I loved working in a leadership role, supporting both the creative team and the day-to-day operations. I felt a strong connection to the work because it combined structure and creativity, two things I value deeply. I loved being part of a space where people of all ages were learning, growing, and expressing themselves through music.

When I relocated back to Georgia in 2023, I knew I wanted to continue working in an environment that aligned with my passions. I started searching for local studios and came across an opening at The Music Studio Atlanta for a Front Office Manager. After the interview, I had a strong feeling that this could be the right next step for me. The studio’s commitment to creativity, community, and quality education reflected the values I care about: supporting people’s growth, creating welcoming spaces, and being part of something that brings joy and expression into others’ lives.

Working here has allowed me to continue growing as a leader while staying connected to the world of music and creativity that I have always loved!

You could say music runs in my blood. My grandmother was a classically trained vocalist and piano teacher who also moonlighted under a stage name in glamorous Chicago nightclubs. My parents, still married to this day, met in high school on the set of The Music Man. And yes, they named me Melody. As if they somehow knew music wouldn’t just be a hobby for me – it would become my calling, my compass, and my way of connecting with the world.

I grew up harmonizing in the back seat of the minivan, staging musicals in the living room, and plunking out I–IV–V–I chords on my grandmother’s pride and joy: a 1941 mahogany Baldwin baby grand, which now lives happily in my own home. Music was never just something I did. It was the language my family used to connect, to share, to love. So, it’s no surprise that I felt called to help others find their voice, too.

With that path laid clearly before me, I studied at both Georgia State and Kennesaw State Universities, earning my Bachelor’s in Music Education with a focus on early childhood and vocal pedagogy and methodology. Since then, I’ve earned many certifications and worn many hats. Whether teaching elementary music, directing musical theatre, serving as Education Director for the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, or now - directing the youngest members of The Greater Atlanta Girls Choir, I’ve seen consistent evidence that music is more than practice and performance. Music is a vehicle for belonging and a way for the world to find its true voice and thus, harmony.

When I first walked into The Music Studio Atlanta, something clicked. I recognized the same energy I grew up with and have worked to create in every program I’ve led – joyful, intentional, creative, and alive with possibility. I knew this wasn’t just a place where kids learn scales. It’s a place where they come alive!

Now, as Assistant Director at TMSA, I bring all of that with me: the teaching experience, the fine arts leadership, and the legacy of music that runs through my veins. But more than anything, I bring the heart of a child who once lit up singing “Lida Rose” in the living room and sensed that music could make the world feel bigger, better, and more connected.

If you’re a parent seeking a musical home for your child where they’ll be nurtured, challenged, and truly seen, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.

Mia Jackson graduated from Texas A&M University in 2021 with a degree in Economics. After working in the corporate world, she realized that while the work was steady, it lacked the fulfillment she was looking for. Her passion for working with children—discovered during her time as a nanny—led her to seek out a role where she could make a more personal and creative impact.

Though Mia is not a musician herself, she has always been an avid music lover and has been surrounded by musicians her entire life. Her love for music was deeply rooted in her years as a dancer, where she developed a strong appreciation for rhythm, movement, and expression.

At The Music Studio Atlanta, Mia has found a place that allows her to be herself, support families through exceptional customer service, and continue learning new things every day. She is proud to be part of a team that values creativity, connection, and community

Hello, I’m Miranda, the Events Manager here at TMSA! A California girl turned southern peach, I first had my taste of music growing up playing on my late grandmother's 100-year-old piano. My father would always boast of her musical talents and say, “Look at those long fingers! Those are piano hands!”

As many kids do, I took lessons with my sister, but when she expressed that she wanted a change in extracurricular activities, I was also forced to leave lessons. Thus began my journey into school chorus and travel softball.

My childhood was always music- and theater-focused, doing plays both on stage and behind the scenes, until it quickly shifted into the medical field. I attended a medical magnet high school and eventually joined Sacramento State’s Pre-Nursing Program. I was a freshman in college learning how to take blood pressure when I thought to myself… yeah, this isn’t for me.

I changed my major nine times until I landed in communications, where I knew I just needed to get the piece of paper and find my people. Throughout college, I worked bartending and serving, where I found a passion for people and their experiences. To this day, I still wait tables and tend bars, hearing stories of travelers, musicians, born-and-bred locals, and everything in between.

Once I graduated, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked at a wedding venue. I knew events were my passion, but I couldn’t figure out which facet. One summer, my best friend and roommate announced that she’d be leaving me to move to Atlanta—her hometown—and gave me the option to come with her. I felt so lost and unsure of what I was doing with my work that I took the leap and landed here.

A friend of mine at the restaurant where I started and I chatted a ton about events and what was next in life for me. She introduced me to Cecilia and this big, beautiful studio, and the rest is history. I had finally come full circle back to my musical roots and now take lessons myself as an adult.

It brings me so much joy and passion to be able to merge my love for music with event coordinating for kids and building their sense of self—something that took me years to find.

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Music has always been a central part of my life, and that passion fuels everything I do. With a background in teaching, I bring a unique set of skills to talking about lessons—what makes them work, what clients can expect, and most importantly, how to match each student with the right teacher. I understand both the educational side and the emotional side of the process, which helps me connect with clients in a real and empathetic way. Selling lessons isn’t just a job for me—it’s about sharing something I truly believe in and helping others find their own path in music.