If you are interested in taking lessons at Belle Aire Music Academy, please email Laura Michael at [email protected].

The Academy runs on two 16-week semesters per school year from August to December and January to May. Summer lessons are offered based on instructor availability. Students have the opportunity to perform in two recitals per year. We follow Rutherford County Schools for breaks and holidays.

Tuition covers a full semester’s enrollment in the Academy, securing the student’s time spot every week, regardless of how many lessons they attend. Click here for our full missed lessons policy.

The current tuition for a full semester is $416 for 30-minute private lessons, $624 for 45-minute private lessons, and $832 for 60-minute private lessons. A $40 registration fee is due every fall semester for continuing students, and the first semester for a new student. Books and other materials are purchased by the student.

Private Lessons
Private lessons of 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length are offered for piano, guitar, bass, drums, flute, violin, and voice.

Buddy Lessons
Buddy lessons are a great option for social students who enjoy learning with a friend. These lessons are 40 minutes long, with 20 minutes of private instruction and 20 minutes overlapping with another student to focus on ear training, creative activities, and ensemble playing. The tuition is the same as for a 30 minute private lesson. Buddy lessons are currently only offered for piano.

Music Play - Babies & Toddlers
Music Play is an early childhood music class that engages children from birth to four years old with vibrant, contrasting songs and chants intentionally designed to nurture true musical understanding. Children learn music the way they learn language - by listening, moving, absorbing, imitating, and responding to the sounds in their environment. This class uses playful, sequential sound and movement activities to help young children naturally develop musical aptitude—building a strong foundation for future instruction while also supporting cognitive growth, emotional development, and creative expression.

The tuition for a 12-week Music Play semester (late August - November) is $156 for one child, and $234 per family. Music Play classes are 40 minutes long, and one adult is required to stay in class for any child under 3 years old.

Laura is a classically trained pianist with over 15 years of teaching experience. She specializes in an “audiation” based piano instruction that develops a strong ear for rhythm and pitch, the ability to hear and understand music in the mind, effortless technique, and expressive playing. She prioritizes creativity, improvisation, ensemble collaboration, and exciting repertoire. She enjoys helping students master what they love - from classical to modern pop to worship leading, and more.

Todd holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Georgia and currently teaches percussion at Belmont University. He directs the World Percussion Ensemble and offers courses in ethnic percussion and commercial percussion. Todd performs with groups like the Nashville Praise Symphony and Tennessee Philharmonic.

Molly is a flute and piano teacher with a Master’s in Flute Performance from MTSU. She has performed with the MTSU Wind Ensemble and flute choir, and has played with various ensembles, symphonies, and bands while studying flute and piano at the University of North Alabama. She hopes to inspire young musicians to share her love of making music.

Kimberly is a classically trained violinist who studied violin performance at Middle Tennessee State University, sitting concert-master of their orchestra. Her repertoire includes work with the Murfreesboro Philharmonic, Nashville Symphony, and various other ensembles. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, including mentoring students in Irish and bluegrass fiddling. Her approach to learning includes ear/pitch training, improvisation, as well as site-reading music. She believes it is never too late to learn music and hopes to inspire all ages with her love of the violin

Shawna holds a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Music-Voice Performance from Belmont University. With over 30 years of experience in vocal performance and 3 years in the local school system, she specializes in contemporary christian worship, pop, jazz, musical theater, and other contemporary styles. Shawna is dedicated to empowering musicianship through tailored, anatomically-informed vocal instruction and loves to connect with people of all ages as she guides them to their vocal music goals.