Belle Aire Music Academy Mission Statement

At Belle Aire Music Academy we develop creative, collaborative, and competent musicians who are equipped to enjoy God’s gift of music to its fullest.

Students who study with us learn:

  • how to listen to music and understand pitch and rhythm
  • how to feel rhythm and play with flow
  • how to play with relaxation and correct technique
  • how to improvise, arrange, and compose their own music
  • how to read sheet music, chord charts, and lead sheets
  • how to play with other musicians
  • how to practice effectively

Music lessons should be fun! We believe students learn best through diverse methods, and use games, movement, technology, and engaging repertoire to keep lessons enjoyable and effective.

Next Steps:

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

REGISTRATION FORM

Semester Structure & Tuition

The Academy runs on two 16-week semesters per school year from August-December and January-May. Summer lessons are offered based on instructor availability. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops and perform in two recitals per year.

We currently teach piano, drums, guitar, and bass.

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 semester of 30 minute private lessons is $368, made in two payments of $184. 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.

SUMMER CAMPS

Quest for the Enchanted Keys- Summer Piano Camp

Join the quest to find seven enchanted keys and unlock the magic realm of Pianoforte. To find each key, you’ll cross rivers of swift moving rhythms, climb mountains of chords, and pass through forests of dynamic sounds - all the while defeating trolls and giants with your magical piano superpowers. This adventure will unleash your creativity and take your musicianship to the next level!

Sampling of Activities
  • Create your character’s own theme song
  • Learn rhythm skills through chants, movement and dance
  • Improvise music in different styles
  • Design your own instrument and magical headpiece
  • Decode maps with your theory knowledge
  • Learn technical skills and use them to complete magical quests
  • Practice solo and ensemble performance pieces to showcase at the week-end recital

Details
Quest for the Enchanted Keys is designed for any piano students ages 6 to 12, beginner to early intermediate. Camp runs from 9am-12pm, July 7-11th, 2025. A final performance is open to family and friends on July 11th at 11am. Cost is $180 per student. Registration deadline is Friday, May 2nd.

Contact Laura Michael [email protected] for more information.

Register for summer camp HERE

Keyboard Games- Summer Preschool Music Class

Keyboard Games is a rich, playful musical experience that improves music aptitude in preschoolers as preparation for formal piano education. Children will sing, chant, move to music, improvise, and develop an ear for pitch and rhythm. They will learn gross and fine motor skills that are essential for good piano technique. They will create and explore how to produce contrasting sounds on the piano. And finally they will play short piano pieces from memory in both solo and ensemble contexts. 

This introductory class runs 8 weeks in the summer from June-July and is designed for 4-year-olds through freshly-turned 6-year-olds. Classes are 50 minutes long and parents are welcome to stay in class. Home practice is not required. Cost is $184 per child.

A full 16-week Keyboard Games course will be held in fall 2025 and is a perfect next step for preschoolers who complete the summer course.

Contact Laura Michael [email protected] for more information.

Submit your interest form and scheduling preferences HERE

INSTRUCTOR BIOS

Belle Aire Music Academy is staffed by highly qualified Christian instructors who are fun, creative, and experienced in developing well-rounded musicians.

LAURA MICHAEL

Laura, a classically trained pianist with 14 years of teaching experience, offers a holistic and modern approach to piano education. She fosters creativity through games, movement, improvisation, and ensemble playing. She helps students master what they love - from classical to chord charts to worship leading.

TODD LONDON

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.

MICHAEL KNAPP

Michael has over 15 years of experience performing with artists, bands, and churches nationwide. Blending self-teaching, private lessons, and collaboration, he offers a fun, well-rounded approach to mastering music. Passionate about styles from worship to funk to metal, he helps others shape their sound and play what they love.

MOLLY CLAYTON

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.