Our Teachers

Marilee’s path to music comes through dance. She was an Irish dancer and dance teacher during childhood and through graduate school. She transitioned to teaching in higher education but keeps her love of music and dance. She has a masters degree in math and has been teaching in colleges for over 10 years. Marilee is thrilled to bring her education background together with her passion for music and dance to join The Music Class. 
Favorite TMC Moment
In 2020 when covid hit, my 2 year old and I were taking the Elephant collection. I was also pregnant at the time and music class at home saved so many of our lockdown days. Elephant collection will always hold a special place in my memory. 

TMC song that’s always stuck in your head
“Mr Alligator” from The Tiger Collection 

When I’m not making music, I’m…
Spending time with my family, teaching math, reading, riding my bike, and cheering for the Michigan Wolverines.

Jasmine is a passionate advocate for youth and the fine arts who graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors in Music Education from Radford University. Along with teaching, she mentors LGBTQ+ youth weekly and also leads private piano and flute lessons. She has worked with students in PreK through 12th grade in various settings and has a love for every age. She is ecstatic to teach with The Music Class for her love of working with young children and their families. 

Jeanette has a bachelors degree in Voice Performance from Columbus State University and has done graduate coursework at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was a second place winner at the National MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Young Artist Competition in 2015. She has experience as a nanny, which introduced her to The Music Class. She enjoys singing and dancing with little ones and is thrilled to be a part of your families musical enrichment through The Music Class.
Favorite TMC Moment
My favorite TMC moment is the scarf dance! I'm always learning new moves from the kids!
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"What Do All The Doggies Say?" from The Dinosaur Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Crocheting, bingeing on Netflix and forgetting to water the plants.

Steffi earned her BA Emory University Psychology/French. She was active in Musical Theater since high school. She started Music Class in early 1995 and both she and her daughter were hooked! Both her children took Pups/Cats/Keyboard I/Keyboard II and Steffi has been teaching for TMC for over 20 years!
Favorite TMC Moment
All the “aha” moments when parents first see for themselves that their children have been learning. So many it is hard to narrow down to one! I love the exquisite joy when parents see the payoff for the work they put in outside of class.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Lizard Blues" from The Frog Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
With friends/family/food, I exercise only enough to stay healthy and strong

Heather Blank is a native Atlantan and has been singing since her days at Jolly Elementary and Clarkston High School in DeKalb County. She performed with the Women’s Glee Club and Noteworthy Women’s Ensemble while earning a BA in Telecommunications at UGA. She spent her college summers as a cabin counselor and eventually Drama Director at Camp Judaea. After working for over 10 years in the television industry she is now raising sons Aaron and Jonah, who are Music Class alums!
Favorite TMC Moment
I have a student who was so shy he would only sing his bum bums to me, in my ear, after class. He now performs in musical theatre productions and his mom promises he will thank me in his future Tony acceptance speech! I love watching my students come out of their shells.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Red River Valley" from The Giraffe Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Reading science fiction, playing mahjongg & schlepping my kids to soccer, ATL UTD and Braves games.

Bowen grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta and has been teaching music in the area for over a decade. He graduated from Georgia State University with a BA in Music. Though his studies were primarily focused around band (saxophone being his main instrument), he observed The Music Class and knew he wanted to work with them! Aside from teaching with The Music Class, Bowen is also Music Specialist at Sagamore Hills Elementary. There he teaches General Music, Band, Orchestra, and Chorus.
Favorite TMC Moment
My favorite moments with TMC is when children teach and encourage each other in class. Sometimes the best teachers for children are other children! Such a sweet sight :)
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Panda Pete" from The Panda Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Bowen is an enthusiastic yogi and hopes to be teaching yoga soon!

Janelle hails from the multimedia rock/musical theatre scene in New York City with an MFA in Music Theatre from UNLV.  However, Janelle credits her early childhood education talent to one of her best friends, Joanna Walchuk, who's calm and "present" demeanor when interacting with children has always been inspiring.  Often, Janelle has been referred to as a sort of "Pied Piper" when others observe children she's just met crawl right into her arms and lap.
 
Favorite TMC Moment
Being corrected by my daughter when singing Little Dolphin in the car: "Mom, that's not right: you sang [sings same key I just sang], the song is really [sings key on Dolphin cd]." I was blown away when I realized that she had developed perfect pitch from being in the program!

TMC song that’s always stuck in your head
Down By The Riverside from Pony Collection (But only the words my husband sings: "I'm gonna get down and get on up!" with some extra funk to it!)

When I’m not making music, I’m…
Playing Animal Crossing on the Switch or attending to my PTA Co-President duties! 

Berné has been a TMC teacher since 2000. “Miss” Berne majored in Voice at College of Charleston and has been a professional musician her entire adult life. She has performed solo and in numerous groups doing Folk, Jazz, Western Swing, Classic Country, Rockabilly and more. These groups have toured from Alaska to Florida and performed at many famous venues and festivals, garnering multiple awards, while sharing the stage with many notable musicians. Berne is also a very accomplished songwriter.
Favorite TMC Moment
I love the pleasure of watching little ones learn to love music. Many of my students have gone on to become excellent musicians. I feel that my work with TMC is a joy and honor. It is so fulfilling to know that I have had a positive impact on the students and their parents.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Sam the Dinosaur" from The Dinosaur Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Watching classic films, especially film noir, reading and traveling.

Doris has a B.F.A and M.F.A. in Dance NYU School of the Arts, is the Director of Family Keyboard Classes, Inc., co-founder and the choreographer Calck Hook Dance Theatre, a NY and Paris based dance theatre company. She teaches yoga, drama and classical piano privately and in after-school programs throughout Atlanta
Favorite TMC Moment
When my private classical students graduate and go to college and I realize they have been with me since the age of 2 y.o. progressing from Pups to Cats to Keyboard and then to private lessons.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Zumba" from The Lion Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
In the yoga studio, being with my grandson or seeing an art film.

"Perhaps the reason I love music and teaching so much is because they both encompass creativity, working with others, and an endless path towards improvement.” 
Rob received his Bachelor of Music Performance and Master of Music Education Degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and also studied at the Juilliard School. He started his career as a trumpet player in the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in South Africa and has since had the opportunity to play with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet. He currently enjoys playing in the Sentimental Journey Orchestra.
Realizing that early childhood was the most important time in music development, Rob decided to leave his position as a school band director (after spending 12 years in that role) in order to work with young children. After looking at existing early childhood music programs and not being able to find one that provided outstanding educational content, music that parents can enjoy, and a fun and interactive classroom environment, he decided to create his own program. The result was that in 1998, Rob created the TMC Music Pups®curriculum - writing, arranging and recording our songs and developing our teaching methods. Rob is proud to have created The Music Class with the assistance of his wife Michele and children Raina and Brian. Staring from when she was only 8 years-old, Raina composed many of our most popular songs, and Brian has enjoyed singing on our recordings since the age of 2. Rob is also thankful to the wonderful teachers whose expertise and passion have contributed to the success of The Music Class.
Favorite TMC Moment
I love meeting up with families years after they have graduated from TMC. It’s wonderful to see that for so many, music and other creative arts continue to play a significant and joyful part in their lives.
TMC Song that gets stuck in your head
Whatever the last song is I just heard!
When I’m not making music I’m...
Kayaking, playing with the dog or enjoying the latest tech gadget.

Jen has always been super-passionate about music for everyone – and even more so after being a "Music Class Mom" with her own children! Jen took a round-about path to music, with stops in construction engineering and city planning - but she has always found joy in movement and music and making it into her life's work has been a gift. Jen started teaching with TMC in 2004, and has since taken on administrative duties, including training and managing centers and schools all over the world! 
Favorite TMC Moment
Choosing one moment after so many years with TMC is impossible. My favorite time as a teacher is experiencing a moment of connection with each of "my kids". Sometimes it's a sweet wave, or a vigorous hug that knocks me over - but it's always special to be part of their lives. 
TMC Song that's always stuck in your head
"Señor El Coqui" from The Frog Collection 
When I'm not making music, I'm...  
Reading, knitting, playing chauffeur, or trying to remember why I just walked into that room. 

Katherine Moore has enjoyed teaching the TMC curriculum since 2002. In addition, she has taught private voice for many years, has performed opera and musical theatre professionally, and currently co-directs her own school, Grant Park Academy of the Arts. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Music, a Master of Arts and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Katherine believes passionately that arts education enriches life for everyone!
Favorite TMC Moment
It's a delight to see a parent's video of their child leading music class at home with beloved stuffed animals in a circle. Teaching is the best way to learn!
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Littlest Dog" from The Giraffe Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Watching The Great British Baking Show or doting on my three kitties, Banjo, Biscuit and Yum Yum.

Raina has been involved in The Music Class since her father Rob Sayer started the company when she was 8 years old. Raina is the director of TMC China and has created a specialized curriculum for non-English speakers. After living in Houston for the past few years, Raina is back in Atlanta and can't wait to start teaching in-person again in addition to her virtual At Home classes!
Favorite TMC moment
Getting all of my childhood friends obsessed with Music Class with their own kids!
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Brush a Brush" from The Lion Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Snuggling with my dog, Moose

Adina Rudisch has sung and acted all her life and is passionate about teaching through the arts. She has taught in preschools, elementary schools, & worked with home school groups. Adina earned Bachelor’s degrees in English & Theatre from Washington University & an MAT from the University of Charleston. She enjoys speaking Russian & French, playing the djimbe, exploring the outdoors, & anything “crafty.” She has loves working at The Music Class & looks forward seeing her students every day. 
Favorite TMC Moment:
I love it when parents show me videos of their children conducting Music Class at home, whether it's "wake up sticks," or "bum-bums" on the fly, it always makes me smile to see how The Music Class becomes such an integral and fun part of their lives. 
TMC song that's always stuck in your head:
Nanny Poppy from The Dinosaur Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Sipping a cup of hot tea, or planning my next trip to LEAF (Lake Eden Art Festival). 

I graduated from Flagler College with a major in Elementary Education/Specific Learning Disabilities, and enjoyed performing regularly in musical theater productions. I then taught in the public school system for 8 years before becoming a mom and regularly attending The Music Class.
Favorite TMC Moment
Of course it melts my heart when I get to experience firsts like a little one coming to sit with me, or seeing a returning family, but singing on the Panda Collection was truly magical.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Brush a Brush" from The Lion Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Involved with my three boys and husband, walking my dog Buster, or getting coffee with friends.

David Wetzel is the Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology at The Music Class. He manages the day-to-day operations of the corporate office and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Atlanta center. In addition, David's responsibilities extend beyond Atlanta where he works directly with international centers offering TMC programs around the world. David is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. David lives in Roswell, GA with his wife Dr. Emily Wetzel. 
Favorite TMC moment
Receiving a surprise engagement party at a teacher workshop. I’m oblivious to surprise parties and events happening off script. Everyone was in on it including my wife. After she walked in, I still didn’t put all the pieces together. Then there was cake and it all made sense. 
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Polly Put The Kettle On" from The Bunny Collection 
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Riding and racing my road bikes 

Talia Aull has a passion for music that began before she could talk. From singing herself to sleep in her crib to teaching public middle school choir and music theatre to performing at the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers, she has carried the belief in the power of music to enlighten minds and enrich lives. She earned degrees in vocal performance and music education from Louisiana State University and has toured the nation with professional choirs, as well as being a principle cast member in a repertory children's theatre in New York City. Now that she has returned home to Atlanta, she hopes to instill that same enthusiasm for music in her students with The Music Class.

Emily is an enthusiastic, passionate children’s music and yoga teacher from Austin, Texas. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where she majored in Music Theatre. In 2018, she became 200-hr Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor, after obtaining her certification at Infinity Yoga. In addition to teaching Music Pups, Cats and Keyboard, and fulfilling her duties at TMC corporate, Emily also developed the TMC Family Yoga program in 2017. 
Favorite TMC Moment
I love watching the growth of the kids in my classes! Whether it’s a shy girl who finally sings her bums bums for the first time, or a little boy learning to balance in his tree pose, my heart bursts with joy when I get to witness them learning and growing! 
TMC song that’s always stuck in your head
"Crawdad Song" from The Panda Collection
When I’m not making music, I’m…
On my yoga mat! Or curled up with my kitty, Osono reading a book! 

Jessica holds a BA in Music from The University of Connecticut, with additional coursework in education and a number of years as a competitive ballroom dancer. She later earned a Masters in Theology from Villanova University. Jessica taught private voice and piano lessons for over 12 years before joining TMC, helping children win scholarships, lead roles, and Broadway auditions. She is a mom to two children, an avid soccer fan, and a lover of all things nerdy.
Favorite TMC Moment
Kids say the darndest things! I love when a child feels confident enough to offer ideas, insights, or (quite often) hilarious commentary! Children have so much to offer, and I soak up every moment.
TMC song that's always stuck in your head
"Down by the Riverside" from The Pony Collection
When I'm not making music, I'm...
Cheering on Atlanta United FC, watching Doctor Who, or playing with my kids.