Our Teachers

Lauren Ellis grew up singing in choirs and in talent shows. She was a part of Honors Chorus and Allstate Choirs while attending Booth Middle School and McIntosh High School. She has been playing piano since she was eight years old, and used to teach piano to her neighbors’ kids when she was in middle school. Music has always been a passion of hers, as well as being able to share it with others.  

Lauren recently moved back from Nashville, TN to her hometown in Fayette County and brings with her over twenty years of experience in vocal performance. Classically trained in opera with a degree in Songwriting and Music Business from Belmont University, Lauren LOVES getting to share music and movement with her two children. After joining one session of The Music Class in Nashville with her kids, the passion was ignited to teach a class herself! Lauren knows the importance of ear training that starts at a young age, and uses high energy, play-based learning to help kids engage with different styles of music, instruments, rhythmic patterns, and tonal memory / recall, all the while getting LOTS of wiggles out and having FUN.

Lauren enjoys serving on her church’s worship team as a vocalist, and writes music in between baking and selling sourdough loaves, all while she is blessed to be home with her two children.

Olivia was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado but spent most of her life here in Georgia. She is married and a mother to three beautiful children. She has been singing since the age of five, has lead worship since the age of twelve and has been a part of several choirs and vocal ensembles. Olivia graduated from Lee University with a degree in Music. Her passion and love for music has opened up many opportunities to teach, train and lead others in music. She is so excited to get to be a part of The Music Class and looks forward to meeting you all this fall!

Sara Van Etten is a dedicated preschool music educator from Western New York, with over 11 years of teaching experience in Fayette County. She combines a strong foundation in classical vocal performance with a fun, engaging environment where children will learn through play-based instruction. Each class introduces rhythm, tonality, instrumentation and musical expression-in a joyful, welcoming atmosphere.  Trained under esteemed vocal instructors from Buffalo, Toronto, and New York City, Sara blends traditional techniques with age-appropriate, engaging music education practices. As the mother of a CDF senior company dancer, Sara is excited to introduce your family to The Music Class at Carlas Dance Factory and share her love of these classes with your family!