Alyssa Kelly is an educator, author, and singer-songwriter. She has been playing guitar, composing songs, and performing musically since the age of twelve; she currently entertains audiences with her Belfast-based band Muskeg. Having earned a master’s degree in creative writing, her professional focus has primarily been as an English instructor. With twenty years of teaching experience serving diverse populations, she is well versed in creating inclusive, innovative learning environments that foster personalized growth. Her instructional style reflects her philosophy that students of all ages deserve the support to be playfully curious and the permission to celebrate their own unique voice. She believes that Music Together is a fabulous invitation for participants to encounter the limitless, lasting impact of music’s power – and she is thrilled to contribute to its vision as a member of the Midcoast Music Academy community.

Hailing from NYC, 26 year old Khaya Cohen has spent the past decade of her life exploring different avenues in music. When she was 16, she successfully auditioned for Fox's 3rd season of the US X Factor, and qualified as a top ten vocalist. It was this experience that inspired Khaya to pursue a career in music.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Her course of study included performance, songwriting, production, engineering, and music business. After college, Khaya got her first publishing deal with One-In-Song. She also wrote, performed and released music with her band Moon Kissed from 2019 to 2023. Soon after, Khaya relocated to Maine, where she lives off-grid with her boyfriend. Together they write, tour and perform in their band, Telescope Club.

Khaya has a wide array of skills and a knowledge base that ranges from vocals, songwriting, guitar, bass, piano, production, engineering, booking tours, and other aspects of music business.

Shannon Burns discovered her love of the arts at an early age- dancing, playing piano and cello, singing in choirs, and performing in plays and musicals throughout her childhood and into early adulthood. She received her bachelor’s of science in Psychology with a secondary major in Music from Northland College and her Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.

With over twenty years experience, Shannon has spent her career as a social worker and rehabilitation counselor supporting children, youth, and their families to determine and reach their life goals. Having been familiar with Music Together for years, Shannon is excited to be a registered Music Together teacher. She loves the philosophy that Music is for Everyone, and Everyone is Musical. She looks forward to sharing the joy and fun of Music Together with Midcoast families.

Tiare Messing is a retired teacher who appreciates the life-long joy music can bring, even for those of us who are not professional musicians. A singer since her youth, she currently makes music with Downeast Singers and Harborside Harmony, a women’s barbershop group. Tiare came to Music Together through her work at the Coastal Children’s Museum in Rockland, an organization also dedicated to the importance of learning through play and exploration. Tiare became a registered Music Together teacher so that the opportunity to have fun with music can be extended to more families. When asked why she chose to embrace this challenge, she shared, ”Childhood should be a time to make cherished memories, and Music Together is one way for those to happen.”