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 teaching English. With twenty years of experience, she is well versed in creating inclusive, innovative learning environments that foster personalized growth. Her philosophy is that students of all ages deserve the support to be playfully curious and the permission to celebrate their own voice. She believes that Music Together is a fabulous invitation 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.

Music has always been one of the best parts of my life starting with learning piano and singing since I was 7. I earned my degree in vocal performance in 2022 from Western Colorado University and I have been a freelance musician, composer, and a private instructor for much longer (2020) before moving to Maine in 2024. I am a classically trained singer, but my favorite genres to sing outside of opera are rock and indie acoustic. While music is my first love, I also enjoy baking, hiking, and learning languages for fun. My favorite thing about teaching music is encouraging my students to ask questions and watching them grow to find their voices.

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.

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.