Get to Know Us
At Making Music Academy, we are passionate about introducing music to children. Our team of enthusiastic and professional instructors are all united by their love of music, and their commitment to helping our musicians grow!
We strive to create a stimulating, creative and fun learning environment so our music makers can get the most out of our sessions. Scroll to learn more about our instructors.
Terrilyn Pickett
Owner & Music Director
With decades of experience teaching music—spanning voice, piano, ukulele, and private and classroom music—Terrilyn saw a glaring gap in early childhood music education in her community. She knew that music had the power to inspire, connect, and enrich young lives, but there simply weren’t enough programs available for little ones and their caregivers - thats where Making Music Academy's vision came to light.
While on maternity leave with her second child, she turned her passion into a mission—developing a dynamic early childhood music and movement curriculum that would bring the joy of music to families. What started as small, community-based classes in five different locations quickly grew into something much bigger.
Recognizing the overwhelming demand for a nurturing, engaging, and community-centered space for music education, Terrilyn took the leap and founded Making Music Academy—a place where families could come together to learn, connect, and foster a lifelong love of music - for all ages.
Today, Making Music Academy continues to grow, staying true to its roots of joyful learning, meaningful connections, and high-quality music education for all ages and abilities.
Becca Bartlett
Music Teacher
Becca Bartlett is a prolific musician and songwriter from St. Johns, NL. She is completing a BA in Voice Performance with Berklee College of Music and has original songs available on streaming platforms and radio.
Becca has studied voice, piano, guitar and ukulele from a very young age, and began her teaching journey as a ukulele group instructor. She has worked with youth of all ages, as a kindergarten after school program leader, a staff member at Burry Heights summer camp and a Coordinator of the Go project.
Her passion for music has gained her awards such as the City of Mount Pearl “Performing arts Individual of the year” award and an Arts and Letters award in Youth music, 2 nominations for MusicNL's “Pop artist of the year” and a nomination for ArtsNL emerging artist of the year. Her song “Cicadas” made it to #13 on the East Coast Top 30 radio charts.
Becca believes that music is magic and loves to foster creativity, fun and connection for people of all ages and abilities through her teaching!
Alejandra Escobedo
Music Teacher
Alejandra Escobedo has been involved in music education for more than 10 years, she has taught piano, cello, general music and choir classes to students from all ages. After being a teacher at different international schools, her experiences with different cultures makes her appreciative and always looking for ways to have an inclusive music classroom.
She believes that every child has the capacity to explore, learn and enjoy music, and on the importance to develop sensitivity towards diversity through music at an early age. One important aspect of her teaching is the developmental stages of each child to provide a positive musical experience.
Alejandra has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and a MA on Choir Conducting, she has also obtained the Kodaly Today’s Certification, and currently is on her path to obtain a masters in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Alejandra teaches Piano and Cello.
Vern Oliver
Music Teacher
Vern Oliver (they/them) is a board-certified music therapist (MTA, MT-BC) and lifelong music lover currently working toward a Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University. They studied Classical Voice and earned their Bachelor of Music Therapy from Acadia University in 2020.
Vern has explored many roles over the years—solo performer, choir member, music researcher, and private teacher. Their musical journey has taken them across Canada and beyond, including a spot in the Opera NUOVA Young Artists Program in 2019.
As a teacher, Vern is passionate about meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence through music. As a neurodivergent musician, they understand that everyone learns in their own way, and they’re dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive lessons that bring out each student’s unique voice.
In 2024, Vern completed their music therapy internship at Pleasant View Towers in St. John’s. After working as a therapist in Ontario, they returned home to help grow access to music therapy services in Newfoundland—and to share the joy of music with more families.
Vern teaches Guitar, Piano, and Voice.
Jill Penney
Music Teacher
Jill Penney is a passionate and expressive vocalist and pianist with over 14 years of experience. Jill discovered her love of music at a remarkably young age, but it wasn’t until she joined private music lessons that she truly found her voice and passion for performing.
She participated in several Kiwanis categories (solo/duet/ensembles/choirs), musical productions, and special performances at Arts Under the Stars, Canada Day Musical Hike, Music 4 Our Minds, etc.
She completed the Applied Music program at CNA in June 2020, and proceeded to further her music education in 2023 by attaining a Professional Music Studies Certificate from Berklee College of Online Music.
Jill hopes to inspire each student and ignite a unique passion within them, like her previous mentors influenced her. “I’ve always dreamed of being a positive mentor and guiding students to unlock a meaning in music. I want to show them how they can share who they are, and what they’re feeling, through the language of music.”
She believes music is such an important part of life and having the opportunity to share that connection with others is motivating and exciting!
Jill teaches Piano, Voice, and Ukulele.
Jorja Smith
Music Teacher
From an early age, Jorja Smith has been dedicated to honing their craft in music and performance. With years of training and experience, they have taken the stage in events like Divas Do Christmas, showcasing their vocal and artistic talents. In April 2025, they will take the next step in their journey at the Canadian Model and Talent Convention, further expanding their skills and opportunities.
Music has always been more than just a passion for Jorja—it's a way of expressing emotions, telling stories, and connecting with others on a deeper level. As a singer and multi-instrumentalist, they play guitar and ukulele, using these skills to inspire and teach musicians.
Jorja is excited to share their love for music by helping students find confidence in their voices and creativity. They believe that music is a gift that can bring joy, self-expression, and lifelong skills. Whether strumming a ukulele, singing a favorite song, or learning a new chord, everyone has the potential to shine.
Jorja teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, and Voice.
Melody Aslan
Music Teacher
Melody Aslan is a dedicated musician and educator with a background in piano and vocal performance, music cognition, and child development.
Starting piano at age three, she earned her RCM ARCT in Piano Performance in 2016 and has participated in numerous music festivals in the Greater Toronto Area. Her experience includes ten years with the Hamilton Children’s Choir, where she later became an accompanist for the Kindersing program.
With over seven years of teaching experience, Melody has also served as musical director for productions of Alice in Wonderland and Matilda Jr., culminating in 32 shows in total.
She is currently a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, passionate about teaching, composing, and performing.
Melody teaches Piano and Voice.
Mackenzie Critch
Music Teacher
Mackenzie Critch is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Paradise. Her music is described as a mix of Adele and Dolly Parton. She is classically and contemporarily trained in vocals, piano, and guitar with her Royal Conservatory Vocal exams up to and including grade 8.
She is a seasoned musician with extensive awards and accomplishments, including 2022 Music NL NewFound Talent first place award, 2024 Music NL’s Rising Star Award nominee and Country Artist of the Year Award nominee. Mackenzie opened up for the world-renowned Boney M feat. Liz Mitchel at two sold-out shows, Corner Brook and St. John’s, in Dec. 2022.
She also performed on the main stage for NL FOLK FEST 2023. This past spring she had the opportunity to perform the Canadian National Anthem at Rick Mercer's Hall of Fame Inauguration. She has played over 200 gigs in 2024-25. Mackenzie performed at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival at two stages in July 2025.
Mackenzie released her first singles called “‘03” and “I Ain’t Me,”and “Ruin My Name” which got a lot of traction from local and national radio stations. Mackenzie Also released her first album Just Having Fun on May 23, 2025 which gained over 50 000 streams in the first month.
Mackenzie teaches Voice, Guitar, and Piano.
Brenda Teh
Adminstrative Manager
Brenda Teh holds a Bachelor's degree in Classical Music, with a major in piano and a minor in voice. Singing in choirs is one of her greatest joys, and she has participated in various choir performances and competitions.
She is currently pursuing a Master's in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Before joining our team, Brenda worked for four years as an administrative assistant in private music studios, where she gained firsthand experience supporting music education and working closely with teaching staffs, students, and families.
Brenda is excited to continue her work in music administration, supporting families and students in the friendliest and most welcoming way possible. She is dedicated to making every interaction smooth and helpful, ensuring that families feel supported and at home in our community.
