A Nonprofit Music & Arts Education Program
Mission
Music Instruction for All Learners, Inc. is dedicated to providing a comprehensive arts education that bridges the gap from curiosity to mastery, enriching the whole student through focused study and practical application. Guided by experienced professors, our programs are rooted in supportive, equitable, and inspiring environments, fostering the growth of students’ interests and passions while empowering them to achieve their full artistic potential.
Vision
MIFAL INC is a lifelong dream come true. I've always dreamed of building something where I can share my passion for music with students of all ages. A passion that will take them anywhere they want to go. Come and be part of that dream.
Inspiring artistic excellence through inclusive, practical arts education, empowering every student to reach their full potential.
Values
Understanding
Faculty that are supportive,
equitable, and aware of
Student’s challenges and
passions for their Art, while
providing a motivating
environment.
Application & Development
Real-world application and
superior development of
Students and Faculty from where
they are to where they want to
be through collaborative
projects and experiences.
Education
Enlightened and systematic
instruction to develop the
whole student. Giving
students command of the
who, what, where, when
and why of their chosen Arts
program.
How We Teach
The educational philosophy of MIFAL is rooted in the belief that young musicians can best develop their artistic potential in a supportive, non-judgmental and motivating musical environment. We are committed to helping our students develop a solid technical and musical foundation at every level as they develop their discipline and love for music. We provide comprehensive training for gifted young artists preparing for a career in music as well as offering lessons to those for whom music enriches their main pursuits. We aim to support each child’s unique path and our hope is that all our students will derive meaning from their relationship with music throughout their lives.
Experienced Instructors
O.Q. Johnson
Executive Director, Piano & Vocal
Dr. Jillian Storey
Flute
Thillman Benham
Cello
Orlando Johnson received his first piano lessons from Miss Darlene, a Sunday School teacher at the local Mennonite Church near his North Philadelphia home. He often jokes that it may have been a trick to get him to church, but Miss Darlene became a faithful presence in his life—sowing the seeds that would later blossom into a lifelong passion for music.
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Without a piano of his own, young Orlando would ride the bus to school before 6:00 AM every day to practice there, as well as at the local Community Center. That determination and discipline carried him forward, ultimately leading him to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Temple University, where he received extensive vocal training in addition to his piano studies.
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By the age of 18, Orlando had already begun teaching his own piano and vocal students, sharing not just technical skill but also his passion for excellence. Today, Mr. Johnson is known for weaving wisdom into every lesson, helping his students grow as musicians and as individuals. His teaching reflects both the foundation planted by Miss Darlene years ago and the professional training he honed at Temple - making him a mentor who inspires, challenges, and empowers the next generation of artists.
Flutist, educator, and creative Jillian Storey leads a dynamic career as a chamber and orchestral musician, teacher, and arts leader. She currently resides in Raleigh, NC, where she maintains a thriving private flute studio and has previously taught at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and in Houston, TX. A passionate advocate for music education and service, Jillian has held numerous leadership and artistic roles, including as Teaching Artist with Kidznotes, Woodwind Area Coordinator for Baylor University’s Chamber Music Outreach Program and Pre-Concert Conversations Curator for UNCG’s premiere ensembles. She currently serves as Digital Director for the Marcel Moyse Society and is the Chair of the National Flute Association’s Archives and Oral History Committee.
Jillian is the flutist and Director of Operations and Marketing with Catchfire Collective, an innovative North Carolina-based chamber ensemble that presents compelling performances of 21st-century music. She has also performed with the Durham, Waco, and Bryan Symphonies, the Brevard Philharmonic, Piedmont Wind Symphony, and Greensboro Opera. A frequent soloist and competition finalist, her concerto appearances include works by Reinecke, Bach, Ibert, and Griffes. Her doctoral research, Social Practice Methods in the Applied Flute Studio, explores equity-driven, community-responsive approaches to private music teaching and was recognized with the National Flute Association’s Graduate Research Award in 2023.
Jillian earned her DMA from UNCG with Dr. Erika Boysen, her MM from Baylor University with Dr. Francesca Arnone, and her BM from Tennessee Technological University with Dr. Roger Martin. She also spent a year studying with renowned pedagogue Trevor Wye in the UK.
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Thillman Benham is a multi-genre performing cellist who cultivated his love for the cello with classical study. He attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and holds a degree in cello performance from Ithaca College. Through the guidance of the wonderful staff at both schools he was immersed in traditional classical study where he developed a love for telling a story and communicating raw emotion through sound and sound alone.
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In the time since, his interests and horizons have expanded to include Folk, Americana, Rock, Chamber Rock, Pop, Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, and ever more. While he still plays and performs classically (especially the Solo Bach Cello Suites), he loves nothing more than getting a new song to plan parts for at a recording session. As a teacher, his ultimate goal is to help students find what speaks to them about the cello while firmly grounding them with strong classical technique.
Using techniques from every style of music at his fingertips, he crafts individualized lessons that encourage exploration, meeting challenges with creativity, all while fostering a lifelong bond between student and cello.
MIFAL AA Jr. Instructors
We've started a program where students who've shown extraordinary ability in the discipline of music, along with continuous study of their instrument, and keeping an "A" average in school have the ability to instruct other students. Our goal is to facilitate them as they are learning the art of instructing.
Rachel Harris
Honorary Dance Instructor
Faculty
Dominique Ellis
Marketing | Content Creator
Mark Johnson
Parent Liaison
Tiffony Demory
Culinary Chef
Shonelle Ricks-Calhoun
Event Specialist
Wang Liang (Mr. Leon)
Director of Strings Dept.
Advisory Board
Mr. O.Q. Johnson, COB
Mrs. Daphne Alston
Mr. Frank Abrosino,
Board Advisor
Mr. Don Moore
MIFAL Jr. Board Members
Janiyah Dixon
Avas Dantzler
Ryan Roberts
MIFAL BRAND AMBASSADOR
Amaris Smith is a current undergraduate student at the Pennsylvania State University. She is pursuing her degree in criminology with a minor in sociology. She has a passion for true criminal justice to eliminate mass incarceration but she also loves exploring her creativity. She played the piano as a child and loved it but was not able to continue lessons until recently joining MIFAL Arts Academy as a student on a very fast track with a particular goal in mind. Amaris hopes by becoming a brand ambassador for MIFAL, she will show others the magic MIFAL brings out within their students. She would also like to show others that you can do anything you put your mind to!
Spiritual Covering
Overseer​
Erica J. Stanley
Overseer Erica J. Stanley has been a tireless advocate for the homeless, the less fortunate and young people. She speaks on behalf of those who have no voice and teaches them to advocate for themselves. Clearly a pillar in the community, Ms. Stanley’s faith, humor, and consistent good cheer has enriched our community and encouraged all of us to use our time, talent and treasures to build a better world.
Regardless of how she serves, Overseer Eric J. Stanley is always sharing a message of hope, encouragement and God's Love.