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
De'Trece "Dee" Lavender
Voice, Piano, Guitar
Dr. Katherine (Kathy) Brown
Piano
Orlando Johnson received his first piano lessons from Miss Darlene, a Sunday School teacher at the local Menonite Church near his North Philadelphia home. He thinks it was probably a trick to get him to come to church, but Miss Darlene was a faithful presence in his life, sowing the seeds that would later become a lifelong passion for music. Not having a piano of his own, Orlando would take the bus to school before 6:00 AM every day to practice there, as well as at the Community Center in town.
He eventually earned his BA in music from Temple University, and began teaching his own piano students when he was just 18. Mr. Johnson’s passion for excellence and heart for teaching comes through in every lesson. With each keyboarding instruction comes great wisdom that leads to great students.
Growing up in Sarasota, Florida, Dee got her musical start very early while attending a church and school with a large music ministry. When she was 11, Dee started singing with the Sarasota Youth Opera, where she began to be compared to the vocal legends Mahalia Jackson and Leontyne Price. This led to a scholarship to receive private voice lessons, and eventually to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where she completed her Dual Bachelor's degrees in Voice Performance and Music Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Music in 2009.
Dee has been teaching music and art since 1999 in various schools, enrichment programs, and private lessons. As a music therapist, she worked with children on the spectrum and adults with mental illness from 2003-2010 before moving to Baltimore to attend Loyola University. In 2019, Dee received her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health, Counseling, and Spirituality.
Dee came to MIFAL in 2018 as an advisor and supporter, and was appointed the Dean of the Arts Academy in 2020. She currently teaches voice, piano, and guitar. She has high expectations for her students, but she teaches technique through song to make learning enjoyable and relatable. Students who study with Ms. Dee receive a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with genuine care for their mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Dr. Kathy Brown has performed extensively locally and internationally as a solo pianist/keyboard player, an accompanist and with her band ‘Kathy Brown and Friends’ over the past 20 years. Initially self-taught in reading music and playing 'by ear', she studied classical piano (Associated Board Royal Schools of Music, England) and later studied jazz piano under private tutelage in Jamaica. She has also attended master classes and private classes with USA jazz pianists Barry Harris, Kenny Barron and Joanne Brackeen.
She plays a wide variety of musical genres including contemporary Jazz, Latin, African, Reggae, Pop/R&B, Jamaican Folk, and alternative styles.
Kathy teaches piano classes privately, formerly taught after-school piano at the American International School of Kingston, and in 2012, taught workshops to widely varied audiences in South Africa on the History of Jamaican Music and Culture, and its influence on improvisation.
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.