Meet Our Instructors

Jillian Wyatt, Founder & Instructor

piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, music theory, songwriting, composition

Mrs. Wyatt has been working in the industry for over a decade as a multi-instrumentalist instructor and teacher trainer.  Jillian obtained her Bachelor's degree in Music Business from Evangel University, and her Master's in Music Theory from The University of Texas at Arlington. While in graduate school, Mrs. Wyatt had the opportunity to score for film, conduct, and write for different musical ensembles. She has continued to write music past graduation, and has released five albums on Spotify under her stage name, Jillian Steins. She strives to connect with the students based on their unique interests and talents. Mrs. Wyatt continues to learn by taking cello and piano lessons, and serves on her church worship team. She is passionate about encouraging the next generation to learn about the power of worship music and passionate about teaching how incredible a connection with music can be.  

She believes music is the closest thing we have to Heaven on earth!

Susan Reedy, Piano Specialist
piano, ukulele, beginner voice

Mrs. Reedy has taught private lessons for more than twenty years. She has also done musical performances during her time as children's pastor, and has conducted several children's choirs. She currently teaches as a Music Enrichment teacher at a local private school for children with special learning needs, pastors a church, and works for our academy!  

Mrs. Reedy has a great deal of experience in homeschool education, special needs and life skills education. 

Craig Moody, Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist

Voice, brass/horns, saxophone, clarinet, guitar, early strings, piano

Craig Moody earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Arkansas State University with an emphasis on bass trombone. During this time, he performed with the Pine Bluff Symphony and Northeast Arkansas Symphony. Mr. Moody also studied Musical Theater at the American Music and Dramatic Academy in NYC and Voice Performance in Opera at the University of Memphis.

He left the University of Memphis to perform with Fort Worth Opera and Utah Festival Opera.

Mr. Moody has 16 years of classroom teaching experience and 18 years of experience as a Private Instructor. He approaches lessons with enthusiasm and excitement for music, and he has a passion for sharing his love of music with others.

Tristan Unger, College

piano, beginner drums

Tristan Andre is an undergraduate student seeking his degree in music. Tristan teaches beginner to intermediate piano, while continuing to improve his own skills.

Though new to teaching, Tristan is excited to connect with students and show them how awesome music can be! 

Tristan currently serves as the President of the Nintendo Club at Tarrant County College, a fitting role for someone working at Level Up Music Academy!

Lake Douds, Worship Director

worship piano, piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice

Lake Douds is a passionate multi-instrumentalist who seeks to encourage and inspire every student he works with. Lake has been in worship teams for over thirteen years and has been the worship leader at his church for more than ten. Mr. Lake enjoys collaborating with other Instructors, band members, and exploring music theory. Mr. Lake both plays and teaches all forms of guitar, specifically bass, beginner to intermediate piano, and beginner to advanced vocals. Mr. Lake also has experience working with children in the avenue of after school tutoring. 

Mr. Lake is the head of our LUMA student worship teams.

Rick Dominguez,
Multi-Instrumentalist

drums, guitar, piano, bass, beginner voice

Rick is a passionate musician with over 25 years of experience in music performance and instruction. Throughout his career, he has led and played in multiple worship teams, contributed musically to theatrical productions, and provided private music lessons to students of various ages.

In addition to his musical talents, Rick has a strong background in youth engagement—having led youth groups, worked as an afterschool coach, and spent years serving in kids’ camps. His approachable teaching style, combined with his love for music and heart for mentorship, creates a welcoming and inspiring environment for learners.

Rick is committed to helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover the joy of making music—whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to take their abilities to the next level.

Michael Manning, Multi-Insrtumentalist

piano, woodwind & brass, strings, drums, jazz

Mike Manning is a composer of classical, jazz, pop and worship music. Mike has had a natural affinity toward music since age ten. He has his own YouTube channel (Michael David Manning) with several examples of his original pop rock and Christian themed pieces. Mike jumps from Bach to Rock and enjoys both playing and teaching several musical genres and styles. 

Michael composed "Children of the New Century," under a grant from The University of Nevada, Reno where he graduated with a BMME in music and music education. Michael owned a music and learning center from 2004- 2017 in three Nevada cities before moving to Texas.

Mike is proud to have created his coined Alpha Dia-Tonics method for all instruments and voice.

Mike is enjoying his residence "at the best music school in Texas: Level Up Music Academy!"

Shelby McPherson, Sight-Reading Expert & Piano Specialist

piano, woodwind & brass, strings, guitar, voice

Shelby McPherson is a seasoned music educator who has had a wonderful career and started her connection with music at age four. Her first notable accomplishment was her family accordion band which rose to a TV show and cruise ship performance. Shelby has taught for over thirty years as an adjunct piano teacher for TAFA in Fort Worth, and studied music at Hilo University and Moody Bible Institute. You can still find her performances on YouTube and she continues to refine her skills. Shelby works well with all ages and just about any genre! She is currently an author and trainer for Alpha-Diatonics and is a proud staff member for us!

Leo Wyatt,
Pawlity Control Meownager

Leo has been with LUMA since the beginning. When LUMA first began, Leo would often walk around to ensure quality (or "pawlity") control in lessons. He has been known to support students by sitting right next to them, or giving them a little nudge to keep going. 

Although he now works behind the scenes, Leo continues to help Mrs. Wyatt via cuddles.  

Leo received his degree in business and meownagement from The University of Fluffy Pets.