"Our Vision is to Create Confident Artists."
In 2010, one determined home school mom was teaching music out of her basement. Her goal was to give love and attention to talented kids studying music. She even won teacher of the year while guiding her students to some amazing college scholarships.
Her son, a concert violinist, graduated college with a drive for business and producing incredible shows. Today, Blair Academy has taught over 100,000 private music lessons at our fully staffed Academy following the standards set forth by the Royal Conservatory of Music, of which we are the ONLY certified founding school east of Nashville.
MAGIC TAKES TIME:
2012 – Ivy and Daniel Blair founded Blair Academy for the Arts as a mother/son team and partnered with the Royal Conservatory’s Music Development Program by becoming our region’s first and only Founding School.
2015 – We moved into our own facility, focused 100% on our mission - to create confident artists. Our staff grew to six teachers. Senator Lamar Alexander's office recognized Daniel Blair (a former college scholarship recipient) for his efforts in the community arts.
2017 – Blair Academy joined the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, so students without a school orchestra (like homeschoolers) could join honors orchestras, including Jr Clinic, Sr Clinic, and All-State. To date, 92% of our students who audition have been successfully accepted and placed in these prestigious orchestras.
2018 – We began “Build for Broadway!” with Broadway stars Kara Lindsay (Wicked, Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan), bringing workshops and thrilling shows to Johnson City. Since then, we’ve worked with stars like Desi Oakley (Waitress), Laurel Harris (Wicked), and Corey Cott (Newsies). Our staff grew to twelve.
2020 – During the pandemic, we created an in-house concert WEB-TV series called “Blair on the Air,” allowing students to safely perform for the public. Our video "TUPRACTIS" became a viral hit, reaching over 1 million views and featured by the legendary Classic FM in the UK.
2021 – After careful planning and without fundraising, we bought our building, built a recital space, and added high-quality pianos for our students, thanks to our growing reputation and the demand for top-notch music education.
2023 – We launched “Blair Advanced,” a program for students wanting more accountability, longer lessons, more performances, competitions and theory classes. That year, 52 students took the challenge, with some earning full college scholarships and performing on famous stages like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
2024 – After over 100,000 lessons at our Worth Circle location, Daniel Blair became the sole operator and CEO, leading a team of 20 dedicated teachers and staff. We kept our personal, family-friendly feel while offering 36 recitals and performances for students. Ivy Blair specializes as our Director of Education, teaching Blair Advanced students and supporting our teachers’ professional growth.
Her son, a concert violinist, graduated college with a drive for business and producing incredible shows. Today, Blair Academy has taught over 100,000 private music lessons at our fully staffed Academy following the standards set forth by the Royal Conservatory of Music, of which we are the ONLY certified founding school east of Nashville.
MAGIC TAKES TIME:
2012 – Ivy and Daniel Blair founded Blair Academy for the Arts as a mother/son team and partnered with the Royal Conservatory’s Music Development Program by becoming our region’s first and only Founding School.
2015 – We moved into our own facility, focused 100% on our mission - to create confident artists. Our staff grew to six teachers. Senator Lamar Alexander's office recognized Daniel Blair (a former college scholarship recipient) for his efforts in the community arts.
2017 – Blair Academy joined the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, so students without a school orchestra (like homeschoolers) could join honors orchestras, including Jr Clinic, Sr Clinic, and All-State. To date, 92% of our students who audition have been successfully accepted and placed in these prestigious orchestras.
2018 – We began “Build for Broadway!” with Broadway stars Kara Lindsay (Wicked, Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan), bringing workshops and thrilling shows to Johnson City. Since then, we’ve worked with stars like Desi Oakley (Waitress), Laurel Harris (Wicked), and Corey Cott (Newsies). Our staff grew to twelve.
2020 – During the pandemic, we created an in-house concert WEB-TV series called “Blair on the Air,” allowing students to safely perform for the public. Our video "TUPRACTIS" became a viral hit, reaching over 1 million views and featured by the legendary Classic FM in the UK.
2021 – After careful planning and without fundraising, we bought our building, built a recital space, and added high-quality pianos for our students, thanks to our growing reputation and the demand for top-notch music education.
2023 – We launched “Blair Advanced,” a program for students wanting more accountability, longer lessons, more performances, competitions and theory classes. That year, 52 students took the challenge, with some earning full college scholarships and performing on famous stages like Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
2024 – After over 100,000 lessons at our Worth Circle location, Daniel Blair became the sole operator and CEO, leading a team of 20 dedicated teachers and staff. We kept our personal, family-friendly feel while offering 36 recitals and performances for students. Ivy Blair specializes as our Director of Education, teaching Blair Advanced students and supporting our teachers’ professional growth.
Schedule A Tour
Come see what we're all about. Contact us to schedule a sample lesson with a Blair Academy Instructor.
QUALIFIED STAFF
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Daniel Blair
PRESIDENT/CEO
Daniel Blair is an accomplished violinist and the creative visionary behind Blair Academy for the Arts. Making his professional debut at 13 and starting college at 14, Daniel’s early milestones set the stage for his enthusiastic approach to arts education. Under his leadership, Blair Academy has provided over 100,000 private lessons and earned international acclaim through viral classical and comedy performances. He holds a Level 10 certification with Honors from the Royal Conservatory of Music and, in 2024, took first prize in 20th Century Music at the Charleston International Competition and was published in the book "Rockstar Entrepreneurs" alongside Air Supply, Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne) and Craig Duswalt (Gun's n Roses). Daniel's Career highlights include performing electric violin with rock legend, Eddie Money and winning a Mazda Miata in a dramatic talent showdown in Washington D.C.
Daniel's motto: Let's have fun, and get stuff done!
Daniel's motto: Let's have fun, and get stuff done!
Ivy Blair
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Ivy Blair is a highly respected music educator and performer originally from El Paso, Texas, with a degree in Vocal Performance from East Tennessee State University. Her distinguished training includes studies under Karen Smith, Dr. Lynn Rice-See, and Dr. Barbara Lister-Sink on the prevention of keyboard injury, among others. Ivy has performed numerous roles in operas, including Madam Butterfly, Die Fledermaus, and Amahl and the Night Visitors, along with extensive chamber and choral work.
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Ivy has twice been awarded “Teacher of the Year” by the Appalachian Music Teachers Association. She is the area director for the Royal Conservatory Assessment Program, certified at advanced levels in piano, voice, and theory. Ivy is also the founder of the Appalachian Classical Music Association and is deeply involved with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), contributing her expertise to local music organizations, theater productions, and music programs. She oversees quality control with our instructors and our Advanced Program.
Ivy's Motto: Audition! Audition! Audition!
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Ivy has twice been awarded “Teacher of the Year” by the Appalachian Music Teachers Association. She is the area director for the Royal Conservatory Assessment Program, certified at advanced levels in piano, voice, and theory. Ivy is also the founder of the Appalachian Classical Music Association and is deeply involved with the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), contributing her expertise to local music organizations, theater productions, and music programs. She oversees quality control with our instructors and our Advanced Program.
Ivy's Motto: Audition! Audition! Audition!
Margo Crowder
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Originally from Pennsylvania, Margo holds degrees from Pennsylvania College of Technology (A.A.S. in Mass Communication) and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania (B.A. in Music Education). Margo’s love for the arts was developed at a young age in a creative household and was refined by teachers Dr. David Curtin and Dr. Esther Park. She has had the privilege to hold both teaching and administrative positions at Blair Academy for the Arts, accompany wonderful students and choirs at East Tennessee State University, and work in the accounting department of the Summit Companies.
While teaching brought Margo to Blair Academy, she is currently having a great time administrating the many events and programs the Academy produces. Her love for puzzles and people makes this role a great fit and seeing the end result of a production never gets old for her. Outside of work, Margo enjoys finding new ways to work more because she finds it relaxing, Margo enjoys puzzles, books, and the outdoors. Amongst her favorite performance memories are presenting Schulhoff’s “Hot-Sonate” for saxophone and piano and Blair Academy’s, “Greatest Show.”
Margo resides in Gray, Tennessee with her husband, Matthew, and two children, Piper and Lee. More than ever, she believes small victories lead to big victories.
Margo's Motto: Let's do what we say we are going to do.
Stephanie Anzelmo
OFFICE MANAGER
Stephanie Anzelmo is our Office Manager at Blair Academy for the Arts. She is originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Stephanie, her husband Tom and their two boys moved to Tennessee in 2018 when her husband retired as a police officer after 28 years. Before moving to Tennessee Stephanie was with Cinemark Theaters for more than 20 years. She was a General Manager for Cinemark and had managed multiple locations across Chicagoland.
Stephanie has really enjoyed her role at Blair Academy and working with all of our academy families. While she doesn't have a background in music she loves learning this creative frontier and seeing everyone's talent and skill grow.
Stephanie's Motto: Progress not perfection!
Rebekah Agin
SENIOR ARTIST EDUCATOR
Rebekah is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Much of her undergraduate work was spent as a collaborative pianist working with vocalists as well as singing across multiple continents with choirs; she was especially fond of sitting in the Lyric Opera House whenever possible. Amongst her favorite professional memories is performing with Broadway’s Laurel Harris (Elphaba) and accompanying the U.S. Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club in concert.
Rebekah is well traveled having spent time in Costa Rica, Haiti, Italy, Israel, Canada, and India. These experiences abroad have grown her innate love of learning, languages, culture, and history. She also enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, and listening to podcasts.
Rebekah loves working at Blair Academy and has been on staff for over six years. As a teacher, she is passionate about watching her students grow as musicians and people. She understands there are many ways of learning and approaches each student’s lesson with their personality in mind.
Rebekah's Motto: Be a good person.
Rebekah is well traveled having spent time in Costa Rica, Haiti, Italy, Israel, Canada, and India. These experiences abroad have grown her innate love of learning, languages, culture, and history. She also enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, and listening to podcasts.
Rebekah loves working at Blair Academy and has been on staff for over six years. As a teacher, she is passionate about watching her students grow as musicians and people. She understands there are many ways of learning and approaches each student’s lesson with their personality in mind.
Rebekah's Motto: Be a good person.
Audrey Altonen
CELLO
Audrey Altonen is a musician and educator based in Johnson City, TN. Audrey holds
degrees in Psychology and Music from East Tennessee State University. She has been a section cellist in the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra for over fifteen years. In addition to performing masterworks, educational, and pops cycles each season, she is frequently involved with fundraising and public outreach events for the JCSO. Audrey has served as a faculty collaborator, arranger, and performer for East Tennessee Cello Day(s) since its inception in 2011. This now multi-day event, brings together dozens of cellists of varying backgrounds/ ages/ skill levels for technique classes, ensemble experience, master classes, and a grand finale concert.
In recent years, numerous students of hers have been recognized at the state,
regional, and national level in performance-based assessments. Many of these same
students have been section and principal cellists in their school orchestras, participated
in All East and All State Orchestra, as well as earned admission to regional chamber
music festivals. Her ideology towards teaching is to simply inspire the pursuit and study
of music. To encourage dedication, sensitivity, curiosity, and communication as well as
empower interpretation and the individual perspective.
degrees in Psychology and Music from East Tennessee State University. She has been a section cellist in the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra for over fifteen years. In addition to performing masterworks, educational, and pops cycles each season, she is frequently involved with fundraising and public outreach events for the JCSO. Audrey has served as a faculty collaborator, arranger, and performer for East Tennessee Cello Day(s) since its inception in 2011. This now multi-day event, brings together dozens of cellists of varying backgrounds/ ages/ skill levels for technique classes, ensemble experience, master classes, and a grand finale concert.
In recent years, numerous students of hers have been recognized at the state,
regional, and national level in performance-based assessments. Many of these same
students have been section and principal cellists in their school orchestras, participated
in All East and All State Orchestra, as well as earned admission to regional chamber
music festivals. Her ideology towards teaching is to simply inspire the pursuit and study
of music. To encourage dedication, sensitivity, curiosity, and communication as well as
empower interpretation and the individual perspective.
Cindy Josbena-Richardson
PIANO/VOICE
Cindy brings over 40 years of teaching experience in piano, voice, and woodwinds to Blair Academy of Fine Arts. Originally from central New York, Cindy maintained a successful private studio, teaching 45 students weekly. She graduated from Mansfield University with a dual degree in Piano Performance and Music Education. Cindy had the privilege of working with a College Professor in Oswego, NY who had received his Doctorate in Piano Performance from Cincinnati Conservatory. He wonderfully guided her in aspects of piano performance and collaborative piano for 15 years at weekly lessons.
Cindy joined Blair Academy in January 2023 after relocating to Tennessee. For 12 years prior, she traveled the country with her husband, performing with Western diamondback rattlesnakes at fairs and festivals nationwide. In her teaching, Cindy values discovering each student’s unique learning style, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys gardening, power walking, cooking, baking, and writing children’s books.
Cindy joined Blair Academy in January 2023 after relocating to Tennessee. For 12 years prior, she traveled the country with her husband, performing with Western diamondback rattlesnakes at fairs and festivals nationwide. In her teaching, Cindy values discovering each student’s unique learning style, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys gardening, power walking, cooking, baking, and writing children’s books.
Stephanie Bain
PIANO
Stephanie Bain grew up in Oxford, Alabama, home of the Oxford High
School Yellow Jackets of whom she has been a fan since she was old enough
to walk in her saddle oxfords and her homemade, black-and-gold
cheerleader outfit. Today, her wardrobe has expanded to include business
casual when she is teaching History and Political Science; jeans, T-shirt,
and closed-toed shoes when she’s on a film shoot; and writer garb that can
double as pajamas and still be okay to wear to the grocery store.
Now settled in East Tennessee, Stephanie finds joy in the beauty of the mountains, the art of storytelling, and, above all, making music with people she loves. Her musical journey began under the patient guidance of Gerald Roberts, whose decade of private lessons instilled a deep respect for excellence and a willingness to embrace challenging repertoire. Though her credentials were forged outside traditional academia, her artistry and teaching have flourished, shaped by countless performances—from international competitions to cherished moments playing "old songs" with her granddad for nursing home audiences.
As a teacher, Stephanie shares her love for music, inspiring her students to find beauty in every note and to pursue their own musical journeys with courage and grace. For her, music is more than a skill; it is a language of love, joy, and peace, a reflection of her life’s guiding principle: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
School Yellow Jackets of whom she has been a fan since she was old enough
to walk in her saddle oxfords and her homemade, black-and-gold
cheerleader outfit. Today, her wardrobe has expanded to include business
casual when she is teaching History and Political Science; jeans, T-shirt,
and closed-toed shoes when she’s on a film shoot; and writer garb that can
double as pajamas and still be okay to wear to the grocery store.
Now settled in East Tennessee, Stephanie finds joy in the beauty of the mountains, the art of storytelling, and, above all, making music with people she loves. Her musical journey began under the patient guidance of Gerald Roberts, whose decade of private lessons instilled a deep respect for excellence and a willingness to embrace challenging repertoire. Though her credentials were forged outside traditional academia, her artistry and teaching have flourished, shaped by countless performances—from international competitions to cherished moments playing "old songs" with her granddad for nursing home audiences.
As a teacher, Stephanie shares her love for music, inspiring her students to find beauty in every note and to pursue their own musical journeys with courage and grace. For her, music is more than a skill; it is a language of love, joy, and peace, a reflection of her life’s guiding principle: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Fatma Souf
Violin
Fatma is a native of Tunisia. She earned her National Diploma in Arabic and Tunisian music in 2014 and graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Music and Musicology from the University of Tunisia in 2021. She had the opportunity to perform with the Tunisian Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions and served as an instructor in private schools throughout her country. In 2022, Fatma entered East Tennessee State University as a senior transfer student and is currently a violin performance major under Dr. David Kovac. While at ETSU, she has performed with many ensembles, including the ETSU Orchestra and string quartet
Fatma’s most notable experience has been leading the music tour project, “Tennessee88'' with her husband, Yahya Mhirssi; their initiative was featured in the Johnson city Press and East Tennesseean. Fatma has a deep appreciation for music’s universality and cultural individuality. She approaches her music with this in mind and considers it a reflection of her artistic identity and personality.
Fatma’s most notable experience has been leading the music tour project, “Tennessee88'' with her husband, Yahya Mhirssi; their initiative was featured in the Johnson city Press and East Tennesseean. Fatma has a deep appreciation for music’s universality and cultural individuality. She approaches her music with this in mind and considers it a reflection of her artistic identity and personality.
Yahya Mhirssi
PIANO
Yahya earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music and Musicology from the University of Tunis in 2021. During his university studies in Tunisia, he simultaneously served as a piano teacher at the National Conservatory of Tunis. Yahya’s most memorable music experience was when he performed over 100 interactive concerts in Tunisian high schools as part of a music education project called Tunisia88. Yahya entered East Tennessee State University in the spring semester of 2022.
He is currently a Piano Performance major. He studied under Dr. Esther Park, Dr. Marianna Prjevalskaya and he is now studying under Dr. Eva Polgar. While at ETSU, Yahya has been a member of the Jazz Band, and he has also performed several times as a collaborative pianist in studio and student recitals. Most recently, he was invited to perform in Benton Chapel in Nashville, TN and in the TAYP Retreat in Boston, MS. His mission as a musician is to contribute to the revival of improvisation practice in concerts as well as academic curricula.
He is currently a Piano Performance major. He studied under Dr. Esther Park, Dr. Marianna Prjevalskaya and he is now studying under Dr. Eva Polgar. While at ETSU, Yahya has been a member of the Jazz Band, and he has also performed several times as a collaborative pianist in studio and student recitals. Most recently, he was invited to perform in Benton Chapel in Nashville, TN and in the TAYP Retreat in Boston, MS. His mission as a musician is to contribute to the revival of improvisation practice in concerts as well as academic curricula.
Shannon Young
PIANO
Shannon grew up near Sacramento, California, and discovered her love for piano at age 7 during lessons with her grandmother on their family farm in Oregon. Her passion for music grew through lessons from her older sister and formal training over the next decade. By her late teens, she began teaching piano, a journey she has continued for over 16 years.
At 12, Shannon attended a Dixie Melody Boys concert, sparking a lifelong love for Southern Gospel music. Her passion led to a career with Tribute Media Source and IMC Concerts, traveling extensively through the Southeast and further deepening her connection to music.
In 2020, inspired by world-class musicians, Shannon returned to her first love—piano. She resumed lessons with Ivy Blair at Blair Academy for the Arts, achieving certifications in RCM Level 8 Music Theory and Elementary Piano Teaching. Shannon joined Blair Academy’s staff in 2022, sharing her enthusiasm and expertise with her students.
Outside of teaching, Shannon enjoys farming, a passion rooted in her childhood. She focuses on regenerative agriculture, raising sheep, and growing healthy food. Her most memorable experience was a two-day intensive at Polyface Farm in Virginia. She also treasures her role as “Auntie,” spending quality time with her niece, nephews, and loved ones.
At 12, Shannon attended a Dixie Melody Boys concert, sparking a lifelong love for Southern Gospel music. Her passion led to a career with Tribute Media Source and IMC Concerts, traveling extensively through the Southeast and further deepening her connection to music.
In 2020, inspired by world-class musicians, Shannon returned to her first love—piano. She resumed lessons with Ivy Blair at Blair Academy for the Arts, achieving certifications in RCM Level 8 Music Theory and Elementary Piano Teaching. Shannon joined Blair Academy’s staff in 2022, sharing her enthusiasm and expertise with her students.
Outside of teaching, Shannon enjoys farming, a passion rooted in her childhood. She focuses on regenerative agriculture, raising sheep, and growing healthy food. Her most memorable experience was a two-day intensive at Polyface Farm in Virginia. She also treasures her role as “Auntie,” spending quality time with her niece, nephews, and loved ones.
Gracie Blaylock
VOICE
Gracie is a classically trained Soprano who earned her degree in Music from East Tennessee State University in 2024. She has performed in various ensembles throughout her musical career including ETSU Chorale, ETSU Greyscale, ETSU Opera Company, and WSCC Bella Voce. In addition, she was featured as a student conductor in ETSU Chorale’s 2024 Ireland tour, launching her professional conducting career. In recent years, she also has been recruited for various soloist opportunities in the Johnson City area.Gracie has a passion for teaching, which she began very early on through holding leadership positions in various ensembles. She is immensely grateful for the opportunity to discover her passion for education and performance at an early age.
As a voice instructor, Gracie strives to teach her students healthy, effective vocal technique while also cultivating their overall musicianship. She highlights confidence, passion, and professionalism while also focusing on building a positive relationship with her students.
As a voice instructor, Gracie strives to teach her students healthy, effective vocal technique while also cultivating their overall musicianship. She highlights confidence, passion, and professionalism while also focusing on building a positive relationship with her students.
Chelsea Constable
GUITAR
Chelsea is a guitar prodigy turned YouTube sensation, known for her incredible skill and instructional series, The Solo Lesson Series. She first picked up the guitar at age 10 and quickly gained attention, influenced by icons like Steve Morse and Paul Gilbert. By 13, Chelsea was performing alongside legends, including Les Paul, and was featured in major guitar publications.
Today, Chelsea is celebrated for her unique style that blends multiple genres. Alongside her solo projects and session work, she’s played with renowned musicians like Steve Vai, Tommy Emmanuel, and Paul Gilbert, constantly refining her craft with new techniques and influences from diverse instruments.
Chelsea’s upcoming debut CD will feature several guitar greats such as Paul Gilbert, Steve Morse and Doyle Dykes.
Chelsea is dedicated to her students and to making high level access to guitar the norm for her community.
Today, Chelsea is celebrated for her unique style that blends multiple genres. Alongside her solo projects and session work, she’s played with renowned musicians like Steve Vai, Tommy Emmanuel, and Paul Gilbert, constantly refining her craft with new techniques and influences from diverse instruments.
Chelsea’s upcoming debut CD will feature several guitar greats such as Paul Gilbert, Steve Morse and Doyle Dykes.
Chelsea is dedicated to her students and to making high level access to guitar the norm for her community.
Blair Virtual Tour:
Gallery
Schedule A Tour
Come see what we're all about. Contact us to schedule a sample lesson with a Blair Academy Instructor.
Our Values
Make a Difference
Impact our students by giving them our full attention. Impact our community through outrageous generosity and high value entertainment.
Uphold Integrity
We are careful with our words and we do what we say. Relationships are worth more than transactions.
Successfully Deliver Excellence
We are trained musicians that deliver a high level professional service in a family friendly and welcoming environment.
Inspire Creativity and Innovation
Encourage the sharing of new and strange ideas. Do what is necessary to capture the student’s attention.
Champion Full Potential
Recognize that no one starts at the same level and achievements should be celebrated. The slight edge will yield the greatest results over time so never stop learning.