About Us

History

Music Lessons Express was founded in 2005 by singer-songwriter Lindsey Benedict as an after-school and in-home music education service, partnering with elementary and middle schools across Leon County. In 2012, guitarist Brett Wellman acquired the company and broadened its offerings, expanding in-studio lessons to serve students of all ages and skill levels.

In 2016, Brett shifted his focus to performing with his band, the Stone Cold Blues, and passed ownership to Mick Metz. Under Mick’s leadership, long-time instructors Natasha Marsalli and Ben Lougheed stepped into leadership roles as executive director and program director, respectively. Together they launched the North Florida Suzuki School at Music Lessons Express, the region’s only Suzuki music program.

Natasha, originally hired by Lindsey in 2010 as a violin and piano teacher, assumed ownership of MLE in 2025 following Mick’s retirement. Today, Mick and his grandson Henry are both proud students at Music Lessons Express and the North Florida Suzuki School.

Now entering its 20th year, Music Lessons Express has earned a strong reputation for excellence in music education throughout the Big Bend area. Its teaching staff includes highly qualified educators with advanced degrees in music performance or education, along with extensive experience working with students of all ages and skill levels. MLE students consistently excel in local and regional competitions, perform in Leon County School orchestras and the Tallahassee Youth Orchestras, attend prestigious national summer music festivals, and are regularly selected for All-District and All-State ensembles.

Staff

Violinist Natasha Marsalli has more than a decade of teaching experience and has played violin for 28 years. She holds degrees in violin performance and music education from Florida State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is a passionate Suzuki educator and is registered in Books 1-4 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, through which she has trained with Ed Kreitman, Kimberly Meier-Sims, and Mary Kay Neal. 

Erika Sciascia holds B.M. and M.M. degrees in Violin Performance from Florida State University and an M.A.S. in Musical Performance from the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland. Erika is also registered to teach Books 1-3 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has done additional coursework in music education through Florida State University. She is currently the concertmaster of the Panama City Symphony Orchestra, the principal second violinist of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and a member of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Susana Frade Machado is a Cuban American classical guitarist who holds a B.M. in Guitar Performance fro Instituto Superior de Arte, a M.M. from University of Texas at San Antonio, and a D.M.A. in Guitar Performance from Florida State University. An experienced educator, Dr. Machado has taught all levels of classical guitar from young beginners through the collegiate level. She is also a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Dr. Thomas Roggio holds a B.M. in Violin Performance from the State University of New York at Fredonia, a M.M. in Violin Performance from Bowling Green State University, and a D.M.A. in Violin Performance from Florida State University. He has held teaching positions at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Forte Music School, and the Creative Arts Program at Bowling Green State in addition to performing regularly with orchestras throughout the Southeast. He is a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Aaron D’Zurilla is a music educator and theorist with a strong background in both classroom teaching and individualized instruction. He was an instructor at Florida State University for several years, where he taught multiple sections of undergraduate music theory. His earlier experience includes serving as Assistant String Director at Bradenton Christian School, where he led K–12 string classes. Aaron also has extensive experience as a music theory and piano tutor and is actively involved in music education scholarship and outreach through conference presentations, podcasting, and academic societies.

Javier Laureano Hernandez is an experienced percussion instructor with a strong commitment to accessible and inclusive music education. He has taught private and group drum lessons to students of all ages for the past six years. In addition to teaching at Music Lessons Express, he currently teaches at Pyramid Studios, where he develops adaptive music curricula for adults with developmental disabilities. Javier’s work extends into community and church settings, where he leads worship music and supports youth through music-based programs. Fluent in English and Spanish, he is passionate about using music as a tool for connection, growth, and empowerment.

Alexis Hobbs is a dedicated music educator who holds a Bachelor in Music Education degree from Southeastern University. She was the Band and Orchestra Director at Hillsborough High School for two years, with prior experience at Citrus High School. She has successfully led comprehensive instrumental music programs, providing students with diverse performance opportunities both in school and throughout the community. Since 2016, Alexis has also worked as a private music teacher, instructing students of all ages in strings, piano, brass, woodwinds, and voice—including those with special needs. In addition to her teaching roles, she served as Music Director at Christian Center Church and held leadership positions such as President of the Florida Collegiate NAfME chapter. A two-time presenter at the Florida Music Education Association Conference, Alexis brings both expertise and passion to her work in developing the next generation of musicians.

A native of Miami, Florida, Jianni Lazaga attended the Florida State University for Jazz Studies under the guidance of the leader of the Count Basie Orchestra, Scotty Barnhart. He regularly performs in Tallahassee and is a copyist and member of the Modern Jazz Generation, lead by the great pianist Marcus Roberts. He recently performed with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for an installment of a show entitles American Originals: Harlem Renaissance.

Bianca Lupsha is an experienced pianist and educator who has collaborated for nearly two decades with the FSU College of Music, FSU School of Theatre, and the Tallahassee Young Actors Theatre. Originally from Romania, she moved to the U.S. in 2001 on a scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Piano Performance, later earning a second master’s in Opera Coaching from Florida State University. Since 1998, Bianca has specialized in private piano instruction, particularly enjoying work with beginners. Her teaching approach blends piano technique with singing, rhythm, and music theory to create playful, engaging lessons that build a strong foundation and a lifelong love for music.

Alex Nagy is a dedicated pianist and educator currently pursuing a DMA in Piano Performance and MM in Organ Performance at Florida State University, where he also serves as a graduate teaching assistant. He has extensive teaching experience, including teaching theory, keyboard, and music history at Furman University as a teaching assistant. Alex also taught private piano lessons to students of all ages and levels at the Piano for Young People program in Greenville, SC. In addition to teaching, Alex is an active collaborative pianist and church musician, committed to fostering musicianship both in the studio and in the community.