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.
