Become the Musician
You’ve Always Wanted to Be

Stop wasting hours trying to figure out the next step.

Discover a clear path to playing the music you love.

Schedule an Intro Lesson

Choose Your Path

  • Classical Foundations

    Build strong musical foundations through music reading, technique, theory, ear training, and proven classical pedagogy.

  • Popular & Modern Music

    Learn chords, ear training, improvisation, songwriting skills, and the songs you actually want to play.

  • Worship Team Ready

    Develop the confidence, musicianship, and practical skills needed to serve effectively on a worship team.

THE VESPER DIFFERENCE

Music lessons should do more than help students finish books or learn a few songs.

At Vesper Music Academy, students develop real musicianship, confidence, creativity, and practical skills that last a lifetime.

Real Musicianship

Build the skills real musicians use through technique,
ear training, theory, creativity, improvisation,
and practical application.

Personalized Instruction

Every student learns differently. Private lessons are tailored to each student's goals, interests, strengths,
and individual learning style.

Experience You Can Trust

Built on decades of experience in education, performance, and worship leadership—bringing together practical skills and proven teaching methods.

Matt and Steffi Thomas leading worship together early in their ministry journey.

Why We Started Vesper

Music changed our lives.

Over the years, we've taught students, led worship ministries, mentored musicians, served churches, and watched firsthand how music can build confidence, character, creativity, and faith.

Too often, music lessons stop at notes and technique.

We knew students deserved more.

So we created Vesper Music Academy—a place where students can develop real musicianship, practical skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Today, Vesper combines decades of teaching, ministry, and performance experience to help students build real skills, lasting confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

40+ Years of Combined Teaching & Ministry Experience • Classical, Jazz & Contemporary Training • Worship Ministry Leadership • Piano • Guitar • Bass • Ukulele • Voice

Hear Dillon’s Story


Dillon Tanksley served in worship ministry under Matthew Thomas's leadership before becoming a Worship Director himself. Hear how mentorship, musicianship, and leadership development helped shape his journey.

What Students and Musicians Are Saying

From first-time students to worship leaders and working musicians, Vesper Music Academy helps people grow in confidence, musicianship, and practical skill.

"I am now serving as the Worship Director of my church, and I know God specifically used that time to help equip me for this role."

— Dillon Tanksley, Worship Director

"I've taken lessons on and off over 20 years, and working with Matt has been my absolute best experience."

— Don Haley, Bass Student & Worship Leader

"Matt met me where I was and built me up with tools and resources to equip me."

— Jill Gilbert, Student & Coaching Client

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages. Whether you're introducing your child to music for the first time, helping a teenager pursue a musical goal, or finally deciding to learn an instrument yourself, lessons are tailored to each student's age, experience level, and interests.

  • Absolutely. Many of our students start with little or no musical experience. We specialize in helping beginners build strong foundations while keeping lessons engaging, encouraging, and fun. Our goal isn't just to help students learn songs—it's to help them become confident, capable musicians.

  • We currently offer instruction in:

    • Piano
    • Acoustic Guitar
    • Electric Guitar
    • Bass Guitar
    • Ukulele
    • Voice

    Lessons can incorporate a variety of musical styles, including classical, contemporary, worship music, popular music, songwriting, improvisation, and music theory.

  • Yes. We offer both online and local lessons (in North Metro Atlanta).

    Our online lessons are highly interactive and have helped students make tremendous progress from the comfort of their own homes. Many families appreciate the convenience, flexibility, and consistency that online lessons provide.

  • We offer three lesson lengths:

    • 30 minutes – $50
    • 45 minutes – $75
    • 60 minutes – $100

    For younger beginners, we typically recommend starting with 30-minute lessons. Older students, adults, and students pursuing more advanced goals often benefit from 45- or 60-minute lessons.

  • Many music lessons focus primarily on finishing method books or learning a few songs.

    At Vesper Music Academy, we focus on helping students develop real musicianship—building skills such as technique, ear training, creativity, music reading, theory, confidence, and practical application.

    Our approach combines decades of teaching, performance, and ministry experience with personalized instruction designed around each student's goals and interests. Whether a student wants to play for personal enjoyment, perform confidently, or serve on a worship team, our goal is to help them become the musician they were created to be.

  • Getting started is simple.

    Click the "Schedule an Intro Lesson" button anywhere on the site and complete the short inquiry form. We'll reach out, answer any questions you may have, discuss your goals, and help determine the best next step for you or your child.

    We'd love the opportunity to help you begin your musical journey.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time, preparing for worship ministry, or looking to take your playing to the next level, we'll help you build real skills, lasting confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Schedule an Intro Lesson to discuss your goals, ask questions, and discover the best path forward.

Schedule an Intro Lesson