About Us

Raya Leavitt Blackburn

Owner, Curriculum Developer, Music Teacher Mentor and Instructor

Raya has a Bachelor of Music from BYU in Elementary Music Education with a vocal emphasis, a Master of Education Degree from ASU in Curriculum and Instruction & Early Childhood Education, and a license in Educational Administration from SUU. Raya has taught elementary school in Utah for 18 years, including general music and kindergarten and currently teaches 2nd grade. She created the Sound Beginnings curriculum for Let's Play Music and trained the first 100 Sound Beginnings teachers. She opened a home music school in 2005, Leavitt Music Studios, and changed the name to Raya Grace LLC in 2012. A year later, she created Music Preschool for her youngest child when she was 4 years old. Raya loves creating curricula and supporting and mentoring music teachers.

Raya believes in the power of music. She believes that singing and playing an instrument creates peace and positive emotions. Music is a healing balm. 

Outside of music and teaching, Raya enjoys traveling, ice skating, helping people buy and sell homes (https://rayagrace.realtypath.com), and spending time with family and friends.

Cheri Henricksen

Music Preschool Teacher

Cheri has an abundance of teaching and early childhood experience. She has been teaching preschool at Raya Grace since 2016! Before that, she worked with young children in many different capacities including preschool and daycare, and as a kindergarten aide in Raya's classroom at Provost Elementary School! They love working together! Cheri is a fun, loving, and skillful teacher! Parents sing her praises every year and the students love her! She has a beautiful, clear singing voice and loves music and children. Her students' recitals are amazing!

Cheri is a local who grew up in the area, married her high school sweetheart, and is an amazing mother of four children. As a mom, she has experience with homeschooling, as well as public and hybrid schools. The Music Preschool students are so lucky to have such a fun, energetic and experienced teacher!

Jamie Johnson

MVP, Piano, and Voice Instructor, Music Preschool Teacher

Jamie Johnson is a private lesson instructor who also teaches MVP and Music Preschool. Jamie loves music and she loves working with kids! Teaching music is exciting to her and she has been teaching private lessons for several years. She likes teaching music so much that she studied Music Education for two years at BYU before graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2023! Jamie also plays the piano, viola, and flute in her spare time! 

She is the 5th of 6 children and currently has 6 nieces and nephews. She served a mission in Spain and likes to bake, read, do crossword puzzles and watch comedies and Jeopardy. Her students love having such an upbeat teacher with contagious enthusiasm and kindness!

Kenton Young

Piano Instructor

An excellent solo and ensemble pianist, Kenton Young has performed both across the United States and internationally. In 2006, he performed on tour with piano quartets in three cities in China, including a broadcasted performance in Beijing on CCTV, the Chinese national broadcasting network. He has performed in solo concerts in the United Kingdom, the United States, and in the "Haydnsaal" at the Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt Austria. Currently studying Economics at BYU, Kenton is also working on a minor in Music, and teaches locally in Provo. With over twenty three years of experience at the piano, he has much to offer all students interested in learning to play this beautiful instrument.

Trace Anderson

Guitar Instructor

Trace Anderson has been playing guitar and ukulele for over 10 years. He has played guitar and sung in several groups, performing all over his home state of California, as well as here in Utah and even internationally. Trace has written and published more than 20 songs on various streaming platforms and is well-versed in music production and recording. He is currently a student at BYU, pursuing a career in commercial music. With more than six years of teaching experience, Trace can help you find a lifelong friend in the guitar or ukulele.

Elena Pearson

Piano and Violin Instructor

Elena Pearson teaches private piano and violin lessons. Elena grew up in a musical home, starting piano at a young age and violin shortly after. She also loves singing. She grew up in Texas, and was homeschooled for most of her life. She has a strong appreciation for education and learning on top of her love for music.

Elena has an associates degree in Classical Piano Performance from the accredited school of music at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas. While there, she performed in different choirs and orchestras. She currently lives in Orem, Utah and is working on a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Utah Valley University. She also sings in the Utah Valley Institute Singers choir. Elena loves teaching! She has taught piano for the last 8 years, working with students of all ages and skill levels. She has also taught private violin lessons and a strings class at Liahona Preparatory Academy.