Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Worship Piano Makayla S.

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Worship Piano, Makayla S., to share insights into her journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Makayla reflects on her transition from classical piano to worship piano, the challenges that inspired her teaching approach, and the musical skills essential for worship settings. She also shares the heart-centered philosophy that shapes her lessons, discusses the tools she uses to create a high-quality virtual learning experience, and offers perspective rooted in both musical training and a deep commitment to worship.

What drew you to learning worship piano?

As a classically-trained pianist, I remember the challenge of learning worship piano for the first time. Even though I had my degree in music, I remember being overwhelmed by the much different style needed to play for worship. As I learned chords, accompaniment patterns, improvising, and other skills needed to play for worship, I realized that many other people were likely wanting to learn exactly this way... and I decided to transition from teaching classical piano to teaching worship piano.

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

Worship is the highest calling and what we were created for. Our hearts of worship are far more important than our ability to play a worship song. This is the aspect that makes lessons with me unique, and it is the one takeaway that I hope all of my students glean from their lessons.

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

For teaching, I use OBS Studio to seamlessly manage multiple camera views and applications, Classroom Maestro to connect my MIDI keyboard to the computer, and Reflector to mirror my tablet to my computer.  These three pieces of software allow virtual students to have a high-quality lesson experience.

If you are interested in learning more about Makayla or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!