Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Makaela is richly experienced playing piano, keyboards, violin, cello, mandolin, guitar and vocals. She obtained her Bachelors of Music in Music Education with an option in instrumental music and a specification in Piano. With over 9 years of teaching experience, Makaela has come to love teaching any age, from ages 3-75. Makaela states that "teaching is a creative endeavor to me, as is playing. Each student is unique in how they learn, understand and experience the world. I love finding new ways to dispense information and experiencing their journey of understanding something new in their own way. It’s an exciting challenge and the most rewarding experience!"

A former engineering major, Makaela enjoys the connection of physics, math and music in her surroundings presented each day. She doubles as the owner of her own floral freelance design business, MakaelaJoyBlooms, and is never shy to profess her love for music theory, art, history, musicology, ethnomusicology and the connections of life, cultures and music.