Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Norris.
Hi Tia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Naturally Musical Music Studio began with a lifelong love of music, community, and teaching. I started playing the violin in 1999, and by 2007/2008, I had already begun teaching violin lessons. Music quickly became more than just a passion for me — it became a way to connect with people and create meaningful experiences.
While studying music in college, I began teaching more lessons to help pay for school. During that time, I realized how much I loved not only performing music but also helping others discover their creativity and confidence through music education. I always dreamed of creating a safe, welcoming community space where people of all ages could gather, learn, and have fun.
In 2016, after a music studio I worked at unexpectedly closed down, I decided to take a leap of faith and officially start my own studio: Naturally Musical Music Studio.
The journey was not always easy. In 2017, I experienced a serious injury that forced me to step away from teaching for a period of time. During recovery, I focused on strengthening my piano skills and finding new ways to grow as a musician and educator.
In 2018, I helped create a music and arts summer camp for the Richmond Recreation Department. The program became a huge success and even doubled in size during its second year. Seeing children and families come together through music and the arts reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place.
When COVID changed the world, Naturally Musical adapted by continuing lessons online so students could still experience the joy and consistency of music education from home. Accessibility became even more important to me, which led me to join MusicLink to help provide affordable music lessons and classes for families in the community.
Now, as Naturally Musical approaches its 10th year, the vision continues to grow. My goal has always been bigger than just teaching music lessons — it has been about creating a creative, supportive gathering space where people feel safe, inspired, and connected through music and the arts. The next chapter of Naturally Musical is focused on expanding that dream and continuing to make music accessible for the community for years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges in building Naturally Musical Music Studio
has been learning how to grow a business while also navigating personal and financial obstacles. Like many small business owners and artists, I started with limited resources and had to build things step-by-step while balancing school, work, and everyday life.
In 2017, I experienced a serious injury, a traumatic brain injury, that forced me to pause teaching for a while. That season was difficult because music teaching had become such a major part of my life and income. It also challenged me emotionally because I had to slow down and rebuild my confidence. However, that time taught me resilience and allowed me to strengthen my piano skills and rethink how I wanted to grow as both a musician and educator.
Another major challenge came during COVID, when in-person music lessons and community programs suddenly stopped. Like many music educators, I had to quickly adapt to teaching online while still trying to keep students engaged and connected. There were moments of uncertainty, but the experience pushed me to become more creative, flexible, and intentional about accessibility.
Building a community-centered music studio has also meant balancing affordability with sustainability. I have always wanted music education to feel welcoming and accessible to families from different backgrounds, which is one reason I joined MusicLink. Finding ways to serve the community while also growing a financially stable business has been an ongoing learning experience.
Another challenge has been creating the kind of physical gathering space I’ve always envisioned. That dream takes time, resources, planning, and support, especially as a small business owner building independently. But every lesson taught, every class created, and every student connection has helped move that vision forward.
Through all of these experiences, the biggest lesson has been perseverance. Even through setbacks, growth seasons, and unexpected changes, music and community have remained at the center of my continued work on Naturally Musical.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Naturally Musical, I teach and create programs in violin, piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, percussion, recorder, music enrichment for neurotypical students, early childhood music education, and beginner music education. I specialize in working with children, beginners, and families by creating engaging lessons that build confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music. I also create group classes, camps, arts-based learning experiences, and music programs that combine education, creativity, and community-building. Lately, I have been creating my own musical exercises, songs, and games to help students with various instruments.
One thing I am especially known for is creating safe, encouraging spaces where students feel comfortable learning at their own pace. Many students come to Naturally Musical not just to learn an instrument, but to build confidence, express themselves creatively, and feel part of a supportive community. I believe music education should be accessible, joyful, and culturally welcoming.
I am most proud of the impact Naturally Musical has had on families and students over the years. From helping students discover their talents to building successful camps and online programs, seeing people grow through music has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is the heart behind my work. Naturally Musical is not just a business to me; it is a long-term vision for creating community through music and the arts. I focus on building meaningful relationships, creating inclusive learning environments, and making music feel approachable for everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience level. I also bring a unique combination of performance experience, educational experience, creativity, and community-centered programming that allows me to connect with students in a personal and encouraging way.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is growing up in a large musical family. We would spend time together singing songs, playing instruments, and simply enjoying music as a family. Those moments were filled with joy, laughter, creativity, and connection, and they played a huge role in shaping my love for music and community.
Even now, many of my family members still live in the same city, so we are still able to come together and share those special musical moments. That sense of togetherness and connection through music is a big part of the inspiration behind who I am today!
Pricing:
- Private Lessons 3o mins- $155 a month
- Private Lessons 45 mins- $248 a month
- Private Lessons 60 mins- $330 a month
- Classes – $120+ for 4-8 weeks
- Community Events- $7 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://naturallymusicalstudio.com
- Instagram: @thenaturallymusical
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNaturallyMusical
