Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisabeth Pantea.
Hi Elisabeth , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with music began at the age of five, when I first started piano lessons. Music quickly became a central part of my family’s life, my three sisters and I all studied both piano and violin, and we often played duets and ensembles together. From an early age, we were actively involved in competitions and festivals, including the National and International Piano Guild (part of the American College of Musicians), events hosted by the Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA), and the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC).
The teaching side of our story started with my oldest sister, Grace, who began teaching piano as a teenager. Her first student, Gia Bodea, grew from playing simple beginner pieces to performing Chopin’s works with remarkable expression, a journey that reflects the kind of growth we hope for in all of our students. A few years later, I also began teaching, with my very first student being an international student on Zoom from Ireland, Levi Coada. Levi went on to win countless competitions, including first place at the prestigious Feis Shligigh competition in Ireland. Soon after, my younger sister Hannah began teaching as well.
Over time, this family tradition developed into Jubilee Music. Today, our studio has over 30 active students and has taught more than 60 since its founding. Students have gone on to perform in recitals, competitions, church settings, and community events, carrying their skills beyond lessons into real-world opportunities.
Our students have achieved recognition in a wide range of competitions, including the Michigan Music Association (MMA) competition, with winners in Jazz, Classical, Standard, and Championship piano divisions. In 2025, we have 25 students participating in the MAC Open Competition hosted by Kawai Music Studio, one of the largest youth music competitions in the region.
Alongside teaching, I’ve also been privileged to serve in leadership. What began with me simply participating in Federation events has now led to my current role as Finance Chair of the Michigan Federation of Music Clubs (MFMC), an organization that supports thousands of young musicians across the state each year.
From a single five-year-old’s piano lesson to a growing studio influencing dozens of students, Jubilee Music has become a place where young musicians are trained, challenged, and inspired to reach their potential. And through it all, I hold close the words of J.S. Bach: “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” That truth continues to guide everything we do at Jubilee.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. One of the earliest challenges was simply building the studio from the ground up—starting with just a few students and slowly growing into a full studio while balancing our own studies and commitments. Each student has different goals, from casual learning to preparing for high-level competitions, which requires tailoring lessons in very different ways. That has pushed me to grow continuously as a teacher.
The biggest challenge by far was during the COVID-19 crisis. Overnight, in-person lessons, recitals, and competitions were all canceled. We had to transition quickly to online teaching, which meant learning new technology, keeping students motivated through a screen, and finding creative ways to make music interactive again. For many families, music became an outlet during an uncertain time and keeping lessons going provided stability, but it was not easy. Adapting to virtual lessons taught us flexibility and resilience, and many students surprised us with how much progress they made despite the circumstances.
There have also been practical struggles, like coordinating busy schedules, finding performance opportunities, and managing the organizational side of the studio. But looking back, every obstacle, from starting small to navigating COVID, has helped shape Jubilee Music into a stronger, more adaptable studio that continues to grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Jubilee Music and Academics is more than just a studio, it’s a place where students thrive academically, musically, and spiritually. Our vision is to create an environment where learning and creativity go hand in hand, all while honoring God. We empower students not only to grow in their skills but also to develop strong character and use their gifts to make a positive impact in their communities.
What sets us apart is the breadth of what we offer. On the academic side, we provide individualized tutoring for K-12 in subjects ranging from reading and writing to advanced math and science, as well as ACT, SAT, GED, and placement exam prep. We also offer Spanish lessons and specialized support such as homeschooling advising, dual-enrollment guidance, and individual counseling. On the music side, we specialize in piano and string instruction for ages 6 and up, with options for private or group lessons. We also offer Kinder-Music for ages 3–5, blending games and activities to introduce children to the foundations of music. Lessons include theory, technique, and ear training, with a focus on both classical and sacred repertoire.
We’re also deeply committed to giving back. Since 2019, Jubilee has partnered with Hand of Help Ministries and Jubilee Ministries through both financial support and active volunteering. Our teachers and students frequently contribute their talents at charity events, from bake sales to musical performances, and we continue to support Golgota Church in Romania, which has provided housing and care for refugees, widows, and orphans.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the reputation we’ve built for excellence with heart. Families know Jubilee as a place that is calm, welcoming, and faith-driven. Parents describe our teachers as kind, patient, and motivating, while students value the encouragement, challenges, and joy they find here. We also take our students on regular field trips to senior living homes and charity events.
Our team is led by certified and award-winning teachers with decades of combined experience in both education and music performance. With over 50+ students impacted since our founding and over 30 active students today, we continue to grow while staying true to our mission: equipping the next generation with knowledge, skill, and character that glorifies God.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-taking has always been part of the journey, whether or not I initially recognized it as such. Starting Jubilee Music and Academics was itself a major risk. At first, we had only a handful of students, and there was no guarantee that it would grow into a sustainable studio. Choosing to invest time, energy, and resources into building a program meant stepping into the unknown.
Another layer of risk comes through financial investment. In order to give our students access to competitions and opportunities, we as teachers commit to paying fees to be enrolled in organizations such as the Michigan Music Teachers Association (MMTA), the Michigan Federation of Music Clubs (MFMC), the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), and Vivace Music Club. These memberships are not small commitments, but they are essential to opening doors for our students. That investment reflects our belief that the rewards, students experiencing growth, recognition, and joy in their music, are more than worth the risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jubileetutoring.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubileemusic6/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jubilee-tutoring/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD6SDdoCW6iwgW72OXy9N1w
