MTSU School of Music cello professor, students lead workshop in Cayman Islands for underserved students

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two students and an assistant professor from Middle State University’s School of Music recently led a three-day cello workshop in the Cayman Islands for around 30 students.

Assistant professor of cello and academic studies Bryan Hayslett, along with Annalisa Thomas, a senior majoring in music, and Jayna Powell, a graduate teaching assistant working on her Master of Music, led the event for students ages 5 to 20 at John Gray High School in George Town, Cayman Islands.

The workshop gave participants opportunities to take part in lessons and small and large ensembles to help expand their playing techniques. Each Caymanian student plays multiple instruments, and Thomas said they had an “astute ear” for listening to each other.

“There is such a high regard for the arts and encouraging one another in the development of learning. Since they learned as a group, they listen well and adapt to the ensemble’s needs. Many of them can learn by ear, which is a vital part of building long-lasting musicianship. We were able to have fun and learn from one another,” said Thomas.

In this February 2025 photo, from left, Middle Tennessee State University School of Music graduate teaching assistant Jayna Powell, senior Annalisa Thomas and assistant professor Bryan Hayslett pose for a photo at the site of a three-day cello workshop they led in George Town, Cayman Islands, for around 30 students ages 5 to 20 thanks to the Florida-based Volta Music Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Powell said the experience would help her in her future career, as will the things she learned from the students and the community.

“The most interesting thing I observed was the difference in how they teach music there,” said Powell. “I found that the students at the high school learned less theory, technique, history and other strict academic aspects of classical music, but they did far better playing by ear, playing musically and working collaboratively with others in their ensemble.”

Hayslett, who joined MTSU’s School of Music last fall, said the workshop held in late February came about thanks to the Volta Music Foundation in Miami, Florida.

“Volta provides students in underserved communities the opportunity to advance their musical careers through a variety of educational programs, and they reached out to me to plan and lead the intensive,” explained Hayslett.

Middle Tennessee State University School of Music senior Annalisa Thomas, center, leads a class with students at John Gray High School in George Town, Cayman Islands. Thomas was part of a three-person team from MTSU who held a three-day workshop in the George Town in February 2025 thanks to the Florida-based Volta Music Foundation. (Photo submitted)

Hayslett said the trip’s focus was to help the students “grow as musicians” and “further aim for their potential.”

“All the students were focused, respectful and engaged while we worked with them,” he said. “I was impressed by the classroom culture of acceptance and community.”

Powell added, “The students clearly felt so much joy and belonging in their music classes and getting a small peek into that tight-knit community was really special.”

After spending three days with the 30 students, nearly half participated in a concert with Hayslett, Powell and Thomas.

Hayslett hopes to continue working with the Volta Music Foundation to do similar workshops in the future.

To learn more about MTSU’s School of Music, visit https://music.mtsu.edu/.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)