MONTANA PILOT OFFER • FALL 2026

Bring Music Back to Your School:
Free for 3 Weeks.

An online guitar program for grades 6-8, built for Montana schools without a full-time music teacher. No prep for your staff.

Limited to 3 Montana schools this fall.

Montana middle school student learning acoustic guitar in classroom

THE RURAL CHALLENGE

The Missing Chord

Many rural schools can't fill music positions, and students miss out on the confidence, focus, and benefits music builds. When budget limits and geographical isolation leave music rooms dark, an entire generation of bright young minds loses the daily discipline and joy of creating something extraordinary together.

HOW THE PILOT WORKS

Zero Prep. Zero Cost. Seamless Setup.

We handle every technical and curriculum detail so your school can test world-class music instruction without adding to your teachers' workload.

STEP 01

15-Minute Planning Call

A brief conversation to align on your grade levels, classroom schedule, and pilot kickoff date.

STEP 02

Instant Student Access

We'll help you log in to your secure classroom portal and deliver single-click teacher dashboard access.

STEP 03

10-Minute In-Class Lessons

Students engage in guided, bite-sized video lessons for three full weeks with zero prep required from your faculty.

100% Free • No Long-Term Contract Required • Set Up in Under 48 Hours

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

A Complete Music Experience

Every element of the curriculum is purpose-built to inspire curiosity, instill solid fundamentals, and provide consistent artistic mentorship for students in any classroom.

Structured around accessible weekly milestones so learners gain measurable performance skills without overwhelming busy school schedules.

Short Video Lessons Taught by Pros

Bite-sized, high-definition modules led by a licensed teacher that break down technical skills into intuitive five-minute practice sessions.

Beginner-Friendly Songs

Arrangements tailored specifically for first-time learners across folk, classical, and contemporary styles to build immediate playing confidence.

Bi-Weekly Live Q&A

Regular virtual check-ins with master instructors where students ask questions, receive performance feedback, and feel connected to the wider musical community.

DISTINGUISHED MONTANA FACULTY

Meet Your Teachers

Acclaimed touring artists and award-winning classroom educators bringing rigorous, inspiring music instruction directly into rural Montana schools.

Portrait photo placeholder for Halladay Quist, Founder and Music Educator

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Halladay Quist

Former Montana public school music teacher and University of Montana Artist Development mentor with 20+ years as a touring musician. Halladay created Starlight Academy to guarantee every rural student access to vibrant, high-caliber musical training.

  • Former MT Public School Music Faculty
  • Univ of Montana Artist Development
  • 20-Year Nationally Touring Artist
Portrait photo placeholder for Mark McCrady, Lead Music Teacher and Educator

LEAD MUSIC EDUCATOR

Mark McCrady

Holding a Master's in Music Education and over 25 years of classroom teaching experience, Mark pairs an incredible structure with warm encouragement. He was named SBO Magazine's Montana Educator of the Year in 2012.

  • Master's in Music Education

  • 25+ Years Classroom Teaching

  • 2012 SBO Magazine Educator of the Year

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Voices From The Classroom

Read how rural Montana administrators and educators are expanding access with zero additional strain on in-district staffing.

"Halladay is an energetic multi-talented teacher and a professional musician that taught at Deer Park Elementary School in 2020. She coordinated and directed many special musical events...that were the most entertaining, well organized and overall best perfromances I have seen at our school in 27 years. Halladay inspires students with her engaging personality, genuine caring, and patiently leads them to embrace new challenges."

Dan Block, Principal

Deer Park Elementary

"Mr. McCrady does a phenomenal job instructing guitar classes for our students. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about guitar, which is on full display when he teaches. Mr. McCrady brings excitement for all skill levels, and students absolutely love his class.

Tyler Jones, Principal

Whitefish Middle School

GET STARTED TODAY

Ready to give your students music?

Choose the fastest path to launch your no-cost school music pilot. Fill out the application form or book an immediate planning conversation.

OPTION 1:

Apply for Your Free School Pilot

Submit your school details to reserve your access for the upcoming term.

OPTION 2:

Book a Planning Session

Connect with our Education Specialist to talk about implementing Intro to Guitar into your music program

PILOT DETAILS

Your Questions Answered

Everything you need to know about setting up and running the 3-week guitar pilot in your rural classroom with zero administrative friction.

Do students need their own guitars?

Yes, each student in the class needs their own guitar. If you need help getting guitars for your class please reach out and we will assist you in acquiring guitars for the class.

Contact: [email protected]

What equipment do we need?

A way to view online videos, a screen or projector,

A printer to for worksheets and quizzes, and that's it!

How much class time does it take?

Each lesson is designed to fill a 40 minute class.

What happens after 3 weeks?

You can sign up to access the rest of the 15 week course at StarlightAcademy.org!