Starlight Academy

The Online Music School taught by Licensed Teachers and Industry Professionals.

Close-up of an acoustic guitar fretboard in a bright, modern studio

FEATURED COURSE

Intro to Guitar

Confidently play songs, read tabs and feel the thrill of creating music that shines as bright as the stars. Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or rediscovering your inner rockstar—your first chord could be the spark that ignites a lifetime of playing!

  • Learn guitar anatomy, perfect hand positions, and that iconic pick grip while caring for your instrument like a star.

  • Master string names, tuning tricks (with or without apps), and reading tabs like ancient star maps.

  • Play along to crowd-pleasers right away: "Wide Open," and "Full Send," that will give you the basics to pursue guitar on your own terms.

Instant on-demand access. 7-day refund available.

Why Starlight

Bite-Sized Lessons

(5-10 minutes)

Taught By Licensed Teachers and Industry Professionals

Bi-Weekly Live Coaching

ACADEMIC EXPANSION

Coming Next

COURSE 02 • MUSIC THEORY

The Building Blocks of Music Animated Series

Learn the basics of music theory and composition in this fun filled engaging course! Ages 6-10

COURSE 03 • PERFORMANCE MASTERY

How to Audition

Learn how to audition with composition, lighting, and style with one of Broadway's brightest stars.

COURSE 04 • INSTRUMENT

Intro to Ukulele

Pick up and play the ukulele for friends and family. We'll have you playing a song in no time!

ACADEMY PHILOSOPHY

Our Mission

Starlight Academy ignites a love for music and personal growth in young learners worldwide through playful, imaginative, and innovative online education and events, fostering confidence, creativity, and a supportive community that lights the way to achieving their dreams.

Every lesson, exercise, and critique is engineered to cultivate a lifelong love of musicianship — empowering students to command their instrument, express their authentic voice, and find lasting joy in the pursuit of sound.

Portrait of Founder and Music Mentor Julian Vance holding an acoustic guitar

LEADERSHIP

Meet Your Founder

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.

"Music is such an incredible way to come together, to develop focus, confidence and the determination and goal setting skills to succeed at life!"

Halladay Quist

Founder & Artistic Director, Starlight Academy

Student Stories

"I feel like I'm leveling up every week! I'm loving the structure of the course. And the practice videos really keep me on track!"

Elena Rostova portrait

Ashley Whitley

“My son is learning guitar lessons on Starlight Academy and we are both very impressed! The teacher has hand picked beginning songs for easy and fun learning! I highly recommend Starlight Academy!”

Marcus Vance portrait

Anonymous Parent

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE & MASTERY

Principal Stories

"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."

Elena Rostova portrait

Dan Block - Principal

Deer Park Elementary

"Mr. McCrady (Intro to Guitar Instructor) 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."

Marcus Vance portrait

Tyler Jones - Principal

Whitefish Middle School

SIMPLE, TRANSPARENT TUITION

Premium Membership

All-inclusive access to premier music masterclasses, direct mentor critique, and academy resources.

Great for homeschool students, schools and multi-children families.

COMPLETE ACADEMY PASS

$100 / month

Unrestricted, unhurried instruction designed for musicians seeking genuine mastery.

  • Complete access to all foundational and master-level courses

  • Bi-weekly live sessions as well as personalized video critiques from academy mentors

  • Downloadable notation, interactive tabs, and jam along tracks

  • Live monthly Artist Development masterclass access and member-only Q&As

  • Private academy community and peer performance circles

Billed monthly • Pause or cancel anytime without penalties

Intro to Guitar Membership

All-inclusive access to a premier guitar masterclass, mentor critiques, and academy resources.

Everything your child needs to become a beginner guitarist is included in the course.

The Club is for students who want ongoing coaching, new material, and continued growth.

Intro to Guitar PASS

$57 / month

Unrestricted, unhurried instruction designed for musicians seeking genuine mastery.

  • Complete access to all resources and lessons

  • Bi-weekly live sessions as well as personalized video critiques from academy mentors

  • Downloadable notation, interactive tabs, and jam along tracks

  • Private academy community and peer performance circles

Billed monthly • Pause or cancel anytime without penalties