Tallahassee Youth Orchestras

Jenna Meola is a second-year Master of Music Education student, violinist, and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Florida State University. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Jenna has a rich background performing in choirs and orchestras throughout the Midwest. Her past musical experiences have coincided with her enthusiasm to travel, most recently to England and Scotland. She has experience playing a variety of instruments, including guitar, electric bass, piano, and string orchestra instruments. 

Jenna received her undergraduate degrees in 2025 at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) and a Bachelor of Arts in Music with Instrumental Performance (BA). During her time at Carthage, she was consistently involved in both orchestra and choir ensembles. Her leadership opportunities included Secretary for Carthage Choir and co-concertmaster for the Carthage Philharmonic Orchestra. Outside of her time in classes, she was also a tutor for students in aural skills and piano courses. 

After student teaching in elementary general music and high school orchestra classrooms in the spring of 2025, Jenna moved to Tallahassee in order to continue her music education journey. At Florida State, she is a Teaching Assistant under the direction of Dr. Kasia Bugaj. She co-teaches and plans undergraduate music education courses in string methods, elementary music, ESOL, plus viola and bass lab classes. She was also the instructor of record for a beginning guitar class this past spring semester. Jenna additionally teaches individual lessons in voice, violin, and piano. She has continued traveling by attending music conferences across the country.

Within her music classroom, Jenna has a passion for encouraging every student to pursue music as a lifelong journey, as well as bringing joy to the orchestra classroom. She loves working with students of various backgrounds, interests, and ages. She is excited to start this next chapter with the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra and the Intermezzo ensemble!