RILEY MACKIE

Private Vocal Instructor

Riley Mackie is so excited to join Stagelight Performing Arts as a member of their team! She graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Business from The Master’s University. Riley has been in hundreds of musicals, concerts, recitals, and performances all over the country, including places like Washington DC and Carnegie Hall, but teaching children is her calling. She is classically trained but is passionate about making music accessible and exciting to all students, regardless of where their musical interests lie. She loves Jesus with her whole heart and enjoys serving in church, learning everything she can about holistic health, and spending time with her 4 younger siblings. Alongside her role as a teacher, she co-manages A1 Musical Theatre, a local children’s theatre endeavor she founded with her mom and some friends, nurturing young talents and fostering a love for the arts in the community.

FUN FACTS

What year did you start working at Stagelight?

2026

What do you love most about your job?

So many things! I’d probably give you a different answer depending on the day, but right now I’d say the growth I get to see in my students. Pushing them towards excellence is really important to me and when that catches on, it’s so rewarding. Whether it’s growing their range, getting to hit all of the notes in their favorite song, seeing them master their first classical aria, or passing their first song in their piano book, it’s just so fun! I believe that the ability to work hard at something, apply themselves, and then succeed is absolutely essential to the happiness and wellbeing of a child and so it’s an honor to help steward that.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’m super into health and wellness so going to the gym, making nourishing food from scratch, and learning more about how intelligent the body is are high on my list! I also love thrifting, reading, going to Disneyland, and cooking. Most of all, I love spending time with my 4 younger siblings and the light of my life – my 10 month old nephew J.J.

What are 3 fun facts about you?

1. I teach a once-a-week high school literature class as a random passion project

2. I am quite crunchy and try to use non-toxic EVERYTHING (except for my very occasional guilty pleasure – a redbull)

3. I started a non-profit children’s theatre with my mom, brother, and two of our friends! It’s been the craziest learning and growing experience but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in your field?

I’ve always known I wanted to be a music teacher and theatre director! I fell in love with directing at 6 years old when I made all of my cousins put on a full length musical as a nativity play – written, directed, choreographed, and starring yours truly. 😂 I love, love, love the arts but I love children even more! I’m so passionate about child development and education philosophy (I could talk Charlotte Mason or Waldorf all day!) and so getting to combine that knowledge with teaching kids to do what I love to do? A match made in heaven! Truly, getting to build a career in this field is filled with so many “pinch me” moments and I’m grateful every single day.

If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself pursuing?

I love event planning and do some of that on the side still! If you need an outrageously elaborate birthday party or baby shower with a mile long vision board and 11/10 attention to detail, I’m your girl! But in another universe, I definitely have 6 kids, live on a homestead with cows and chickens, and run a little shop where I sell sourdough, lattes, bone broth, and herbal remedies.

What’s your favorite musical, movie, and/or show?

Favorite musical: Hunchback of Notre Dame (could just as easily said Daddy Long Legs, Secret Garden, or Anastasia though!) – Favorite movie: Little Women (the 90s or 2019, I love them both!) Favorite Show: currently, Secret Life of Mormon Wives 🙈

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ENROLL NOW!

Are you interested in enrolling your child in one of Ms. Riley's classes? Secure their place in one of her classes or any of our other fun and engaging classes by logging in or creating an account through our Customer Portal.
We can’t wait to see you in class!