In November 1999, The Vivia Taylor Music Program opened its doors at Calvary Temple Church in Mount Vernon New York with 9 students. The first student was Arnold Wittingham. The late Rev. Gerald Forbes prayed the first prayer, launching the program into existence.
But when did it all begin?
It was during an International European tour to Paris, France that same year that something spectacular happened to Ms. Taylor that would change her life completely. A total stranger approached her after the group's performance and told her to be obedient to God. She knew exactly what that meant, and immediately re-dedicated her life to God. The Music Program began then offering private and group Piano and Voice lessons for all ages.
Shortly thereafter Ms. Taylor developed MusiKey; a Pre-K Music and Movement Program. Here, delicate minds experienced various musical instruments and rhythmic patterns, and vocalized to the tunes of familiar nursery rhymes and lullabies.
In July 2008, Ms. Taylor left New York and moved to the State of Florida, along with her three children - Brandon, Brianca, and Brescia. She began attending Christ Fellowship Church - Gardens Campus, and quickly immersed herself in music by joining the Worship Team there. She sang on the worship team, played keyboards for various services, and also conducted the choir during special programs at Easter and Christmas.
While attending Christ Fellowship, another miracle happened. A young woman shared an experience she had in a bible study. She told Ms. Taylor that while in the study, God told her to give her piano away to Vivia. Not knowing who she was at the time; but out of obedience, Natalie Rodriguez gave her childhood piano of 36 years to Vivia, and in January 2009, Ms. Taylor incorporated The Vivia Taylor Music Program LLC, and enrolled her first student in Florida, Mindi Colchico.
Since then, The Vivia Taylor Music Program has brought Music to Families, Schools, Churches, Recreation Centers, Nursing Homes, and other venues. She launched Summer Enrichment Camps, and Afterschool Programs in and around Palm Beach County. Here are a few of them:
Mirasol School, Palm Beach Community Church Pre- School, Gardens School of Technology Arts, Christ Fellowship, Family Church, Tree Top Academy, Burns Road Recreation Center, and Allegro Nursing Homes, and others.
In 2016, Ms. Taylor took the position of Music Educator for Palm Beach Christian Academy in West Palm Beach. While she was there, she continued teaching piano and voice and also taught Music from Pre-School - Elementary grades. She created and developed a Flutophone Club, Drama Club, Chorus, and a Dr. Seuss Club. She produced and directed Spring and Christmas Programs and Productions for 5 years.
When life gives you lemons........make lemonade!!!
And that’s exactly what she did!
In 2020 The Vivia Taylor Music Program became a ‘Studio Without Walls’ and went Virtual as our country; and the world experienced COVID-19. Fortunately, about 98% of parents agreed to this new ‘normal’ as we attempted to navigate our lessons on Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype.
As a result, however Ms. Taylor was able to expand her lessons all over the country.
Vivia Taylor, affectionately known as “Ms. Vivia” has touched the lives of thousands of Children and families. She is a staunch proponent of Music and the Arts and firmly believes in the numerous benefits of Music and the Arts in ALL our lives.
