Trusting the Process, Becoming the Artist
Piano, Percussion, Arranger · LSM Student Since 2022
When Brooklyn Lacy first arrived at Little School of Music, she had one bold goal: to major in music. There was just one problem—she didn’t want to read it or learn music theory.
“I just wanted to play. I didn’t understand why I needed theory. I had been playing by ear my whole life.”
Brooklyn’s mom knew that if she wanted to pursue music seriously, she needed to build the fundamentals—and that meant music theory and sight reading. After years of lessons elsewhere, she needed more. That’s when she landed at Little School of Music in Miss Mindy’s office and was paired with the perfect teacher: Jean DeMart.
When Brooklyn Lacy first arrived at Little School of Music, she had one bold goal: to major in music. There was just one problem—she didn’t want to read it or learn music theory.
“I just wanted to play. I didn’t understand why I needed theory. I had been playing by ear my whole life.”
Brooklyn’s mom knew that if she wanted to pursue music seriously, she needed to build the fundamentals—and that meant music theory and sight reading. After years of lessons elsewhere, she needed more. That’s when she landed at Little School of Music in Miss Mindy’s office and was paired with the perfect teacher: Jean DeMart.
“Miss Jean didn’t let me off easy. She pushed me—but in a way that made me want to try. Slowly, I started to see it… not just as rules, but as tools.”
Over the next few years, Brooklyn’s transformation was undeniable. She dove into music festivals and competitions, including multiple MTAC events, and in 2025 she became the SCVMTAC Romantic Festival Winner, performing a stunning Chopin Nocturne. She joined LSM recitals, studied music history, honed her ear, and found clarity in the theory she once rejected.
Brooklyn’s musical maturity, passion, and focus took center stage when she filmed her college auditions at Little School of Music—under the guidance of Miss Jean, Miss Mindy (videography), and Steve Poloni (audio producer). Even after hours of re-recording, her smile stayed on, and her confidence never wavered.
“She was a total pro,” recalls Miss Mindy. “She knew what she wanted, worked hard for it, and earned every bit of what came next.”
That “next” was a dream come true: a full Presidential Scholarship to Cal State Fullerton—and a Piano Talent Scholarship to match. Brooklyn will begin her college journey this fall as a Music Major in Piano Performance, where she also hopes to explore music education and eventually pursue her dream of becoming a piano professor.
But academics and artistry are just one part of Brooklyn’s story. She’s also a leader, educator, and advocate—serving as Drumline Captain and Section Leader, and working as a self-employed piano and percussion teacher for young students, including neurodivergent children. Through the Little School of Music partnership with Ekata Training Center, she recently joined the martial arts and aftercare studio as a piano instructor for children ages 4–9, where she uses music to help teach discipline, patience, and self-confidence.
“I didn’t have that much confidence when I started out. But now I walk in knowing I’ve earned my space—knowing I’m allowed to be proud of myself.”
Brooklyn’s perspective is as sharp as it is compassionate. She openly reflects on imposter syndrome, social expectations, and how she grew to see music not just as an art—but as a tool for impact.
“I want to use music to change the way people feel—especially those who’ve been told they’re not enough. I want to be the teacher I wish I had when I was younger.”
Her next chapter at Cal State Fullerton is just the beginning. She’ll study piano performance, continue teaching, and pursue her love for music education with clarity and conviction.
“I used to think reading music would hold me back. Now I realize it’s the thing that gave me everything I have.”
Brooklyn, we’re so proud of you—for your strength, your honesty, and your dedication. You’ve shown us all what it means to push through discomfort and come out the other side stronger, wiser, and even more in love with your art.
Congratulations, Brooklyn. You are forever part of the Little School of Music family. 🎹🎼♥️