Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon And Breanna Reed.
Hi Jon and Breanna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Azle Academy was born from a dream to bring high-quality music and enrichment opportunities closer to home. After years of teaching and seeing families drive long distances for lessons, Jon and Breanna wanted to create something special right here in Azle, a place where creativity, education, and community could thrive together.
Breanna’s background is in education; she has spent over 15 years teaching and writing curriculum, and was honored to be named Region 11 Teacher of the Year for Building Culture and Community Beyond the Classroom. Her husband, Jon, served the Azle community as a firefighter for more than 22 years before joining Lockheed Martin. Together, they wanted to give back to the community that raised their family.
Their son, Gatlin, is a drummer and pianist who inspired the idea for the Academy. Watching his passion for music grow, and realizing how few local opportunities there were for kids like him, lit a fire in them. They opened The Azle Academy to provide lessons in music, art, and STEM, all under one roof, led by talented instructors who care deeply about their students.
What started as a small dream has quickly become a thriving creative hub where kids and adults alike can explore their gifts. They have grown through word-of-mouth, incredible teachers, and a community that believes in what they are doing. Today, The Azle Academy isn’t just a place to take lessons, it’s a family. Their mission has always been to inspire creativity, confidence, and connection, one student at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most meaningful journeys, The Azle Academy’s path hasn’t been entirely smooth. Breanna and Jon Reed have faced their share of challenges, from balancing full-time careers and family life to navigating the realities of building a small business from the ground up.
When the Academy first opened, finding the right team of instructors was one of the biggest hurdles. The Reeds were determined to build a culture that reflected their family values, one rooted in warmth, trust, and a genuine sense of belonging. Creating that kind of environment required time, intentionality, and at times, difficult decisions. They learned quickly that the right people make all the difference. Each hiring challenge, program adjustment, and growing pain helped solidify the Academy’s core belief that students thrive when they feel part of a family.
As the Academy grew, managing that growth while preserving its close-knit feel became another challenge. What began as a small dream quickly blossomed into a bustling community hub, and keeping up with the influx of students meant long nights, evolving systems, and constant problem-solving. Yet through it all, Breanna and Jon remained committed to ensuring every child and family felt seen, supported, and valued.
They credit their resilience, faith, and the unwavering support of the Azle community for helping them stay grounded. Today, that family-centered culture is what defines The Azle Academy. It’s more than a school, it’s a home for creativity, connection, and growth. Every obstacle faced along the way has only deepened the Reeds’ mission to make The Azle Academy a place where students don’t just take lessons—they become part of the family.
We’ve been impressed with The Azle Music & Enrichment Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Azle Music & Enrichment Academy is more than a school, it’s a creative home for students of all ages to explore their passions in music, art, and STEM. Founded by Breanna and Jon Reed, the Academy was built on a simple but powerful belief: every child has unique gifts, and when those gifts are nurtured in the right environment, incredible things happen.
The Academy offers private and group instruction in piano, guitar, drums, voice, ukulele, and so much more, along with art classes, STEM, robotics labs, tutoring, test prep, and enrichment. What makes the Academy stand out is its holistic, family-centered approach. It’s not just about teaching skills, it’s about building confidence, creativity, and community. Parents often say the moment they walk in feels like stepping into a family gathering. Many even gather around “the kitchen table” in the lobby to work on the community puzzle, share stories, or cheer on other students while their children are in class. Those small, genuine moments of connection are what define The Azle Academy experience.
Students are celebrated through programs like the Musicians Hall of Fame, Level-Up Wristband System, and Kids Cash Rewards, which keep learning fun and motivating. Brand-wise, The Azle Academy has become known for its vibrant community spirit and strong partnerships with local families, schools, and businesses. The Academy frequently hosts mixers, student showcases, and art exhibits, and is preparing to perform in local parades and community events in the coming year, further connecting creativity with the heart of Azle.
What truly sets The Azle Academy apart is the culture Breanna and Jon have built. It’s warm, professional, and deeply personal. Families often describe it as “a second home” a place where students feel known, supported, and encouraged to dream big.
The Reeds are most proud of how their brand represents integrity, excellence, and heart. Every program, poster, and event is designed to reflect that sense of belonging and joy. They want readers to know that when you walk through the doors of The Azle Academy, you’re not just signing up for lessons, you’re joining a family that believes in your potential and celebrates your journey every step of the way.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
For Breanna and Jon Reed, The Azle Academy itself was the biggest risk they’ve ever taken. Opening a family-owned creative school in their hometown wasn’t just a business decision, it was an act of faith. They were stepping into something entirely new, leaving behind predictable routines and financial safety nets to pursue a dream rooted in community, passion, and purpose.
They often say that risk, for them, isn’t about chasing success—it’s about chasing significance. Breanna and Jon believed that if they led with integrity, excellence, and heart, the rest would follow. Still, there were moments of uncertainty, leasing their first space, investing in instruments and materials, hiring staff, and wondering if the community would respond to their vision.
What they’ve learned is that meaningful growth rarely happens without risk. Every major turning point for the Academy has required courage, the courage to make tough decisions, to reinvent programs, and to trust that doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, always pays off in the long run.
Their perspective on risk is deeply personal: it’s not something to fear, but something to steward. To them, risk is a reflection of belief, belief in their mission, in each other, and in the incredible community they serve. And looking back now, every risk they’ve taken has been worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheAzleAcademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azleacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAzleAcademy/
Image Credits
Photos by Breanna Reed
Drum photo by Picky Pie Photography
