Bethany Russell . . . Hits The Right Note In The Music Biz

Bethany Russell her two businesses are a natural fit as both support her passions — music and the performing arts.

Russell, who plays and teaches piano, Brava Academy of Music and the Performing Arts in 2018 (refer online to: BravaAcademyOfMusic.ca).

She started The Wedding Belles (BravaAcademyOfMusic.ca/the-weddingbelles) in January 2022 with business partner Kelsey McCann — the violinist in their piano/violin duo.

Located at 2591 Howard Avenue in Windsor, Brava Academy offers private and group lessons in music, art, acting and dance.

“We have a wonderful team of highly qualified music, art, dance and drama instructors who lead classes on a weekly basis for our growing student base,” Russell indicates.

She decided to start Brava Academy after being a private piano teacher from her home for many years and eventually realizing she needed a larger studio space to accommodate her students.

“One of the things I love the most about Brava Academy is how different it is from come to us to learn a new skill and begin adding music to their life in a way that suits

As for her more recent start-up, The Wedding Belles entails Russell and McCann performing at various venues in Windsor Essex and surrounding areas for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and select events.

“The Wedding Belles came about when Kelsey and I began receiving a few requests to play weddings together,” Russell explains.

According to Russell, the business is completely unique as it is the only piano and violin duo actively booking weddings in

“For couples looking for string and piano music for their wedding, we are an incredible option to bring that musical elegance to their special day,” she expresses.

When taking on new bookings, Russell points out she and her partner first meet with the couple for a consultation to learn more about them. During this meeting they ask key questions to help curate a musical plan for the couple’s ceremony and cocktail hour.

“We love working with couples who know and value the impact that intentional music can have on their big day,” Russell exclaims.

She is proud to be a part of Black Business Can, which she describes as “an organization that elevates Black voices and businesses in our community” that shines a light on stellar Black owned businesses in the area. (See the cover story of this issue)

“Brava Academy is thrilled to be featured in this directory, alongside many other wonderful local businesses and organizations,” she comments.

Being a young woman in business has been an empowering experience for Russell.

“I opened Brava Academy at the age of 22, and for many years I kept my age as private as possible for fear that people would not take me seriously,” she admits. “It has been one of the most beautiful experiences for me to embody my belief in what women are capable of out loud, regardless of our age.”

Russell invites any woman interested in stepping into entrepreneurship to consider the positive effect they could have in other people’s lives as a result of following their passion and dreams.

“That in and of itself is a wonderful reason to start today!” she expresses.