​Music Academy Staff
Kelly Yoakum
Piano
I graduated with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and began teaching piano to beginner students in 2006. As a student myself, I struggled with reading music — so I make it a priority to make learning to read music fun! My primary goal is to give students a strong foundation in the basics of music, and I'm passionate about being a lifelong learner alongside them. I strive to show kids that music is a form of play and expression.
In addition to teaching, I serve as the children's director at Point Washington UMC. I'm thrilled to share my talents with the PoWASH Music Academy family!
Darrin Lyon
All band instruments and piano
I'm a native of Okaloosa County and attended Rocky Bayou Christian School in Niceville. I earned my bachelor's degree in music education from Troy University, where I performed throughout the U.S. and Canada with the Troy University Symphony Band. My primary instrument is French horn, though I also have years of experience playing piano, trombone and sousaphone.
In 2015, I began teaching private lessons while working as a band assistant at Davidson Middle School in Crestview. The following year, I became the band director at Emerald Coast Middle School in Santa Rosa Beach, where I continue to serve today. I live in Fort Walton Beach with my wife and five sons and attend Westminster Presbyterian Church. I'm excited to share my love of music with the PoWASH Music Academy family!
Ryan Alan Linguiti
Guitar, drums, bass, song writing, keyboard, DJing, and Production
I'm a singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, DJ and music educator based on Florida's Emerald Coast. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I've dedicated my life to music since I started playing at age 3, and I've been performing consistently since my teenage years.
My sound blends rock, pop, country, soul, hip-hop and coastal influences into something authentic that connects with all kinds of audiences. Whether I'm playing an intimate acoustic set, a high-energy beach show or a DJ event that keeps the dance floor moving, my passion for entertaining shows every time I take the stage.
I've performed across the United States, including in Nashville, Tennessee, and internationally in Berlin, Germany. For more than five years, I've also taught music here on the Emerald Coast, helping students of all ages build their skills and confidence.
As an artist and producer, I'm committed to making music that inspires, tells honest stories and leaves a lasting impression. My mission is simple: bring people together through unforgettable performances and meaningful songs.
Helmut Dimmel
Piano and keyboard
For more than 42 years, I have played piano and keyboard, with a musical background rooted in rock and pop, worship music, playing in bands, musicals, and choirs, accompanying from chords, and writing music. Throughout that time, music and teaching have always been at the heart of who I am.
For the past 32 years, I have taught piano and keyboard alongside my primary career in social work and social education, working with people of many different backgrounds and ages—and with students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to advanced players, ages 5 to 86. That experience has shaped the way I teach: I see myself less as someone who tells students what they have to learn and more as a guide and companion who supports them on their individual journey, helping each one discover the joy and confidence that come from making music.
Three years ago, my family and I moved from Germany to Florida, and we are so excited to be part of this wonderful community. Now, as a piano and keyboard instructor at PoWASH Music Academy, I look forward to connecting with local families through music and helping students of all ages develop their skills, pursue their musical interests, and discover the unique joy of playing piano and keyboard!
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother owned and operated a piano academy in South Korea, so I grew up surrounded by pianos, music, and students—according to her, I began learning piano around age 3, and even before that, I loved sitting at the piano and playing with the keys.
My primary musical training has been in classical music. Growing up, I regularly participated in piano competitions and later served as a pianist for youth worship and early morning services at church. I also play violin, flute, and ocarina, and had the opportunity to teach children through mission work in China and Thailand before gaining further experience teaching both children and adults at my mother's piano academy in Korea.
Because I grew up with a lot of structure and expectations around learning instruments, I especially value making music enjoyable. I believe every student learns at a different pace and connects with music in their own way, so I strive to find an approach that works for each individual—helping them build a strong foundation while learning to genuinely love music. Now, I'm so excited to meet my students at PoWASH Music Academy and help them discover how much fun making music can be!
Grace Kim
Piano, keyboard and Ocarina
Brittany Adams
Director
I grew up in Marietta, Ga., the daughter of a United Methodist minister of music, where my love of music and faith were woven together from the very beginning. From singing in the children's choir to performing with the handbell ensemble, touring the country with the church youth choir and earning all-state honors in my high school choir, music has always been at the heart of who I am.
I attended Ole Miss on a vocal scholarship before transferring to and graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development. After 17 successful years in corporate management, I answered God's call in a new direction. In 2018, I moved to Santa Rosa Beach with my husband, Matt, and daughters Elise and Amelia, where I spent seven fulfilling years as a pre-K co-teacher at a local Christian preschool.
Now, as director of the PoWASH Music Academy, I'm living out my calling — bringing more fine arts opportunities to our South Walton community and sharing the love of Christ with students along their musical journey!
