35 Music Teacher and Education Director Accent Pontiac Empowering students to discover their own brilliance and talent, Tia Harvey sees the faces of young people when she thinks about her proudest accomplishments. As a music teacher and education director at Accent Pontiac, Harvey says the joy and energy her students find in music is what truly matters. Her performing career centers on her band, the Consuming Arts, a collaborative music ensemble from Southeast Michigan. Their music is about expressing a variety of human experiences. Harvey has been recognized as Teacher of the Year by El Sistema USA and received the Somers Award for Excellence in Teaching by Michigan State University. She also has served on the Pontiac Arts Commission. She received a bachelorÕs degree from the University of Central Florida and a masterÕs degree from Michigan State University. She lives in Pontiac with her husband Erik and two cats.