Our Mission

Lilies of the Field Music School (Lilies) is both a teaching and performance organization committed to the vital and transformative role of music in the lives of all who call Atlanta home. Our mission is to join the vibrant sounds of the city by offering high-quality music education and performance opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations across diverse settings. Alongside our instrumental lessons, Lilies also features a cello and piano duo with over twenty-five years of performance experience.

Our Vision

As co-founders of the Lilies of the Field Music School, Iris and Rose are committed to sharing the transformative power of music with their community. They believe that everyone, regardless of age or background, can experience the joy and enrichment that music brings. As music educators, they aim to create an inclusive and nurturing environment where students can explore and develop their unique musical talents. As a performing ensemble, they aim to share meaningful musical experiences that foster joy, connection, and a sense of belonging through sound.

About Our Founders

Iris Reddick Manburg and Rose E. Archer bring over twenty-five years of musical expertise to the Lilies of the Field School of Music. Their journey in music began at a young age and has since blossomed into careers as performers and educators.

Iris Reddick Manburg

A professional cellist and educator, Iris started her musical journey with piano lessons at the age of five, soon discovering a deep connection to music's power and beauty. By nine, she expanded her studies to include the cello and other string instruments, laying the foundation for her future as a passionate artist and performer.

Rose E. Archer

Rose’s introduction to music also began with piano lessons at five, cultivating a deep appreciation for various genres such as jazz, gospel, and classical music. Her versatility as a musician has been a hallmark of her career, influencing her teaching and performance style.

Academic and Performance Excellence

Both Iris and Rose were awarded full-tuition music scholarships to multiple colleges and universities, including Birmingham-Southern College, where they honed their skills through academic and performance opportunities. They have performed in quartets, trios, musicals, and orchestras, gaining valuable experience and recognition. As soloists, they showcased their talents in numerous venues across Alabama, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida, and now Georgia, including featured performances with the Birmingham-Southern Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble. Their exceptional skills earned each of them consecutive wins at the prestigious Whittington Concerto Competition, leading to solo performances with the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra.

Having each completed two master’s degrees (Iris: M.Div. and Th.M.; Rose: M.Div. and M.S. in Sociology), they are now Ph.D. candidates. Iris is completing her Ph.D. in Religion and Theology at the University of Chicago, and Rose is completing her Ph.D. in African American History at Emory University.

Teaching and Leadership

Iris’s dedication to music education began in high school and continued through college and graduate school, leading her to teach in both public and private settings. She has worked with students of all ages—from toddlers to grandparents—and specializes in string instruments (violin, viola, and cello), piano, and music theory.

Rose has also made significant contributions as a piano instructor, guiding students of all ages and skill levels. Her leadership roles as Director of Worship and Choir Director in churches across North Carolina, Alabama, and Florida have further solidified her as an artist who can integrate classical training with spiritual and contemporary genres.

What To Expect

MUSIC LESSONS

Weekly Learning Opportunities

• Lessons lasting 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or an hour

• Virtual or In-Person

• Initial Trial Lesson is Complimentary!

Ensemble Opportunities for Students

• Students in the late beginning stages and beyond are invited to participate in summer ensembles

• Weekly 45-minute group practice sessions

• Student ensembles perform together at the recital

Recitals

• Lilies offers seasonal in-person and virtual recital opportunities for all students

• Perform your favorite piece for friends and family

• Hear from other Lilies students

LILIES ENSEMBLE GROUP

Music For Your Events and Special Ocassions

Lilies Ensemble offers professional music performance for every occasion and event. Comprised of a cello and piano duo, the Lilies Ensemble can perform a variety of genres and styles including classical, gospel, spiritual, jazz, contemporary and crossover. In need of an ensemble for your next event? Contact us today for a performance consult.