Where Play Meets Purpose: Adrienne Tellier’s Musical Chess Story

Adrienne Tellier grew up immersed in the arts. She loved it enough to earn a B.A. in Musical Theatre and move to New York City to pursue acting. While there, she discovered a second passion: working with children. She taught children music, film, theater and chess and quickly found she had a gift for it. When her family moved to Greenville during the pandemic, a new idea took shape. What if she could combine her love of music and her talent for teaching children into something entirely new?

That idea became Musical Chess.

Musical Chess teaches individuals age three and up how to play chess through song. Each piece on the board gets its own memorable tune. Adrienne breaks the game down into digestible steps before building toward how all the pieces interact. Her theater background brings the whole experience to life.

From Songs to a Business

Adrienne started by writing songs for each chess piece. Those songs became the foundation of her curriculum. The business launched in June 2025 with in-person classes. Then, a setback forced her to pivot from an in-person model to a fully digital platform. The idea of changing course felt crushing at first. But it turned out to be the right move.

That’s where the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship enters the picture.

Finding Direction Through GVL Starts

Adrienne learned about the Hill Institute’s GVL Starts program and decided to apply. She already had her idea and her LLC, but she knew there was more to learn. The nine-week program gave her exactly that and more.

“I’m glad I did it because I did get a lot out of it,” Adrienne said. “I thought I had already done all the work, and I actually ended up doing a huge pivot.”

GVL Starts helped Adrienne build confidence in her new direction. She connected with mentors who became lasting resources. She also grew close with her cohort. Even though the final pitch was a competition, everyone cheered each other on the whole way through.

Adrienne gained significant value from the program, but emphasizes that to get the most out of it, participants need to stay actively engaged by asking questions without hesitation and seeking out conversations with experienced peers who can support growth.

Screen Time Becomes Brain Time

After the pivot, Musical Chess became a fully digital edutainment platform. Students access the Musical Chess children’s learning app or find interactive videos on YouTube. The new format made the program more accessible for families. Built-in parent resources also support connections at home.

“We say we’re turning screen time into brain time,” Adrienne says.

Musical Chess focuses on whole child development through chess, music, movement and play. The program builds critical thinking, executive functioning and social-emotional skills. Adrienne is intentional about every interaction with children. Her goal is not just to teach the game but to build confidence.

“I am always more interested in what’s happening with these kids off the chessboard,” she says. “My goal is for these kids to learn things on the board and then be able to use that in the real world.”

Students are thriving. One student who started out shy and constantly seeking approval is now participating and winning chess tournaments. Families report multi-generational connections forming around the chessboard. One parent told Adrienne their child put them in check in three moves.

“Even when they don’t win, they have the tools to work through those feelings,” Adrienne says. “They learn that sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.”

What’s Next for Musical Chess 

Musical Chess is growing. The platform also offers sponsorships so companies or individuals can fund access for schools, classrooms and organizations. While children are the primary audience, anyone who wants to learn chess through song can benefit. 

Adrienne’s vision goes beyond the game. “I used to say I want kids to fall in love with learning,” she says. “But that’s not true because they are born loving to learn. We’re fostering that so that they can continue loving to learn.”

Learn more about Musical Chess at playmusicalchess.com.