About Mira Gaitanis

Mira was born as a micro-preemie at 26 weeks and has low vision. Her musical journey began in first grade with the violin, evolving through middle school orchestra where she discovered her voice on the viola. As a member of the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra, she progressed from Chamber to Symphony Orchestra, earning multiple selections as principal violist. Her formative years also included the Fiddlers and Acoustic Ensemble, where she was immersed in Celtic music, folk music, old-time traditions, and improvisational playing, experiences that would fundamentally shape her artistic direction.

In 2016, Mira co-founded Flat Moon Theory with Christian Manuel and Davis Johnstone, emerging from the creative energy of Acoustic Ensemble. The trio became fixtures of Tallahassee's music scene, performing at beloved local venues including La Florida Coffee and Wine and the Blue Tavern. Their sound blends classical training with folk sensibilities, creating atmospheric indie-folk that honors traditional roots while forging new territory.

By 2019, Flat Moon Theory was ready to professionalize. Mira leaned into polishing her songwriting by creating poetry under the handle Arim Viola. Mira also spearheaded Kickstarter campaigns for Dreamers in the Dark (23 backers, $1,056) and Growing from Here (55 backers, $3,889), utilizing strategies from Crush Your Kickstarter by Laser Campaigns.

She was a semi-finalist in Music City SongStar Fall 2019, winner of Arts4All's Young Performers Program (2019-2020), top 10 Americana finalist for "When I Walk into the Room" (2020) and was voted to perform in the Disability Unite Festival as a solo artist and with Flat Moon Theory (2022).

Flat Moon Theory was featured in NPR Music's "Meet the 2021 Tiny Desk Concert Community." Mira has appeared on The Independent Life podcast and in Tallahassee Magazine (April 2022). She also co-wrote the single Sparrow (2026) with Christian Manuel about her experiences with low vision and chronic pain.

Recognition and Awards