Lesson Center

PIANO INSTRUCTORS

Kaarin Fasse holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wartburg College, with piano as her primary instrument and flute secondary. While at Wartburg, Kaarin studied piano with Dr. Suzanne Torkelson and was a member of the Wartburg Wind Ensemble when the group made their Carnegie Hall debut. Kaarin has taught private piano lessons, group piano classes, and private flute lessons since 2000.

I received my B.A. Degree in Instrumental, German and Vocal Music from Morningside College and my M.M.E Degree in Music Education Vocal and Instrumental from the University South Dakota. My career in teaching K-12 Instrumental and Vocal. My emphasis is elementary music. As well as teaching in the classroom I teach private instrumental and piano lessons focusing on the new learner and carrying them through to High School. I served as an adjudicator in area school competitions. It is really rewarding to see young musicians perform and be able share with them how to improve their playing techniques. I serve with Gloria Dei Church on the Worship Music group as Instrumental coordinator.

Dorothy studied music at Simpson College, and has studied private piano and organ for over 14 years. She currently plays and sings with the local band Dorothy Hecht and the Rubber Tramps. Dorothy loves to teach children and adults all styles of music, from classical to rock.

Candace Carlson has been teaching piano since she was 16 years old. Since then, she has operated large private studios in Massachusetts, and now, Iowa. She began teaching at Rieman Music Store in 2009. Candace received her BA from Iowa State University where she studied the piano, carillon, music history, history and English literature. She earned her Masters of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School. Later, at Drake University, she studied organ with Carl Staplin and earned her Church Music Certificate. Candace continues to teach piano full-time providing both online and in-person lessons to beginning through advanced children and adults. Candace is a member of AGO, MTNA, and DMMTA. When not teaching or playing the piano and organ, Candace enjoys baking and doing needlework.

Ron is a retired instrumental music instructor with 39 years of teaching experience in the public school system. He has many years of experience as a private teacher of saxophone, piano and organ. His saxophone students have been members of All-State bands and his piano and saxophone students have consistently received first place ratings at state music contests. He has frequently served as a saxophone clinician and honor band guest conductor. He has played organ, saxophone and piano for church since high school. Ron enjoys teaching students of all ages.

Tina has a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in voice and piano, as well as a Master of Music with a voice and music history emphasis. Mrs. Sieberns was a teacher in the public schools for 31 years and co-director of the South Side Elementary Orchestra.

Kristy Stodola received her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from Bob Jones University. She is a classically trained violinist, violist, and pianist with a passion for mentoring younger musicians. She has served in the position of concertmaster for three different chamber orchestras, principal violist for three years with the Bob Jones Symphony Orchestra, and has been performing for almost twenty years. Kristy has been teaching private lessons to students of all ages for over ten years and loves to help her students have those “light bulb moments”.

Judy holds a BME from Cornell College, and MA and PhD from the University of Iowa. She served as Music Supervisor for the Des Moines Schools for 11 years. Judy has taught in the classroom and private piano, has served in state and national music associations, and has lectured in Iowa and nationally. She is on the faculty at Des Moines Area Community College where she teaches piano and music fundamental classes.

Dallas graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Vocal Music and a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies. She was a 4-year member of the nationally recognized Cantamus Women’s Choir at ISU while taking voice lessons with Mary Creswell and Simon Estes. In addition to singing, Dallas has been playing piano, guitar, and many other instruments for a number of years. She has a passion for spreading the joy of music and the importance of musical education with her students. Along with the knowledge of a specific instrument, students will learn technique, theory, and musicality, as this will help to mold them into well-rounded musicians.

Clair began taking private piano lessons at 7 years old and continued into adulthood via Drake University. Her love of music grew, and she also learned to play the guitar, ukulele, drums, and harp. She’s in her seventh year of teaching piano. While in school she regularly acted as an accompanist for the chorus. She attended Iowa State University and now engages in continuing education regularly to ensure she’s up-to-date on the most fun, effective, and engaging methods and activities to foster growth and a love of music.