The Zenith Chamber Music Festival begins its free annual summer concert series Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm at Willow on Grand featuring renowned violin-piano duo Yang Liu and Olivia Tsai. ZCMF continues its tradition of excellence with local and world-class musicians performing concerts in unique venues across Greater Des Moines. As a 5013c organization, donors, volunteers, and board members generously contribute their time, talents, and efforts to provide accessible, quality

In a world driven by distractions, formal music lessons may help improve students' focus. How? In a recent study from the British Journal of Psychology, students without music training and students with music training were tasked with watching a computer program with intermittent disruptions. The study found that "participants with formal musical training responded faster and showed fewer lapses in attention, in comparison to those with no music lessons." Further research fro

By Andrea from TeachPianoToday.com (Photo credit: Pixabay.com) 1. Recitals provide a tangible goal to work towards. In having a set date and a pre-planned performance selection, your child learns how to manage their practice time and what it feels like to polish and perfect a piece. 2. Recitals provide an opportunity to feel successful. Learning the piano requires many, many hours of solo practice. Performing gives your child the recognition they deserve for their hard work

MML faculty member, Campbell Helton is a versatile musician currently studying piano, violin, and composition at Utah State University. Alongside her studies, she teaches all three disciplines. Recently, she performed her junior violin recital and premiered two original works for piano and strings in collaboration with a local dance company. See photos of her accomplishments below! Campbell performed on violin at her junior recital Campbell premiered a piano piece, “Prelude i

Get to know Mobile Music Lessons piano and violin faculty member, Campbell Helton! Learn more about her on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog. Q: How did you get started playing your chosen instrument? A: I started playing piano when I was 5 and violin at 7– my older siblings played and I fell in love with them both! Q: What is your favorite piece or composer and why? A: Brahms’s late intermezzi (op. 117 and 118) are beautiful piano pieces that remind

Get to know Evelyn from the studio of Carrie Siepel! Q: What is your favorite piece to play? A: Quiet River - I played it for my first recital. I like it because it's so smooth and peaceful. Q: What has music taught you? A: Music has taught me happiness. I've also learned that even if you think you can't be great at it, you can still try. Q: Who is your favorite artist? A: I like Maren Morris because she sings my favorite song "Kiss the Sky" from the movie "The Wild Robot". Q

Congratulations to all the students who performed in yesterday’s Spring Recital at Wesley on Grand, a WesleyLife Community in Des Moines! Both students and faculty presented piano solos. Thank you to all who came to support these talented musicians. We’re so proud of their hard work and grateful to everyone who made the day memorable! View more photos from our slideshow! Bookmark our Events Page to keep informed for upcoming events.

The hardest part of doing something is often taking the first step. Some days motivation comes naturally, while on others we have to find creative ways to push ourselves to get things done. In this feature, performance psychologist and musician, Dr. Noa Kageyama shares evidence-based research on how we can encourage ourselves to practice. One effective motivational strategy is practicing alongside others, or what Dr. Kageyama refers to as “body doubling” or "doing work in the

Get to know Charlotte from the studio of Brittany Brugman-Khanna! Q: What is your favorite piece to play? A: Firefly. Q: What has music taught you? A: Music is like a new language I'm learning. Q: Who is your favorite artist? A: Arden Cho, the artist behind the character Rumi in K Pop Demon Hunters. Q: How has music been a part of your life since you were young? A: My mom and dad have been singing to me and dancing with me ever since I was a baby. Read more Mobile Music L

Think back to the first time you heard or played music. Perhaps your mother or father sang to you, or you strummed the strings on a guitar. How did it feel to hear or play music? Many people would agree that exposure to music provides a positive experience, often promoting relaxation and healing. Research supported by the American Psychological Association shows that music can influence how we perceive the world and enrich our lives in a variety of ways. APA contributor, Kirs

Are you looking for a fun and easy musical activity to do at home? Check out the video below to move along with Vivaldi's "Spring"!

Spring is almost here and now is the time to refresh your playlist! Whether you are looking for oldies or new hits, check out 39 favorite spring songs from MIDDER Founder, Will Fenton. Some favorites include "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash and "Come in with the Rain" by Taylor Swift. Develop your playlist here! Photo credit: Unsplash.com

As we welcome 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your musical journey and set goals that will keep you motivated and growing all year long. At Mobile Music Lessons, our vision is to make music education accessible, inspiring, and personal—and we are excited to support you in your own personal music learning goals! Why Practice Goals Matter Goals give your practice sessions purpose. They help you stay focused, track progress, and celebrate achievements. Instead of simpl

Our December 2025 music recital was a festive celebration of talent and dedication! Students from the studios of Brittany Brugman-Khanna, Max Fazio, Angela Gust, Carrie Siepel, and Natalie Steenson performed beautifully, sharing holiday music and inspiring pieces that showcased their hard work and love for learning. Recitals like these highlight the power of music education, build confidence, and create meaningful musical moments for families and communities. From classic hol

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to let practice slide. But winter and the holiday season can actually be the perfect time to deepen your musical skills—if you approach it with creativity and intention. Here’s how to turn cozy nights and festive energy into your most productive practice season yet. 1. Embrace the Season as a Musical Opportunity Think of winter as your personal “artist residency.” The slower pace and indoor time create space for:

Max Fazio has been playing piano for over eight years and has performed in numerous recitals through Mobile Music Lessons, as well as at...

Welcome to a brand-new school year filled with music! We are honored to provide your family with high-quality instruction from our...

Autumn has arrived! What better way to welcome a new season than through the spirit of song! Sarah Lemire from the TODAY Show has...

Congratulations to all students who performed during the Fall Recital today at Wesley on Grand, a WesleyLife Community in Des Moines!...

Get to know Anna Humston, from the studio of Nick Meyer! Q: What is your favorite piece to play? A: My favorite piece to play changes as...