Meet Our Faculty
Our talented instructors are excited to provide exciting and personalized musical experiences for your family.
Sophia S. Ahmad
Piano
MM in Piano Performance, Arts Leadership Certificate - Eastman School of Music
BM in Piano Performance - Gordon College
​
Ms. Ahmad holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Literature and an Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., with additional chamber music studies in collaboration with New England Conservatory in Boston, Mass. Her principal teachers have included Edward Ferdinand, Mia Chung-Yee, Anne and Raymond Hanson and Douglas Humpherys.
​
As a pianist, she collaborates regularly with Simon Estes, she has recorded for Prentice Hall’s Inside the Orchestra DVD and she has performed with artists from the New World Symphony, the National Portuguese Symphony Orchestra and the Des Moines Symphony, among others. In 2013, she presented a lecture recital entitled Schumann’s Romantic Forest: A Musical Journey Through ‘Waldszenen, Op. 82 throughout Central Iowa and at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
An advocate of new music, she has premiered numerous pieces and worked with composers including Libby Larsen, Bright Sheng and Simone Fontanelli. Her solo performances have been broadcast on Iowa Public Radio, and in 2012, she made solo appearances at Iowa State University and Drake University, performing the music of Philip Glass. She appeared as the keyboard soloist in Schnittke’s Concerto Grosso No. 1 with the OSSIA new music ensemble. In 2018, she was invited by the Des Moines Art Center for a solo performance of Satie's "Relache" in conjunction with the opening of "The Irrational and the Marvelous" exhibition.
​
Ms. Ahmad is a Presser Scholar and active as a music teacher, performer, critic and writer. At the Eastman School of Music, she taught piano class, and she co-founded and performed in the annual Women in Music Festival. She was invited to make a solo appearance in March 2014 at the tenth anniversary of the Festival, which featured Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Higdon as its composer-in-residence.
​
Outside of music, she has served as Director of Marketing & PR for the Des Moines Symphony, Vice President of Public Relations at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Senior Director of Development at MercyOne Des Moines Foundation. She currently serves as Vice President of Philanthropy at WesleyLife Foundation.
Brittany Brugman-Khanna
BM in Music Performance - Wartburg College
Brittany Brugman attained a Bachelor of Music degree from Wartburg College in 2008 with a flute emphasis and piano minor. Brittany grew up playing piano, flute, and organ in church, at school, and for various events and occasions throughout Northeast Iowa. While at Wartburg, she was the principal flutist in the Wind Ensemble and Wartburg Community Symphony Orchestra. Brittany also accompanied Wartburg’s Ritterchor (men’s choir) under Dr. Paul Torkelson and accompanied for students, concerts, and festivals. She studied piano pedagogy and collaborative pianism under Dr. Suzanne Torkelson and flute pedagogy and performance from Prof. Dominique Cawley.
​
Since moving to Des Moines in 2019, has become an integral leader in the Des Moines community. She is passionate about promoting music education and helping people develop into lifelong musicians.
Gary Goudelock
Piano, Trombone, Euphonium, Guitar, Bass Guitar
BA in Music - Oklahoma State University
​
Gary Goudelock holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and German from Oklahoma State University. While at Oklahoma State, Gary played trombone and euphonium with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, OSU Symphony, Jazz Band, the Cowboy Marching Band, and Trombone Ensemble, and sang in the
University Singers chorale. Gary was also the President of the Delta Tau chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and through his performance and teaching seeks to further the cause of music in America in accordance with the fraternity’s purposes.
​
Prior to attending Oklahoma State, Gary began his musical education in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. While attending Broken Arrow, Gary was principal trombone in the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, section leader in the Pride of Broken Arrow marching band, and lead trombone in both jazz bands and
orchestral pits for school and community musical theater productions. Gary was selected for inclusion in many all-district and all-state ensembles, including selection as principal Euphonium in the OkMEA All-State Honor Band.
Gary first came to Iowa from Oklahoma in order to play baritone with the Cedar Rapids-based Nite Express Drum and Bugle Corps. Since moving to Iowa to attend Drake Law School, Gary has played trombone, euphonium, guitar, and bass with many different community and church ensembles, as well as big bands and a Country-Rock cover band. Gary recently played bass in his return to the pit orchestra with the Tallgrass Theater Company’s Cloris-award-nominated production of Pippin (bass) and is looking forward to playing in more pit orchestras for local theater companies.
Outside of music, Gary is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Des Moines and enjoys board games, bowling, and cheering in vain for his (mostly-ill-fated) favorite sports teams.
Max Fazio
Piano
Mobile Music Lessons Pedagogical Training & Applied Experience
​
Max Fazio has been studying and performing piano for over eight years and has performed in numerous recitals, as well as at the Des Moines Area Piano Festival. Throughout that time, Max has developed both a strong technical foundation and a genuine passion for classical music.
With experience as a peer tutor and as the oldest of five siblings, Max works especially well with young people and enjoys helping others grow in their skills and confidence on the piano. He is excited to share his joy of music with his students.
Angela Gust
Piano, Voice
BM in Music - Drake University
MM in Music - Boston Conservatory
​
Angela attended Drake University and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee School of Music, where she completed a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance and a master of music degree in vocal pedagogy, respectively. She has performed in multiple recitals and productions at Drake and the Boston Conservatory, including singing the role of the Secretary in the Boston Conservatory’s 2019 production of Menotti's The Consul.
Outside of her performing ventures, she has also taught voice and piano lessons to young students as well as served as a music director for Catholic masses with the Boston University Catholic
student center. Angela looks forward to sharing her love of music with young musicians and develop her pedagogical skills.
Campbell Helton
Piano and Violin
BM in Piano Performance/Composition, Violin Emphasis - Utah State University (In Progress)
​​​
Campbell Helton is in her third year at Utah State University double majoring in a bachelor of music in piano performance and a bachelor of arts in composition with a violin emphasis.
As an accomplished pianist and violinist, Campbell has soloed with the Des Moines and Ottumwa Symphonies as a piano and violin concerto competition winner, and played in masterclasses with Jeremy Denk, Nikolai Lugansky, Kevin Zhu, the Viano Quartet, the Dover Quartet, and the Fry Street Quartet. She has attended Brevard Music Center and Stringwood Chamber summer festivals. She currently studies piano with Dr. Sasha Kasman Laude and violin with Rebecca McFaul. As a composer, Campbell has workshopped with Gabriela Lena Frank, Alyssa Weinberg, Melinda Wagner, Katherine Balch, Anthony Cheung, and Laura Kaminsky.
In 2025, she won first place in UMTA’s Composition Competition and attended Yellow Barn’s Young Artist Program in Vermont. Her works have been featured at the LunART all-women Composer’s Hub, the Iowa Composer’s Forum Festival of New Music, and the Evergreen and Oak Trio’s Call for Scores tour. Campbell is also a songwriter, with an original EP and single released on all streaming platforms.
As a collegiate member of Utah Music Teachers Association (UMTA), Campbell is a passionate private piano, violin, and composition instructor. She believes that music is for learners of all ages and can positively influence all aspects of life. She is a fierce advocate for her students, embracing everyone individually and celebrating diverse learning needs.
Seth Marshall
Trumpet, Euphonium
MM in Trumpet Performance - Illinois State University
BM in Trumpet Performance - Missouri Southern State University
​
Seth Marshall graduated with a masters in trumpet performance at Illinois State University and studied closely with Dr. Anne McNamara. While at Illinois State University, Seth was a graduate assistant in the band area, requiring him to rehearse with Big Red Marching Machine, pep bands, and conduct University Band, Symphonic Winds, and assist with Symphonic Band. Seth was a member of the Illinois State Wind Symphony for two years and also took outside opportunities to teach local marching bands, including the Normal, Illinois Unit 5 Marching Band. He served on staff at Morton High School which regularly attends BOA events and receives high remarks. During his time at Illinois State, Seth was accepted as a fellow for the Mostly Modern Festival (MMF) in Saratoga Springs, New York, as well.
Before arriving at Illinois State, Seth attended Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), studying with Mr. Freddie Green, where he received a bachelor’s in music performance. During his time at MSSU, Seth took as many performance opportunities as possible, performing as principal trumpet for the Heartland Opera Company and playing various operas through the course
of his time spent at MSSU. Seth has also had the opportunity to perform at the National Trumpet Competition as a soloist, joined the Lake Taneycomo festival orchestra for summer of 2020, and
spent two years marching mellophone with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, gaining knowledge in visual, musical, and rehearsal skills that can be used in all situations of music. In addition to his avid performing, Seth has had various opportunities to conduct the MSSU Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, as well.
Seth is excited to announce that he will be attending Indiana University in the Fall of 2023 for a Doctorate in Music in Literature/Performance and will study with Dr. Jason Bergman. His goals are to become a professor of trumpet at a college university while maintaining status as a performer and recitalist, presenting masterclasses on various subjects and doing research on
various topics related to trumpet performance, pedagogy, and other diverse subjects.
Nick Meyer
Cello
BA in Music and Political Science - Drake University
Nick Meyer graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music (focusing on cello) and in Political Science. While at Drake, Nick studied cello under Dr. Ashley Sidon and participated in the Drake Orchestra, Drake Cello Choir and numerous chamber ensembles. Outside of music, Nick works full time at a public relations firm in Des Moines. He is excited to teach and share his joy of music with Mobile Music Lessons students.
Adam Pandian
Piano, Cello
BA in Music Education (in progress) - Colorado College
Adam Pandian has been playing piano for eight years, and is studying Music Education at Colorado College. He also plays the cello and sings. He enjoys composing, songwriting, and production. Adam's teaching experience spans music, and also sports, as a snow sports instructor and coach. He also taught improvisation and organized a club for it, as it is a skill he values highly in music. He is excited to share his passion through music instruction.
Carrie Siepel
Piano
BS in Business - Iowa State University
BA in Clarinet Performance - Northeastern Illinois University
Carrie made a “return to music” after several years in the business world by getting her degree in Clarinet Performance and secondary studies in Piano. While living in Illinois, Carrie taught privately for over 20 years, as well as playing in multiple orchestras, bands and musicals. Since moving back to Iowa, she is an active member of the Thornwood Clarinet Quartet, Plymouth Church Orchestra, Central Iowa Wind Ensemble and the Des Moines Community Orchestra.
For her piano students, Carrie understands for most, piano is just one part of their activities. Students dance, play sports, study, work and socialize, in addition to piano lessons. She takes the activities of each student into account and strives to make piano a fun and worthwhile endeavor to promote a life long love of music and playing.
For her clarinet players, as a native of the Des Moines area, Carrie understands the expectations of the band programs in area. Her goal is to help young clarinetists to be confident and prepared for school band activities. She loves helping students who are just getting started all the way up through marching band, solo contests, All-State and college scholarships auditions. Carrie wants to help each student play their best and reach the goals they desire.
Matthew Soeghay
Piano
BM in Piano Performance - Iowa State University
MM in Piano Performance - Bowling Green State University
Matthew Soeghay is an accomplished pianist and Des Moines-based piano teacher. He earned his bachelor of music degree in piano performance at Iowa State University and his master of music degree in piano performance at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Matthew has taught piano and accompanied other musicians since his undergraduate years, and he enjoys seeing them grow. Matthew believes in hard work, discipline and passion, and he is excited to be a part of the Mobile Music Lessons faculty.
Elaina Steenson
Piano, Violin, Viola, Ukulele
BM in Viola Performance - Drake University
Elaina Steenson graduated in 2017 from Drake University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance and Music Business. She studied piano as a secondary instrument and has minors in Business Studies and French Language & Culture. She has been teaching violin and viola for the past seven years.
Her honors thesis focused on music therapy in the correctional setting as a means for prisoner reform, which led her to pursue a law degree from Drake University Law School. In her free time, she enjoys playing for weddings, churches and other events with her band and musical collaboration ClearJoy Music (clearjoymusic.com).
Natalie Steenson
Piano, Ukulele
BA in Music & Religion - Coe College
​​
Natalie has taught private lessons for 15 years. She is a trained early childhood educator and has taught early childhood music classes for over 20 years, and currently is teaching at the Montessori Children’s House in West Des Moines. She is the Director of Music and Arts Ministry at Windsor Presbyterian Church and director of a community arts initiative called ArtHouse Des Moines at Windsor Presbyterian Church. Through ArtHouse she hosts a free monthly ukulele choir and oversees other art programming.
She is active in the community, regularly teaching ukulele classes at the North Side Library, singing with the Des Moines Choral Society, and offering music, movement and musical storytelling workshops for children and adults through Cultureall and ASAP (After School Arts Programming). Natalie was also a children’s choir director with Iowa Youth Chorus for eight years. Natalie currently serves on the Board for the Des Moines Choral Society and Zenith Chamber Music Festival. Natalie is married and has 2 grown musical daughters, and often performs together with her family.
