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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Angela Gust
Piano, Voice
BM in Music - Drake University
MM in Music - Boston Conservatory
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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.
Petya Haralanova
Piano
BM in Music Business - Drake University (in progress)
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Petya Haralanova was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, where her passion for the arts blossomed at an early age. She trained in ballet, sang with the National Bulgarian Choir, and even performed a piano piece on national television. Immersed in various artistic pursuits, her journey took a new direction when she moved to the USA at 13. There, she joined the Symphonic band and Jazz Band, deepening her focus on music. She quickly excelled, performing for the Bulgarian community in the Chicago area and becoming the youngest member of the Bulgarian Arts Center.
In high school, Petya began teaching music, a role that would become her lifelong passion. One of her proudest moments was helping a blind classmate with learning disabilities perform on stage with the Jazz Band for the first time. Since then, she has taught music to students of all ages—from children as young as four to adults—both online and in group settings, guiding them on their musical journeys.
Initially majoring in Piano Performance at Drake University, Petya realized that her true calling was teaching. She switched to Music Business to better align with her goal of sharing music outside the traditional classroom. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes developing a healthy relationship with the piano, instilling discipline, attention to detail, a positive mindset, and realistic goal-setting in her students. Above all, she helps them make music a meaningful part of their lives.
Julisa Heredia
(Spanish Speaking)
Violin and Viola
BM in Music Education - Drake University
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Julisa Heredia studied violin and viola with Sarah Plum and Joyce Beyer at Drake University. Julisa started violin as a fourth grader in the Des Moines Public School District, and she is active as a teacher and performer. Her teaching philosophy is very student-focused. She has a calm demeanor and motivates students to achieve their potential.
Rebekah Hickok
Piano, Flute
BM in Flute Performance - University of Northern Iowa School of Music
Rebekah Hickok holds a Bachelor of Music in flute performance from the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. Her principal teachers were Mary Schneider, Dr. Claudia Anderson, Dr. Angeleita Floyd, and Goran Marcusson.
Rebekah began her musical journey at the age of five studying the piano. At the age of nine, she began studying flute and piccolo. She grew up playing flute and piano in the church as well as various other venues through out North Central Iowa. In 1993, Rebekah was selected as a member of the Iowa All-State Orchestra as well as a participant of the University of Northern Iowa HS Honor Band. In 1994, she was the recipient of the John B. Phillip Sousa Award.
While at UNI, Rebekah participated in various chamber ensembles, wind symphony, orchestra, and the UNI flute choir. She studied piano under Dr. Robin Guy and flute performance under Dr. Claudia Anderson and Dr. Angeleita Floyd. Upon graduation, she moved to Princeton, New Jersey, to further her musical career. In 2001, she was selected as a participant in masterclasses with Bradley Gardner, Julius Baker, Trevor Wye, and Jeanne Baxtresser. In 2018, she was accepted as a performer in masterclasses with Wally Kujala and Goran Marcusson of Sweden. While living out east, she regularly performed in the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra and maintained a robust private student base at both Scranton Music Academy and Endless Music of Tunkhannock, Penn.
Since moving to Des Moines in 2021, Rebekah performs regularly with the Greater Des Moines Community Orchestra as well as an orchestra member of Grace Church in Des Moines. Ms. Hickok is a strong advocate for music education and strives to use standard as well as new techniques to make learning fun. She hopes to instill her love for music into the hearts and minds of each student she works with.
Fei Ma
Voice
DMA in Vocal Performance - University of Minnesota
GPD Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University)
MM Crane music of SUNY (Potsdam)
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Dr. Fei Ma is an adjunct voice faculty at Graceland University and an active performer and stage manager for the University of Minnesota Opera Theatre and Opera company. Dr. Ma has received many awards and has sung in various concert halls and opera theaters. Dr. Ma won the third prize in the International Competition of Belcanto Vincenzo Bellini (Hong Kong, 2009) and the second prize in the Canada International Artist competition. As an active recital singer, Dr. Ma held a recital "Duet in Opera" at National Centre for the Performing Arts (China) and as a soloist in Gabriel Fauré's "Requiem" at Carnegie Hall in 2016. As a choir conductor, she led Jinfan Choir of Beijing, performed Song of Yimeng and sang Jasmine (soloist) in the Wiener Musikverein in 2013. In 2023, Dr. Ma will manage the opera production "One-Log Bridge."
Seth Marshall
Trumpet, Euphonium
MM in Trumpet Performance - Illinois State University
BM in Trumpet Performance - Missouri Southern State University
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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.
Lauren Russell
Violin, Viola, Piano
BA in Music - Gustavus Adolphus College
MM In Viola Performance - Baylor University
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Gustavus Adolphus College. While at Gustavus, she served as principal viola in the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, performed saxophone and viola in jazz combos and big bands, and was a teaching assistant
for piano proficiency courses. Lauren went on to study at Baylor University, where she earned a Master of Music degree in Viola Performance. She performed in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra and chamber ensembles, and worked as a graduate associate to both music education and viola faculty.
During her time at Baylor, Lauren taught a private studio of violin and viola students in the surrounding community. Her teaching style centers around fostering confidence and creativity, giving students the tools and opportunities to make choices in their music. She helps students develop thoughtful practice habits, set short- and long-term goals, build stronger listening skills, and
tell a story through each piece they learn.
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
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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.
