Music Lessons in Grand Forks, ND
Popplers Music offers a semester-based music lesson program in Grand Forks featuring weekly, 30-minute lessons. 60-minute lessons are available upon request. Our semesters loosely follow our public school calendar, although the number of weeks per semester will vary. Students may join the music lessons program at any point in time. The fall and spring semesters will feature a recital to cap off the season, and while it is optional, it is highly encouraged to participate! Lesson fees are determined by each teacher, ranging between $20 and $40/half hour and all music lessons occur during regular store hours. Please contact the store for further details!
Our Lesson Instructors
Ana Papashvili (Violin / Viola) Since August 2024
Ana Papashvili was born and raised in the country of Georgia. It is a very traditional country with an old history and culture. She attended college at Tbilisi state Conservatoire for a Bachelor of violin and then a Bachelor of Viola. Currently, she is a Graduate assistant at UND and is pursuing a Master’s in Viola. Outside of music, Ana enjoys having fun with her family. A fun fact about Ana is that she likes eating watermelon with cheese!
Accepting 1 more Viola student
Accepting 1 more Violin student
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Andrea Cordova (Violin) since February 2026
Andrea Cordova, originally from Honduras, is a dedicated cellist and string educator with teaching experience since 2016. She is completing her Master’s in Music Performance at UND and has coached low strings for the Northern Valley Youth Orchestras and the All‑State Orchestra. Andrea has also performed in concerts featuring internationally renowned artists such as Maxim Vengerov. She brings a supportive, technique‑focused approach to help students build confidence, strong fundamentals, and a genuine love for music‑making.
Accepting 6 more Violin students
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Angela Erickson (Piano) since February 2016
Angela grew up in Christine, ND where she took 11 years of private piano lessons from an amazing teacher. Angela attended the University of North Dakota, earning her degree in education. Angela has been with Popplers Music for 8 years. Angela teaches beginner/intermediate piano, ages Kindergarten to 18.
Outside of her piano life, Angela enjoys reading fiction, watching all the movies and tv shows, playing with her 3 year old son and organizing/decorating. A fun and random fact about Angela is she was on the news the day she was born!
No available lessons
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Angelina Masotti (Violin) Since December 2025
Hi! My name is Angelina and I am from Newfield, a small town in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I am studying Commercial Aviation and Music at UND, and am planning on graduating in 2029. My primary instruments include violin, flute, piccolo, and voice. I love to sing and write music, and am in several bands! Outside of music and flying, I really love to crochet, play board games, ice skate, and cook. You can also find me in the repair shop working on orchestral string instruments!
No available lessons
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Arthur Castro (Piano) since 2024
Arthur Castro is a Brazilian pianist who began his studies in 2014, at the Federal School of Music of Belém, in the state of Pará. In 2022, he graduated from his bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the Carlos Gomes State Institute. During this period, he worked as a piano teacher and participated as a soloist in various cultural events in Brazil, such as music festivals and national piano competitions. Arthur recently graduated in the Piano Performance master degree course at the University of North Dakota. Currently, Arthur works as a piano teacher, collaborator pianist and church organist, and teaches from beginners to advanced students of all ages!
Accepting 13 more Piano students
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Chris HarriSon (Trumpet) since November 2024
Chris HarriSon is a senior Trumpet music major at UND and will be graduating in May 2025. He went to high school in Glenburn, ND but has lived in other states such as Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa before moving to North Dakota. Outside of music, Chris likes to lift weights, watch TV, and hang out with friends. A fun fact about Chris is that both of his parents are pastors.
Accepting 20 more Trumpet students
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Devon Tucker (Bassoon/Oboe) Since September 2025
Devon is from Wadena, MN, and completed his degree in Music Education at North Dakota State University in 2015, followed by a Master of Arts in Music at the University of Mary in 2023. In his free time, Devon enjoys playing volleyball, following UND Hockey, and spending quality time with family and friends, including his twin sister.
No available lessons
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Dr. Austin Winger (Percussion / Ukulele / Guitar / Piano) since July 2024
Austin grew up in Grand Forks, ND. He studied at the University of North Dakota, where he graduated with a PhD in Instructional Design & Technology (Education), 2016, and a BA in Psychology & Entrepreneurship, 2011.
He has studied drums/percussion & piano since 1998; music and fine arts have been a lifelong passion for him. He started playing guitar & ukulele in 2009 and strives to continue adding instruments to his repertoire. Austin is extremely grateful for all his wonderful music teachers through the years, particularly Mike Blake, who has been his drum/percussion mentor for since 2000. 🥁😊
Along with performing, teaching, composing, recording, and listening to music, Austin also enjoys basketball, baseball, video games, cooking, painting, reading, writing, comedy shows, and time with family, friends, and puppies. 🐶
Fun Fact: The Gerudo Valley song from Legend of Zelda is his favorite melody (possibly of all time). Video game music is catchy, fun, and oftentimes very well-arranged! 🎶 😊🎹🎸🥁
No available lessons
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Emily Burg (Clarinet) Since February 2026
Hi! Im Emily, a sophomore at the University of North Dakota pursuiong a degree in Music Education, with plans to graduate in spring of 2028. I grew up in Williston, ND, and clarinet is my primary instrument. I enjoy teaching students of all levels, from beginners to high school musicians, helping them build skills, confidence, and a love of music.
Outside of music, I love to line dance and swing dance, anything with a good beat! Fun fact: I enjoy learning new instruments and am self-taught on several of the ones I currently play, which helps me relate to students exploring their own musical journey.
Accepting 19 more Clarinet students
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Evelynn McDowell (Beginning Piano) Since April 2026
I grew up traveling across the United States, Italy, and Japan because of my dad’s work in the Navy, which gave me a really diverse upbringing and a love for different cultures. I started piano lessons in late elementary school with a Japanese instructor, and I’ve continued studying piano through moves in New York and Kansas. I’m currently a music student at the University of North Dakota, where I’m majoring in Music and minoring in English. Outside of music, I’m really passionate about writing. I’m working on four books in progress, ranging from 20,000–50,000 words, and I’ve also had a few short stories published in small online indie magazines. A fun fact about me is that I used to want to own a bakery, and I still love baking from scratch—everything from cheesecake and macarons to fruit breads and cake pops.
No available lessons
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Isaac Anderson (Saxophone / Clarinet) Since July 2024
Isaac grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota. He is currently studying saxophone performance at the University of North Dakota and will graduate in spring 2026. Aside from saxophone, he has spent time learning clarinet and also enjoys acting in UND theater productions as a theater minor. Outside of the arts, Isaac enjoys playing video games (Xenoblade Chronicles is a favorite), playing chess, and sleeping. He also owns both an alto clarinet and a sopranino saxophone!
Accepting 1 more Clarinet student
Accepting 1 more Saxophone student
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James Flores (Guitar) Since January 2022
James comes to us from the Lone Star State, specifically Corpus Christi, Texas. He moved to Grand Forks at the age of 10 and currently attends the University of North Dakota, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music with an emphasis in guitar. When James isn’t studying, you can find him exercising, playing video games, or watching movies. Because of Mick Jagger’s incredible longevity, James has been able to see one of his favorite bands live in concert three times!
No available lessons
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Jonas Fisher (Piano) Since August 2022
Jonas comes to us from Warroad, MN. He holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of North Dakota and a master’s degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, as well as a Professional Studies Certificate in Technology and Applied Composition. Besides playing piano, he enjoys riding bike, hiking, drinking tea, and spending time with friends and family, especially as proud uncle Jonas to his seven nieces and nephews. At the ripe age of 18, on his birthday no less, Jonas was a featured presenter at the 2015 Grand Forks TEDx event!
No available lessons
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Jonathan Mayo (Voice/Piano) Since July 2024
Jonathan Mayo was born and raised in northwest Houston, TX and is currently teaching elementary music in Grand Forks Public Schools. He graduated in 2015 with a bachelors in music from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It was there where he studied voice, piano, music education, and church music. Jonathan will be going into his 11th year of teaching and has taught choir at the elementary and secondary level, piano, guitar, music tech, and music theater. Apart from music, Jonathan is an avid runner, board gamer, and dad.
No available lessons
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Kétina François (Voice / Piano / Double Bass) Since September 2023
Hi! I’m Ketina Francois, a Senior at the University of North Dakota, born and raised in Bismarck, ND. Triple majoring in Music Education, Spanish, and Global Studies, I’m not only dedicated to my studies but also to my musical talents, proficient in piano, double bass, and vocals. Beyond the world of music, I enjoy bike rides and quality time with friends, and here’s a fun fact – I studied abroad in Spain last semester!
No available lessons
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Leticia Tzab (Cello / Violin) since February 2026
I am originally from Mérida, Mexico, a city known for its rich cultural and culinary traditions and its strong connection to Mayan heritage. Growing up in this environment influenced my musical development, particularly through exposure to regional folklore such as the Jarana.
I studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where I graduated in 2018. In 2019, I was awarded a scholarship to study abroad at Chengdu University in China, an experience that expanded my musical and cultural perspective.
Outside of music, I enjoy traveling, visiting museums, attending concerts and ballet performances, taking long walks, and exploring different types of cuisine. Fun facts about me:
-I love pets!
-I speak four languages: Spanish, English, German, and Mandarin Chinese.
-I enjoyed to play the Cello in the German-Nordic Youth Philharmonic by passing the audition in 2010.
Accepting 5 more Cello students
Accepting 5 more Violin students
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Maria Draper (Voice) since May 2025
Maria has lived in North Dakota for about 10 years (living on both sides of the state), originally coming from Southwest Minnesota and Eastern Washington State before that. She graduated from UND with a degree in Music Education in 2019 where she studied voice, choir, and opera! She then got her masters degree in Teaching and Leadership also from UND in 2024. She is currently the music teacher in Emerado, ND.
Outside of music Maria is a busy mom and loves to play with her two boys! She also loves to bake bread, scrapbook, journal, crochet, and draw! Fun fact: Maria is a multi-instrumentalist! In addition to singing, she plays piano, guitar, ukulele, and almost every band instrument you can think of! Her favorite non-voice instrument is the tuba, which she has played since High School! (Which is quite a funny fact if you consider that she is only 5 feet tall!)
No available lessons
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Mark Nelson (Trumpet) since January 2026
Mark Nelson has been performing as the principal trumpet of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra since 2012. He has also played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony Orchestra and various other groups. His music background includes orchestral, chamber, broadway and solo playing.
No available lessons
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Mary Ann Crow (Voice / Piano) Since July 2022
Mary Ann grew up in Bottineau, ND, as well as Lake Metigoshe, just a short drive from International Music Camp. Lucky her! After studying opera and choral music, piano performance, and German language at both Minot State University and Universität Konstanz in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 1990. When she’s not teaching, Mary Ann enjoys quilting, sewing, reading, watching films, cooking, baking, and traveling. In addition to playing in church since the age of 12, she also says, “Ich kann Deutsch!” “I can speak German!” Mary Ann enjoys teaching piano to eager students from ages 9-adult, all levels. For voice lessons, she works best with altos and sopranos, especially with teens who are serious about earning a star at state competition. Operatic arias in several languages are her forte as well as traditional church music.
No available lessons
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Maya Zepeda (Composition / Music Production / Music Theory / Bass Clarinet / Clarinet) since August 2025
Maya grew up in Minot, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot High in 2020. She received her bachelor of arts in music from UND in 2024, where she studied bass clarinet, clarinet, bassoon, composition, and music technology. Maya is currently pursuing her master’s in composition from UND, and continues to play clarinet and bass clarinet in the community. Outside of music, Maya enjoys playing tennis, D&D, and video games, as well as painting her nails. She has over 100 different bottles of nail polish!
Accepting 6 more Bass Clarinet students
Accepting 6 more Clarinet students
Accepting 6 more Composition students
Accepting 6 more Music Production students
Accepting 6 more Music Theory students
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Megan Johnson (Piano) since April 2025
Megan Johnson grew up in Santa Barbara, California, where she spent ten years studying and teaching piano and music theory with her own instructor. Each year, she prepared for the California Music Teacher’s Association Certificate of Merit program, which significantly influenced her classical training. Over time, she gained plenty of performance experience, notably playing ten memorized pieces for judges as part of the National Guild Program.
Megan is a lifelong learner and has many diverse interests. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Minot State University in 2016 and completed her Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University in 2025. A fun fact about Megan: she was a three-time Junior Olympian finalist with her high school volleyball team!
Her husband’s military career has taken their family all over the country, leading to some pretty exciting adventures along the way. When she’s not teaching, you’ll probably find her working out at the gym or chasing after her two busy kids!
No available lessons
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Michele Peterson (Piano) since May 2025
Michele teaches piano lessons to young beginners . She is a church piano and organ accompanist. She completed a Certificate in Piano Pedagogy through Valley State University. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Bachelor of Science in English Teaching and completed a Masters Degree in Educational Development at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She is the mother of 5 children, who played piano, participate (and have participated) in band, choral and orchestral elementary, middle, high school and university music programs.
She and her husband operate an independent, medical services business where she does bookkeeping and scheduling. In her free time, she reads, attends music events, quilts and is an avid runner.
No available lessons
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Mitchell Berger (Guitar / Flute) since May 2025
Mitchell Berger grew up in Roseau, Minnesota, where he initially started playing flute and jazz guitar and continues to return to teach volunteer lessons to students in the wind ensemble program. Currently, Mitchell is a junior Music Education major at the University of North Dakota, graduating in Spring 2027, where he studies flute under Dr. Lisa Bost-Sandberg and plays guitar in the One O’Clock Jazz Big Band. Mitchell also is experienced in alto and bass flute, working heavily with jazz influenced improvisation in several aspects of his playing. Outside of music Mitchell is a board game hobbyist, and his favorite board games are Root and Ark Nova. Two fun facts about Mitchell, he is an experimental flutist who works with electric flute (or flute through a microphone with effects pedals), and he has also made several wooden flutes.
Accepting 2 more Flute students
Accepting 2 more Guitar students
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Rachel Bringle (Flute / Piccolo) Since September 2025
Rachel is originally from Madison, MN, and graduated in May 2025 from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, with a degree in Music Education and a minor in Spanish. Their love of learning extends beyond the classroom. They enjoy exercising, especially weightlifting, and teaching themself new skills, such as crocheting. At home, they spend time with their cat, Minerva.
Rachel is passionate about languages and culture. They speak Spanish and have traveled to Panama, Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela, visiting Venezuela three times. They teach beginners to intermediate flutists of any age in both English and Spanish.
No available lessons
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Ruth Ann Tuseth (Organ) since May 2025
Ruth Ann Tuseth brings decades of experience as a music educator, conductor, and church musician. She served for 24 years as principal organist and chancel choir director at First Presbyterian Church, where she continues to play organ for the traditional worship service. She also leads the Sing and Ring children’s music program at United Lutheran Church and has directed Canto Voce, a local youth choir, since 2007.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Tuseth has taught music at multiple elementary schools in Grand Forks, including Ben Franklin, Lake Agassiz, Lewis and Clark, and Winship, and she served as a K–12 vocal music specialist in Thompson, North Dakota. She has received training in the Metropolitan Opera’s “Creating Original Opera” program, through which she helped children bring several original productions to life.
Mrs. Tuseth holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Iowa and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Dakota.
Accepting 2 more Organ students
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Shelley Bares (Flute / Piano / Voice) Since August 2016
Shelley grew up in Grand Forks and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and vocal pedagogy from UND in 1976. She completed her master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas in 2001. Shelley plays flute and piccolo in the Grand Forks City Band and directs the Senior Choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks. Outside of her music life, Shelley enjoys gardening, time with her kids and grandkids, and being at the lake. In college, Shelley spent two summers studying abroad in Norway!
No available lessons
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Stephanie Britton (Trombone / Euphonium / Baritone / Tuba) since February 2025
Stephanie teaches trombone, euphonium, baritone, and tuba lessons. She works in the Band and Orchestra Department at Popplers part-time, where she assists customers with instrument rentals and accessories. Full-time, she serves as an elementary autism resource teacher with Grand Forks Public Schools, supporting students with a range of learning needs. With six years of experience as a K–12 band, choir, and elementary music teacher, she brings a student-centered, adaptable approach to every lesson. Her focus is on building strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for playing. Whether students are just starting out or advancing their skills, she is here to help them grow as musicians.
Accepting 3 more Baritone students
Accepting 3 more Euphonium students
Accepting 3 more Trombone students
Accepting 3 more Tuba students
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Sydney Crockett (Piano) Since August 2022
Sydney grew up in Langdon, ND and currently attends the University of North Dakota, where she is studying piano performance. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2025 and then pursue a master’s degree in pedagogy. In addition to playing piano, Sydney also enjoys playing flute, violin, cello, and singing! Outside of music, she enjoys baking, hanging out with family and friends, and interior decorating. She is also a huge hockey fan. During the hockey season, you can find her in the student section at the Ralph cheering on UND, while also keeping an eye up north on her favorite NHL team, the Winnipeg Jets!
No available lessons
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Tyler York (Horn) Since June 2021
Tyler spent part of his childhood moving from town to town in northwest Minnesota, eventually going to high school and graduating from May-Port CG in Mayville, ND. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of North Dakota in 2006. Tyler is also one of the repair technicians here at Popplers!
No available lessons
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Victor Chukwu (Cello) Since July 2024
Victor grew up in Anambra State, Nigeria. He earned a degree in Biochemistry from Abia State College of Education in 2014. Later, he pursued a B.A. in African Music at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and graduated in 2018. In his free time, he enjoys outdoor adventures (hiking, kayaking, horseback riding), and watching movies.
No available lessons
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Victor Chukwuezi (Piano) since April 2025
Victor Ikenna Chukwuezi is a passionate pianist from Nigeria, known for his and dedication to musical growth. He began his formal training in piano performance at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), where he laid a strong foundation in classical music and performance technique. He is currently pursuing a degree in Piano Performance at the University of North Dakota (UND), He has a deep love for learning new music and continually explores diverse styles and repertoires, enriching both his artistry and technical mastery.
In addition to performing, he finds great joy in teaching and mentoring others, helping fellow musicians grow and discover their own voices. His approach to music education is rooted in patience, encouragement, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
Outside the world of music, he enjoys playing football, a pursuit that reflects his energetic spirit and love for teamwork. Whether on stage, in the practice room, or in the classroom, Victor brings passion, empathy, and excellence to everything he does.
Accepting 4 more Piano students
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