Music Lessons in Sioux Falls, SD

Audrey Prostrollo Hein Voice and Percussion Instructor

*Audrey will not be offering lessons during the Spring 2026 semester, but will be teaching again in the Summer. Feel free to reach out with interest for Summer or Fall 2026!

Audrey Prostrollo Hein is an aspiring creative based in Sioux Falls, SD. She is currently a student at the University of Sioux Falls, where she has studied Communication Studies & Theatre, Theology & Biblical Studies, and Music Ministry. She has always been a passionate performer, and knew from early on that her career would involve performing. Audrey has been teaching vocal & theatre classes as well as private voice & percussion lessons since she was in high school, and is very excited to sing and play with new students at Popplers!

Audrey’s performance experience includes a wide range of mediums. She is an accomplished musical theatre performer, having performed throughout high school as well as at the University of Sioux Falls. Most recently, you may have seen her on stage with Lights Up Productions, a Christian musical theatre company based in Sioux Falls. Audrey also has experience as a classical soloist (mezzo-soprano), choral singer, and contemporary worship leader. As a percussionist, Audrey has performed with SuFuDu (snare and bass drum), Groove Pursuit (marimba and vibraphone), as well as a variety of jazz, concert, marching, and percussion ensembles throughout high school and college. She has been awarded many honors as a solo percussionist, including several solo and ensemble superior region music ratings, selection to Honor Bands, as well as selection to SD All State Orchestra (mallets) and SD All State Jazz Band (vibraphone). She has worked on the instructional percussion staff for the West Lyon HS Wildcat Marching Band and the SF Washington HS Warrior Marching Band.

Audrey is a devout follower of Jesus, and believes that we are given the gifts of creativity because we are made in the image of a creative God. Therefore, to pursue creativity and hone these gifts is to learn something about Him and draw nearer to our Heavenly Father. Audrey and her husband, Jacob (who met while playing in drumline together), enjoy pursuing music and creative endeavors together, along with their dog, Rajah. She is very excited to get to know you and your student, and wishes blessings upon all who pursue the gift that is music!

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Bella Kumagai Piano Instructor

Born and raised in Brazil, Bella moved to the US in 2019 to study at University of North Dakota, where she got her Master’s Degree in Music.
She has been teaching private piano lessons for 11 years. Besides that, she teaches at Augustana University, and is a choir accompanist/band director at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church.

Bella has been a soloist with symphony orchestras both in Brazil and the United States, and has won 1st prize in 12 Piano Competitions. Bella has participated in several music festivals, workshops, competitions, concerts and masterclasses to enhance her abilities as a pianist and a teacher.

When she is not working, she likes to spend time with her kids Maya and Luca, and her husband Matt. Her favorite place is Chapada dos Veadeiros in Brazil, and she loves eating desserts (particularly Crumbl Cookies) and playing duets with Matt when they have the time (the latter rarely happens with two young kids!)

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Bobby Gripp Drum Instructor

Bobby Gripp is a native of Sioux City, IA and currently lives in Sioux Falls, SD. He has been playing music professionally for over 35 years. He has had the pleasure of working with both the areas top musicians and also national artists in a variety of ensembles including ‘Dakota Jazz Collective’, ‘Jonathan Kelly Trio‘, ‘ Studio B. Jazz’ and his own group “Jazzed”. Gripp is also an original member of the Jazz Diversity Project – a highly regarded music education program presented to schools throughout the state of South Dakota and has been a drum and percussion instructor for over 30 years. He is a three-time inductee to the South Dakota Music Association’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Accepting 6 more Drums students

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Carolina Rodriguez de Armas Cello instructor

Carolina Rodriguez de Armas, based in Vermillion, SD, is a passionate musician and instructor who loves working in different ensembles and projects covering a broad range of music from early to contemporary, folk, and jazz. Originally from La Habana, Cuba, she earned her Master of Music’s degree in Cello Performance at the University of South Dakota, under the tutelage of Dr. Sonja Kraus. Carolina served as the Principal Cellist of the USD Symphony Orchestra, as well as a member of the USD Chamber Orchestra. She performed in April of 2024 the first movement of Dmitri Shostakovich’s cello concerto no. 1 in E-flat major with the USD Symphony Orchestra as one of the winners of the USD Concerto Aria Competition. Additionally she was awarded a Fellowship in the 2024 FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy where she received masterclasses from Dr. Jonathan Ruck and Dr. Thomas Loewenheim and performed Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 7 with the FOOSA Philharmonic at the renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the William Saroyan Theater in Downtown Fresno.

Carolina received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Arts in Cuba as a student of Gladys Lo. Her experience in chamber and symphony orchestras include the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Havana Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Daiana García, Música Eterna Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Guido López Gavilán, the Havana Lyceum Orchestra, and Ars Longa Early Music Ensemble, where she also played viola da gamba and violone. Carolina was part of the Cuban European Academy founded by Thomas Hengelbrock and the Balthasar Neumann Academy in Germany, where she received cello and chamber music master classes from members of the Balthasar Neumann Orchestra, such as Christoph Dangel and Pablo de Pedro. This project also offered her the opportunity of completing a post graduate course in Music Historically Informed. Carolina has participated in national and international festivals such as the Dali Quartet Festival, Habana Clásica, Artes de Cuba Festival at Kennedy Center, Havana Jazz Plaza Festival and Havana Contemporary Music Festival.

She currently serves as a substitute for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and is also an active member of the Chiaroscuro Cello Quartet and Ensemble Zusammen, both chamber music ensembles consisting of cellists and bassists from the University of South Dakota.

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Accepting 9 more Cello students

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Elizabeth Feltes Voice and Piano Instructor

Elizabeth (Beth) Feltes, of Sioux Falls, SD, is a classically trained Soprano. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2005. As a Soprano soloist, Elizabeth has performed extensively at senior living communities, churches, funerals, competitions, and family events. She has been teaching piano and voice lessons for 10 years (www.elizabethfeltes.weebly.com). In 2019 Elizabeth competed in the Eisteddfod at the North American Festival of Wales and received the top prize in the Semi-Professional Solo Voice category which included a scholarship to travel to Wales to compete in the Eisteddfod there. In 2022 (after a delay caused by COVID), she finally got to travel to Wales and compete. Playing piano and singing are two of Beth’s favorite things to do! Beth loves musical theater and, in 2016, portrayed Mary in a stage performance of “Mary Poppins.” In 2022, she was the Music Director for The Premiere Playhouse’s production of Mary Poppins Jr. Beth has been the Children’s Choir director at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church for the past 6 years. In 2023, Beth started The Sioux Falls Homeschool Choir (www.sfhomeschoolchoir.mymusicstaff.com) and she is thrilled to continue to give kids ages 4-18 an opportunity to grow their choral singing skills. Elizabeth currently resides in Sioux Falls with her husband and 3 young children.

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Grace Goeller Cello Instructor

Grace Goeller, originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a student at the University of South Dakota studying Cello Performance with Dr. Sonja Kraus. At USD, Grace has been a member of the USD Chamber Orchestra, the USD Symphony Orchestra (where she served as Assistant Principal in 2024 and Co-Principal in 2025), Ensemble Zusammen, the USD Opera Orchestra, and the Cherry St. Quartet. In the spring of 2024, Grace became the cellist for the Belle Piano Trio under the mentorship of members of the esteemed Rawlins Piano Trio. Outside of USD, Grace has performed with the Christmas at the Cathedral Orchestra, the Cherokee Symphony Orchestra, and as a chamber musician for the Candlelight Concert series in Sioux Falls. Grace has also participated in various international music festivals, including Cello Fresno and the Fresno Summer Orchestra and Opera Academy (FOOSA), where she performed Mahler’s 7th Symphony at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, California. In 2022, Grace was a finalist for USD’s Concerto Aria Competition, where she performed the first movement of the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1. Grace was also the winner of the 2022 and 2024 SDMTA Competition in the Collegiate Strings category.

In addition to her work as a performer, Grace is a passionate educator and is working to expand her private teaching studio in Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. In Fall 2025, she joined the Sioux Falls Lutheran School music team as a cello teacher, providing private lessons to students as part of their music curriculum. Grace has also worked closely with non-profit music outreach music programs such as the Music Academy @ First (Sioux City, IA) and Harmony South Dakota (Sioux Falls), where she taught private lessons, led rehearsals and classes, and mentored young musicians.

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Accepting 2 more Cello students

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Heather Brenner Piano Instructor

Heather Brenner began playing piano at age 5 in Florida where she was born and raised. She joined band as a trumpet player in 6th grade and continued playing through high school marching band. In college, she attended Florida State University’s School of Music where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Therapy on piano. For about 25 years, Heather has taught private piano lessons, which allowed her to work alongside being a Home School Mom. Heather has participated in singing and playing on worship teams at church her entire adult life. From 2017-2021, Heather was the Music Director at Rapid City Christian School, where she taught 6th-12th grade band and choir, as well as led the student worship team for chapel. After moving to Sioux Falls in 2021, Heather originally taught private piano lessons at Schmitt Music and moved to Popplers in the summer of 2024. She also started and directs the Sioux Falls Home School Band, and then also started the Band Program at Abiding Savior Academy in 2025. In 2017, Heather recorded an album (under the name Heather Goddard) of 12 original songs titled “This is My Life”, which were born from the pains and struggles of her own life. This album is still available on most digital platforms as well as on Youtube. Teaching ages 6 through adult, Heather enjoys sharing her passion of music to others desiring to learn. This involves the dedication of students being wiling to work, but if it isn’t fun then something is wrong. Heather meets students where they are at and works diligently to help them succeed in musicianship and in their overall love of music.

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Jaret Stormo Piano Instructor

Jaret Stormo grew up on a farm just outside of Hayti, SD where he found a life of music at a young age. In junior high and high school at Hamlin, he accompanied choirs and soloists, played in a jazz band, and played for many weddings, funerals, and church services. While obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Music Merchandising at SDSU he performed with the SDSU Statesmen, Concert Choir, Madrigal Dinner, Opera Workshop, musicals, and accompanied fellow students. Jaret continues to play for weddings, funerals, and various events. With over 30 years of piano performance, he is excited to join the Popplers team and share his passion for music with students of all ages.

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Accepting 1 more Piano student

Accepting 1 more Voice student

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Kris Dunlap Flute Instructor

I am a former band director of 20 years, having most recently taught 7-12 Band in Canton for the last 14 years. I have an undergraduate degree in Music education from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and a Masters degree in Instrumental Conducting from Western Michigan University. My primary instrument is flute but I am fluent on all the standard band instruments.
I serve on the SD Music Educators Association Board and have previously chaired the Middle School All State Band event.
Currently, I spend my time substitute teaching, working part time repairing flutes and clarinets at Popplers, and have a small lesson studio. The rest of my time is spent driving my 3 children to all their activities!
Accepting students on any school band instrument Beginner-Intermediate level; on Flute, Beginner – Advanced

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Accepting 3 more Flute students

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Kyle Bergh Drum Instructor

Kyle began his career in music at a very young age and showed a great deal of natural ability, especially in the area of percussion. At the start, playing the drums was the instrument he was most passionate about and showed a great deal of musical potential with because of his natural talent to keep a steady beat. As a young child Kyle used every surface he could find to play rhythms on with his hands but his “real” drum career began at the age of 9 when he started drum lessons. Kyle was young but his love for the instrument encouraged him to learn quickly, starting out, first, on the snare, which, eventually, lead him to learn solely on the drum set. As Kyle became more seasoned with his craft his lessons and playing continued on through high school and his adult life.

Kyle’s whole family was very musical and shared many memories together as they gathered around the piano when “Dad” played. But, Kyle was particularly gifted and had many natural talents. His desire to share music with others began to develop and grew into song-writing when he picked up his mother’s guitar. His love for music took to pen and paper and it was an exciting part of his musical journey. He quickly learned chord structures and became very knowledgeable about the guitar as an instrument. Whether he was playing the drums, his main instrument, the guitar, or the piano, he always enhanced the sound as a whole any way that he could. He performed in multiple talent shows and recitals throughout his middle school and high school careers, backing up singers and guitar players with his creative drumming skills on the drum set, while demonstrating his guitar, vocal, and piano talents, as well.

Throughout his life Kyle was always very involved in his church and lead faithfully on the praise team for years on the drum set. This experience played a huge part in his musical career and musicianship, as well as, in his own personal growth. He was part of a children’s band called “Kid’s Connection” where he lead on the drum set for years and grew into leading songs on the acoustic guitar and singing. Mission work at home and abroad with this band was a vital part of his life as it became clear that sharing music with others was a calling he wold like to pursue more. Kyle is very thankful for all the experiences and opportunities that opened up to him as a musician and a Christian.

In 2000 Kyle’s mother and father opened a private music school/recording studio where he taught snare and drum set to children eager to learn. He acquired some guitar students but his main focus was always on the drums. While in high school Kyle participated in all-state choir, conference band, and competed with drum solos. He earned several placement awards with drum and voice ensembles. When Kyle graduated from high school in 2004 he received the “John Phillip Sousa Award” for excellence in music and performed a song he had written for his fellow classmates at the graduation. He worked hard on developing his craft and attended drum camps at a near-by University during the summers following graduation. He soon thought it best to attend a 2 year music performance school in Iowa.

While studying in college his focus was on the drum, working on the many different styles, but learning piano and music theory, chord development and layering, were all part of his studies. Not only did Kyle take drum lessons as part of his education but he took voice and piano lessons, as well. He sang with the touring concert choir and participated in a small singing ensemble. The opportunities he had to accompany the guitar ensemble on the drum set had a very positive effect on his music career. Although he is self-taught on the the guitar and has a great ear for the piano he understands the theory and composition behind them both. He learned the importance of theory in school but believes that “hearing the music” is an important element to being a well-rounded musician.

Kyle has continued to serve on the praise team throughout his adult life. Drum has always been his first love and main instrument of choice but he has thoroughly enjoyed singing with various groups in the Sioux Falls area. His love for tight harmonies was why he joined the “Sioux Emperians”, a barbershop ensemble, in 2019, and singing tenor for the Sioux Falls Symphony Choir was a lot of fun. Both groups were helpful in keeping him up with music reading and the enjoyment of music overall. Performing on the Levitt stage with an original song is a high-light for his summers and being part of the community. As Kyle reflects back on his life he feels content, fulfilled, and enriched because of his love and passion for music. Sharing the gift of music is a highlight in his younger adult life and he hopes to continue that experience in the years ahead to help future generations become all that they can be through the gift of music.

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Accepting 1 more Drums student

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Leo Taylor Percussion / Drumset / Piano / Music Theory

Leo Taylor began his position as Principal Percussionist of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra in the 2021-2022 season and became the Acting Timpanist in the 2022-2023 season. Additionally, he serves as Principal Timpanist with the West Michigan Symphony, appointed in 2019. He is an avid performer throughout the Sioux Falls community serving as timpanist for First Lutheran Church and percussionist with Christmas at the Cathedral, and more.

He has served/currently serves as an extra timpanist/percussionist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Lakes Area Music Festival, among others.

Leo has performed on Drumset with the SDSO, Luke Carlsen, Capathia Jenkins, Bill Gibson Quartet at the Trio Jazz Club, Beverly Gibson’s Klezmer Consortium and the Sioux Falls Chamber Music Collective, SDSYO’s Camerata, and as a church worship drummer.

He is an instructor of percussion with Augustana University, University of Sioux Falls and also teaches percussion and piano throughout Sioux Falls and Tea. His students have had success being selected for All State band, orchestra, and jazz band, and various Honor Bands.

Leo has instructed the front ensemble for Brandon Valley Indoor Percussion, Groove, Inc., Lincoln High School, and Jefferson High School. He instructed private lessons at Sioux Falls Christian Middle School and has presented percussion master classes to Lincoln High School, O’Gorman High School, and Roosevelt High School. He currently serves as a judge for the Sioux Falls School District Middle School Solo & Ensemble contest.

He has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Jamey Haddad, Cyro Baptista, Michael Ward-Bergeman, Mark O’Connor, Zakir Hussain, Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg, Aldo Lopez-Gavilan, Tessa Lark, and Byron Stripling.

During high school Leo was a part of the Owasso High School Marching Band as a snare drummer where they achieved St. Louis Super Regional Champion and Grand Nationals Finalist. He was the runner up in 2018 of the Modern Snare Drum Competition and was the third-place winner in 2017.

He earned his Master’s in Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University-Chicago College of Performing Arts, Bachelor of Music from DePaul University, and holds a diploma from the Interlochen Arts Academy.

Teaching Philosophy:

I am interested in helping a student achieve their personal best over a course of study with me. Understanding that students learn differently and are all at different ability levels, I take a multi modal approach to assessing how a student can digest material. I want the students to be excited to share about positive experiences they have had during their time while learning with me!

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Accepting 2 more Drums students

Accepting 2 more Music Theory students

Accepting 2 more Piano students

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Marcus Hughes Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

Marcus Hughes, originally of Waseca, MN, is the 5-12 Band Director in Centerville, SD, but resides in Sioux Falls. He received his education from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. While at USD , he studied saxophone with Dr. CJ Kocher, and composition with Dr. Paul Lombardi. He performed in top ensembles (Jazz 1 and Symphonic Band) and was the alto saxophone section leader in The SOUND of USD Marching Band for two years. He has had experience playing alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, and has had the opportunities to play clarinet and bass clarinet when needed during high school and college. He has taught in multiple different avenues including: two years with the Waseca Marching Jays as director of woodwinds and the programs at Washington HS and Whittier MS during his student teaching. He graduated with a degree in Music Education in December 2025.

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Matt Walicke Voice and Piano Instructor

Instructor Matthew Walicke can help you truly find your voice. With training in a wide range of classical and contemporary methods, his lessons help students understand their instrument and its capabilities. He is also accepting piano students.

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Matt Wellert Cello Instructor

Born in Santiago, Chile, Matt Wellert is an avid cellist in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas. While managing the Popplers Piano Department, he also oversees the Popplers Music Artist Series by coordinating events with professional musicians from the surrounding areas. Aspiring to introduce music through culture and diversity, Matt enjoys collaborating with musicians from all backgrounds and all skill levels. He obtains a Masters of Music in Cello Performance from the University of North Dakota, and two degrees from the University of Montana where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Cello Performance, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Criminology.

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Melissa Molstad Piano Instructor

My name is Melissa Molstad. My husband, Tom, and I have been married for 28 years. We live on an acreage NW of Sioux Falls and have 6 grown children, 2 daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. Our home pets include 2 fish in an aquarium and Smudge, the indoor dog. In the summer we garden and in the winter we read a lot of books. We have been a home-school family for 20+ years and we love to learn. Among other things, my husband is a self-taught luthier. He builds and sells ukuleles and guitars (birdwire.net). I have been learning to quilt baby blankets. Piano lessons began for me when I was four years old and continued all the way through college. My piano has been a best friend and companion to me for most of my life: even when I attended college out of state it came along. When I am frustrated or lonely or sad, playing the piano helps. When I need a challenge, I pick a new song to learn. I’m excited to get to know you a little bit and share with you some of what I know about music and the piano. It will be a joy to help you grow and encourage you on your music path however long that path turns out to be.

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Michael VanDeWiele Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele Instructor

Michael VanDeWiele is a instrumental music education graduate of Augustana University currently residing in the Sioux Falls area. Michael has been playing guitar since 2013, focusing on jazz and contemporary music. Notable people Michael studied under during his time at Augustana would be Micah Wetzel and Geoff Gunderson. Michael has performed guitar in the Northlanders Jazz Band, performing across the country of Spain. When not teaching Michael enjoys writing music with his band, gaming, and riding his motorcycle.

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Natalie Sterba Violin and Viola Instructor

Natalie Sterba enjoys an active career as a chamber musician, orchestra member and solo recitalist. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, she trained at the prestigious Omaha Conservatory of Music before she pursued her bachelor’s degree in violin performance at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She subsequently earned a dual master’s degree in violin and viola performance from the University of South Dakota (USD) where she was the teacher of record for several applied violin/viola courses. Her most influential teachers were Dr. Penny Thompson Kruse, Dr. Ioana Galu, and Byron Tauchi. During her master’s degrees at USD, Sterba served as concertmaster and principal violist in the USD Symphony Orchestra. She has been the concertmaster for the USD Opera productions of Alcina (2022), Gianni Schicchi (2023), Suour Angelica (2023), and Notes on Viradot (2024). Sterba also served as concertmaster of Schmeckfest’s production of Jane Eyre (2025). Since 2021, Sterba has served as principal second violin in the USD Chamber Orchestra, the elite string ensemble of the university. Sterba has participated in several international music festivals, including Eastern Music Festival (Greensboro, North Carolina) Brevard Music Center’s Summer Institute, (Brevard, North Carolina), and Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall in New York. In 2022, Sterba was awarded the Majorie Townsley Rawlins Scholarship for outstanding musical and educational work. In 2024, Sterba was awarded the Music Mentor Award for her work with the Pierre Youth Orchestra. She won Second place in the Young Artist Strings in the violin category at the Music Teachers National Association Competition in 2022 at the regional level and was a finalist in the 2021-2022 University of South Dakota Concerto/Aria Competition. Sterba was also selected to present at USD’s IdeaFest conference with “Looking Forward, While Looking Back: Shostakovich’s Creativity Inspired by Human Tragedy and Loss”. Sterba serves as a substitute member of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, and Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, performing frequently with these elite ensembles on violin and viola. Additionally, Sterba performs with Augustana University Bach Collegium, Candlelight Music Series, Curious Music Collective and White Spruce Chamber Players on violin and viola. Outside of private teaching, Sterba serves as the viola coach for Augustana University Orchestra. Beginning in the fall of 2025, Sterba will join the faculty at the University of South Dakota as an Adjunct Professor of Violin and Viola.

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Paul Schilf Low Brass Instructor

Dr. Paul R. Schilf taught for 15 years at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While at Augustana, Schilf served as associate director of bands and professor of music education. He conducted the Augustana Band, The College & Community Concert Band, The Northlander’s Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Lab Band, and the Augustana Brass Choir. In April of 2016, Dr Schilf retired from Augustana University and became general manager of Popplers Music Inc. in Sioux Falls. This new business venture allows for him to remain active in music education in a different capacity.

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Rolyn Beaird Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba Instructor

Rolyn grew up in Brandon, SD and graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He currently works as an education sales specialist for Popplers Music. In addition to working at Popplers Music, Rolyn plays euphonium, trombone, and tuba in several groups including the Sioux Falls Municipal band, Brass Holes, and Sioux Empire Brass Society. Rolyn is an active teacher specializing in low brass. He teaches at Sioux Falls Christian, Canton, Lincoln High School, and is an adjunct private lesson teacher at the University of Sioux Falls. His students have had success being selected for all state band, orchestra, and jazz band. When Rolyn isn’t working or teaching, he enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, and loves being grandpa with his 2 granddaughters Rylie and Lucy.

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Accepting 1 more Euphonium student

Accepting 1 more Trombone student

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Sandi Gulbranson Piano/Voice/Oboe/Accordion Instructor

Music has always been a way of life for Sandi Gulbranson. From learning to play accordion, piano, oboe, glockenspiel, trumpet, organ and flute (in elementary school) her love of making music shifted from playing to teaching others. During high school and college Sandi taught at United Teachers of Music in Sioux Falls. She studied music and German abroad at Bonningheim, Germany and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in K-12 Music, Majoring in Vocal, Instrumental and Keyboard, and Minoring in Education and German from Sioux Falls College, now USF.
Sandi belonged to the National Guild of Piano Teachers, Austin, TX, preparing students in composition and piano auditions; the Nebraska Music Teachers Association auditioning students for music conventions; a charter member of the Chadron Northwest Nebraska Music Teachers Association teaching vocal, instrumental and piano students for many contests and scholarships.
She has accompanied school choirs, musicals, and students from junior high to college level in both instrumental and vocal recitals and contests. She has taught music classes in a variety of school systems, and played organ and piano for church services, weddings and funerals. Her passion lies in teaching others to reach their full potential by teaching private piano and instrumental lessons.

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Sarah Rosales

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Sarah Rosales has over 17 years of playing experience and has now made it to the Midwest to pursue a Masters in Cello Performance at the University of South Dakota, studying under Dr. Sonja Kraus. Sarah has completed two undergraduate degrees in Cello Performance and in Studio Art at the University of Arizona, where they studied under Dr. Theodore Buchholz at the Fred Fox School of Music. Over the years, Sarah has acquired a number of performance opportunities, including at the University of Arizona Symphony and chamber program, the Killington Music Festival in Killington, Vermont, and the International Summer Music Institute at the University of North Texas, where they have performed as both a soloist and an ensemble member. Currently, Sarah serves as the Principle Cellist for the USD Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of Ensemble Zusammen and the USD Chamber Orchestra. Sarah has previous experience teaching through the University of Arizona String Project, Allegro School of Music in Tucson, Arizona, and private lessons.

Sarah is passionate about the exposure of marginalized and underrepresented groups in the arts. On their free time, Sarah enjoys other creative activities such as drawing and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

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Tammy Evans Flute Instructor

Tammy Evans, a Fulbright Scholar to Egypt, is a flutist, collaborative musician, writer, and professor. She is a dedicated new music performer who is particularly interested in the commissioning and teaching of new music. Dr. Evans has commissioned over two dozen works involving flute, many with a specific focus on creating new music for the Glissando Headjoint.

Dr. Evans has recently presented and performed at the National Flute Association, British Flute Society, Canadian Flute Association, World Flutes Festival (Argentina), and New Music Gathering conventions. She spent winter break 2017 on a faculty fellowship to Israel. She has also given performances at Flute Festival Mid-South, College Music Society, Atlanta Flute Club, Flute Society of Kentucky, Austin Flute Society, Society of Composers, NACWPI, Electronic Music Midwest, MOXsonic, and South Carolina Flute Festival conventions. She has given recitals and masterclasses extensively throughout the Midwest and Southeast and was guest artist at the 2015 New Voices Festival at Wichita State University and the 2017 Montana Flute Festival. Recent solo performances with South Dakota State University ensembles include Kennan’s Night Soliloquy, the Gordeli Concerto, and Puckett’s The Shadow of Sirius. Her debut CD, Dreams Grow Like Slow Ice, was released in September 2018 and follow up album, Resonance, with percussionist Aaron Ragsdale was released in July 2021.

As a writer, Dr. Evans has had articles published in The Flutist Quarterly; Flute Talk; Pan, the Journal of the British Flute Society; The Flute View; and South Dakota Musician. She frequently contributes CD reviews to The Flute View.

A first-prize winner of the Atlanta Flute Club Young Artist Competition, she holds degrees in flute performance from Kennesaw State University (BM), Indiana University (MM), and the University of Georgia (DMA).

Dr. Evans has served as a judge for the Newly Published Music Competition and Collegiate Flute Choir Competition of the National Flute Association as well as of competitions of the British Flute Society, Flute Society of Kentucky, and San Diego Flute Guild. She formerly served on the board of the Atlanta Flute Club and committees of the National Flute Association. She recently gave a TEDx talk about collaboration, new music, and the Glissando Headjoint.

Dr. Evans can be found on TikTok and Instagram (@tevansflute), and at her website: www.tammyevansflute.com. She is a Powell Flutes Artist.

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Tasondra Walicke Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor

Tasondra Walicke is a passionate musician and music educator, dedicated to excellence in performance and personal connections. She is a Brookings, SD native and has been living in Sioux Falls for 15 years after studying Music Education at South Dakota State University and Clarinet Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Iowa. Tasondra is in her tenth year as an Instructor of Clarinet and Saxophone at the University of Sioux Falls. She is a frequent guest artist, soloist, clinician, and adjudicator for regional high schools, universities, and professional ensembles. For thirteen years, Tasondra served as Director of Music at Sioux Falls Lutheran High School, leading their Concert Band, Marching Band, Concert Choir, and small instrumental and vocal ensembles. She also taught Music Theory, Middle School Band, and private instrumental and vocal lessons to 4th-grade through 12th-grade students at Sioux Falls Lutheran School. Tasondra resigned from full-time teaching in 2023 to work from home raising her 2 youngest boys, Paul and Landon. In her limited free time, she enjoys traveling and making music with her husband, Matthew, and spending time with their children Evan, Abi, Paul, and Landon.

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