Music Lessons in Sioux Falls, SD
Popplers Music offers a semester-based music lesson program in Sioux Falls featuring weekly, 30-minute lessons and 60-minute lessons 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 lesson 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!
Audrey Prostrollo Hein Voice and Percussion Instructor
Audrey Prostrollo Hein is a creative based in Sioux Falls, SD and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Biblical Studies from the University of Sioux Falls. She is a passionate performer and always knew her career would involve performing. Audrey has been teaching vocal & theatre classes and private voice & percussion lessons since high school. Audrey’s performance experience includes a variety of mediums: musical theatre, classical mezzo-soprano soloist, choral singer, percussionist, and contemporary worship leader. 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 because we are made in the image of a creative God, we are given the gift of creativity, and in pursuing that creativity draws us nearer to our Heavenly Father. Audrey and her husband, Jacob met while playing in drumline together. They enjoy pursuing music and creative endeavors together, and have a dog named 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!
No available lessons
View Instructor
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 two young kids, Maya and Luca, and her husband, Matt. Her favorite place is Chapada dos Veadeiros in Brazil and Crumbl Cookies. She enjoys playing duets with Matt when they have the time!
No available lessons
View Instructor
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.
Accepting 1 more Drums student
Book Now
Carolina Rodriguez de Armas Cello instructor
Carolina Rodríguez de Armas is a Cuban cellist and educator based in Vermillion, South Dakota. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts in Cuba and later completed her Master of Music in Cello Performance at the University of South Dakota under the guidance of Dr. Sonja Kraus. During her graduate studies, she served as Principal Cellist of the USD Symphony Orchestra and appeared as a winner of the 2024 USD Concerto Aria Competition. Carolina’s performance experience spans many different ensembles, covering a broad range of music from early to contemporary, folk, classical, and jazz. She has performed with organizations including the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Curious Music Collective, Havana Chamber Orchestra, Havana Lyceum Orchestra, and Ars Longa Early Music Ensemble, where she also played viola da gamba and violone. Her international training includes participation in the Cuban Academy and the Balthasar Neumann Academy in Germany, where she studied chamber music and Historically Informed Performance. She has also participated in festivals such as the Dali Quartet Festival, Habana Clásica, the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival, and the Artes de Cuba Festival at the Kennedy Center. In 2024, she received a Fellowship with the FOOSA Festival/Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy, where she received masterclasses and participated with the FOOSA Philharmonic at the renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. That same year, she was awarded the Single Program Instrument Grant Award by the Flatiron Luthier Cooperative in Omaha and was granted the use of the Andre Carruthers 2018 Santa California cello from the FLC collection.
Carolina is passionate about teaching and mentoring students of all levels and she continues to work as a freelance performer and substitute musician throughout the region.
Outside of music, she loves reading, hiking and traveling, as well as discovering new places, especially coffee shops!
Accepting 45 more Cello students
Book Now
Chris Knutson Trumpet Instructor
The trumpet has been an integral part of Mr. Knutson’s’ life for over 20 years. The music world has given him so many opportunities to explore and expand his knowledge of the world and meet so many amazing people. From marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to giving concerts across Europe and Africa, the trumpet has been a gift that he does not take for granted. He looks forward to working with you as you begin or continue on your musical journey.
Chris spends his normal work day as the Esports Director at Augustana University. He has had a passion for competition and video games since he was young and he gets to teach students that same passion now.
Accepting 5 more Trumpet students
Book Now
Elizabeth Feltes Voice and Piano Instructor
Elizabeth Feltes grew up in Windom, MN and is a classically trained Soprano. She recieved her BA in Vocal Music Performance at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN! She has been teaching piano and voice lessons for 10 years, and is the Founder and Director of the Sioux Falls Homeschool Choir with 100 students. Elizabeth loves musical theater and have been involved with Lights Up Productions as “Lady Wisdom” in Parables and Proverbs most recently. She is married with 3 children, and loves to perform with her daughters. When she isn’t performing, directing, or teaching music, she enjoys reading!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Grace Goeller Cello Instructor
Grace Goeller grew up here in Sioux Falls, SD! She graduated with her Bachelors in Music Performance (Cello) from the University of South Dakota in 2026. She begins her graduate studies at USD in the fall! Grace has extensive experience performing at USD in their Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra and more. Outside of USD, Grace has performed with Christmas at the Cathedral Orchestra, the Cherokee Symphony Orchestra, and the Candlelight Concert series in Sioux Falls. Outside of making music, Grace loves to cook!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Heather Brenner Piano Instructor
Heather Brenner grew up in Tallahassee, Florida where she started playing piano at the age of 5! She started learning the trumpet in 6th grade and played throughout highschool in the marching band. Heather graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy on Piano. For about 25 years, Heather taught private piano lessons, which worked out well with being a homeschooling 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. Heather founded and directs the Sioux Falls Home School Band, and then also started the band program at Abiding Savior Academy in 2025. She loves teaching students as young as 6 years old to adults and enjoys sharing her passion of music with others who desire to learn. This involves the dedication of students being wiling to work, but if it isn’t fun then something is wrong!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Henry Jones Cello Instructor since April 2026
Henry Jones is a cellist from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at the University of South Dakota, where he studies under Dr. Sonja Kraus. Henry is passionate about exploring all types of music. He has played with the USD Symphony Orchestra, the USD Opera Orchestra, the MOSI Inc. Festival Orchestra, and others within the region and around the country. He also has experience in a wide variety of chamber music ensembles. Other than music Henry enjoys spending time outside and drinking coffee!
Accepting 3 more Cello students
No Piano lessons available
Book Now
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.
No available lessons
View Instructor
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
No available lessons
View Instructor
Leo Taylor Percussion / Drumset / Piano / Music Theory
Leo Taylor grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and during high school He 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. Leo 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. 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! Currently, he is an instructor of percussion with Augustana University, University of Sioux Falls and also teaches percussion and piano throughout Sioux Falls and Tea. When Leo isn’t teaching, he enjoys going to church, playing tennis and PS2 video games. He also collects and listens to vinyl records!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Marcus Hughes Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor
Marcus Hughes grew up in Waseca, Minnesota and now lives here in Sioux Falls! He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2025, and now is the 5-12 Band Director in Centerville, SD. While at USD, he studied saxophone with Dr. CJ Kocher, and composition with Dr. Paul Lombardi. Marcus has 13 years of clarinet experience and 10 years of saxophone experience. He also composes his own music. When he isn’t teaching, Marcus enjoys to travel and play Pickleball!
No available lessons
View Instructor
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.
No available lessons
View Instructor
Melissa Molstad Piano Instructor
Melissa Molstad grew up on a small farm northwest of Sioux Falls, and graduated with a Music Business Degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She had been a homeschooling mom for 20+ years, but has recently been fired from that position since her last of six children has graduated in May 2026! She enjoys spending time with her grown children, her grandchildren, and her husband, Tom, who also is a musician and a self-taught luthiere! (birdwire.net) Melissa enjoys reading, baking, learning new skills, and helping others.
No available lessons
View Instructor
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.
Accepting 15 more Bass Guitar students
Accepting 15 more Guitar students
Accepting 15 more Ukulele students
No Banjo lessons available
No Double Bass lessons available
No Music Theory lessons available
Book Now
Natalie Sterba Violin and Viola Instructor
Natalie Sterba enjoys an active career as a multifaceted performer and highly sought after educator. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Sterba pursued a Bachelors in Violin Performance at Bowling Green State University (2021), and subsequently completed two Masters degrees at University of South Dakota in Violin Performance (2023) and Viola Performance (2024). 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. Outside of private teaching, Sterba serves as the viola coach for Augustana University Orchestra. In the fall of 2025, Sterba joined the faculty at the University of South Dakota as an Adjunct Professor of Violin and Viola.
Accepting 2 more Viola students
Accepting 2 more Violin students
Book Now
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.
No available lessons
View Instructor
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.
Accepting 19 more Euphonium students
Accepting 19 more Trombone students
Accepting 19 more Tuba students
No Trumpet lessons available
Book Now
Sandi Gulbranson Piano/Voice/Oboe/Accordion Instructor
Sandi grew up in a small farming community, where her love for music began to grow. She learned to play accordion, piano, oboe, glockenspiel, trumpet, organ and flute in elementary school, and her love of music has transitioned from playing to teaching others. Sandi has a BA degree in K-12 Music with vocal, instrumental, and keyboard emphasis, and has a BS and MA degree in Elementary Education and Curriculum Instruction. She has endorsements for K-12 Special Education from Oglala Lakota College and 7-12 Drivers Education from Chadron State College. Outside of teaching music, Sandi enjoys spending time with her family, sewing, reading, traveling, and spending time in the water. She also sells jam, pickles, and other treats at Vendor Shows!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Sarah Rosales
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Sarah Rosales has over 17 years of experience and made it to the Midwest to pursue a Masters in Cello Performance at USD, studying under Dr. Sonja Kraus. Sarah has two 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 had a number of performance opportunities, including at the University of Arizona Symphony and chamber program, the Killington Music Festival in Killington, VT, 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 Principal Cellist for the USD Symphony Orchestra, and member of both Ensemble Zusammen and the USD Chamber Orchestra. Sarah has previously taught through the University of Arizona, Allegro School of Music in Tucson, and private lessons. Sarah is passionate about the exposure of marginalized and underrepresented groups in the arts. In their free time, Sarah enjoys other creative activities such as drawing and playing Dungeons and Dragons!
No available lessons
View Instructor
Tammy Evans Flute Instructor
Dr. Tammy Evans is a Fulbright Scholar to Egypt, flutist, and professor recognized for her work as a leading advocate for contemporary flute music. She recently gave a TEDx talk about collaboration, new music, and the Glissando Headjoint. As 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). 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 is also a Powell Flutes Artist.
Dr. Evans can be found on TikTok and Instagram (@tevansflute), and at her website: www.tammyevansflute.com.
Accepting 12 more Flute students
Book NowLesson Studio Sign-Up Request Sioux Falls
If a lesson you are looking for is not available, you can use this form to submit your request
"*" indicates required fields