Our Lesson Instructors
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
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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.
Accepting 8 more Drums students
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Cameron Barr Saxophone Instructor
Cameron Barr is a saxophonist native to Brandon, SD, currently residing in the Sioux Falls area. He has an extensive background in both classical music and jazz, playing everything from Darius Milhaud to Duke Ellington. He is currently a Music Education student at Augustana University, studying under Dr. Brian Hanegan and Dr. Christopher Unger. There, he has served as principal alto/soprano saxophonist for the Augustana Band, lead tenor saxophone in the Northlanders Jazz Band, saxophone section leader of the Viking Marching Band, and a member of the Blue and Gold Jazz Combo, performing everything from classic swing tunes to contemporary pieces. Cameron also brings a wide range of teaching experience, having worked with students in elementary classrooms, led sessions in a college classroom setting, and assisted in general classrooms. When he’s not playing Saxophone, you might find him at the gym, on a walk with friends, playing tennis, or playing bass guitar in a garage band with his friends.
No available lessons
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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!
No available lessons
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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
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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
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Grace Goeller Cello Instructor
Grace Goeller is a South Dakota-based cellist who maintains an active career in both education and performance. She currently serves as the graduate teaching assistant to Dr. Sonja Kraus at the University of South Dakota. Grace graduated with her Bachelor’s in Music Performance from USD in May 2026, where she was a member of the USD Symphony Orchestra, Ensemble Zusammen, the USD Opera Orchestra, and was a founding member of the Cherry St. Quartet and Belle Piano Trio. Outside of USD, Grace has performed with the Christmas at the Cathedral Orchestra, as a guest soloist with the Cherokee Symphony Orchestra, and as a chamber musician for the Candlelight Concert series in Sioux Falls. Grace has also participated in international music festivals including Cello Fresno (2024), Oklahoma University Summer Strings Academy (2025), Fresno Summer Orchestra Academy (aka FOOSA; 2024-2026), and Música para la Humanidad (2026). As an educator, Grace is passionate about using music as a tool for social change and community outreach and has worked closely with non-profit 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.
No available lessons
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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
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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 1 more Cello student
No Chamber lessons available
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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, 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. With over 30 years of piano performance, he is excited to be a part of the Popplers team and share his passion for music with students of all ages.
Contact the store if you are looking for a lesson time not listed.
Accepting 6 more Piano students
No Voice lessons available
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Kris Dunlap Woodwind 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
Accepting 2 more Flute students
Accepting 2 more Clarinet students
Accepting 2 more Saxophone students
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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 the Principal Percussionist with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Principal Timpanist of the West Michigan Symphony and 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
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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 and 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 playing Pickleball!
No available lessons
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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.
No available lessons
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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 music lover and a self-taught luthier! (birdwire.net) Melissa enjoys reading, baking, learning new skills, and helping others.
Accepting 1 more Piano student
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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.
No available lessons
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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. For the 2025-2026 academic year, Sterba served as the interim Violin/Viola Professor at the University of South Dakota.
No available lessons
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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.
No available lessons
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Rachel Friez Piano Instructor (Since Summer of 2026)
Rachel Friez is a Sioux Falls native. She studied Music Performance at the University of Sioux Falls. Currently, Rachel enjoys singing with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus. Previously, she was a worship leader at her church. Rachel grew up playing the piano, trumpet, and flute! She is interested in unique instruments and would eventually like to start a collection of them. When Rachel isn’t playing music or singing, she enjoys reading or performing aerial silks.
No available lessons
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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.
No available lessons
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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 Accordion lessons available
Accepting 1 more Oboe student
Accepting 1 more Piano student
Accepting 1 more Voice student
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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
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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 5 more Flute students
Accepting 5 more Music Theory students
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