Meet our Piano Teachers
Reid Turner has extensive piano performance experience in classical, jazz, latin jazz, rock/alternative, accompaniment roles, and more. With a background of percussion performance and composing music for indie video game projects, Reid possesses a unique rhythmic improvisational style and creative flair. He graduated with degrees in Musical Arts and Economics from the University of South Dakota in 2013, then obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa in 2018.
Sarah Baldus holds an active Iowa Teaching License with K-12 Music endorsements. She graduated with a BA degree in music education from Iowa State University in 2009. She began teaching instrumental music in Iowa Schools in 2010. She is a firm believer in putting the “fun” into every students’ musical education. As a professional musician, Sarah has performed with small ensembles, bands, and orchestras throughout the state of Iowa, as well as, touring Europe with the ISU Wind Ensemble.
Marek Szmyrgala gives piano and guitar lessons. Originally from Poland, Marek graduated from Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He then moved to Boston and worked with music and business before moving to Iowa to open the Music4life studio.
Sam Hoying has had a passion for music his entire life. He began playing piano, oboe, and singing Bass/Baritone at a very young age. Sam has years of experience teaching all three instruments and currently is a student at the University of Iowa. At the University, he is in involved in the Voice, Opera, and Oboe studio. Sam also arranges and is involved in the University’s Tenor Bass A cappella group. Sam is looking forward to helping others find joy through music.
Sevima Dozo started playing piano when she was 7. Originally from Europe, she finished Elementary music school, Music High School and then she graduated from the Academy of Music with degree in Music Education in Sarajevo, Bosnia. After college she got married and moved to Iowa and she has been teaching piano last 5 years. She believes that every kid has a unique perspective of music and her goal is to help them on their journey to find the beauty of piano melody!
Aaron Schultz is originally from Cedar Falls, but moved to North Liberty in 2005. Aaron has over 12 years of piano experience. In addition to piano, he also plays and teaches saxophone. He graduated from Liberty High School with achieving honors in music and is currently attending Kirkwood.
Mina Jerome is a graduate from the University of Iowa, where she earned a B.M. in Clarinet Performance. Originally from Iowa City, Jerome started piano at the age of four, studying at the Preucil School of Music. In 2009, she was the Level A winner of the Iowa Music Teachers Association’s piano competition. At ten, she started playing clarinet. She played at Carnegie Hall as part of the Young Adult Honors Performance Series band and in the Orfeo Music Festival in Vipiteno, Italy. Currently, Jerome plays clarinet and saxophone in local theatre and opera productions including Three Decembers, Footloose the Musical, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
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Molly Vacek has been passionate for music and education since her youth. She holds an active license in both American Sign Language Interpreting as well as Substitute Teaching. Molly has her Associate Degree from Scott Community College and 5 years of experience in the education field. She has been playing piano since she was seven and has 16 years of flute experience along with a few other instruments. Her favorite quote is from Henry Longfellow, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Molly looks forward to enriching students' lives with music lessons!
Josh Horne is currently in his fourth year at the University of Iowa, studying Music Education and Vocal Performance. Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Josh immersed himself in a variety of musical pursuits, including Jazz, Concert, Chamber, and Show choirs, along with participating in musicals, plays, and instrumental studies. At Iowa, Josh studies in a vocal studio, sings in choir, and continues to advance his piano skills. He is passionate about igniting a lifelong excitement for music among his students. His teaching focuses on passion and empowerment through musical expression and education.