Our Teachers

Susan, Amanda, Emilia, Justin, Will, & Jaelyn at our annual Picnic and Perform Recital

Amanda is the founder and owner of Vibrant Music Academy, and has been teaching music to youth professionally for over a decade.

After graduating from Drake University studying vocal performance and music education she taught elementary music for the Waukee School District. She currently leads Vibrant Music Academy, and teaches voice and piano lessons and the foundational Kiddos ‘n Caregivers program.

Amanda has a passion for creating a caring and supportive environment for her students to thrive. She believes that music teachers have a unique opportunity to help students find the joy of music, develop musical skills that last a lifetime and develop self-confidence that transcends music.

Whether she is helping students get started in piano, prepare for honor choirs, try out for a musical performance, or develop a stronger relationship with music - Amanda believes everyone has the capacity to learn and do amazing things with a little inspiration and hard work.

If you want a program that meets your students where they are at, progresses them at their own pace, and creates a joyful experience for your kids, enroll at Vibrant Music Academy!

Susan Helling brings 20 years of elementary music teaching experience to her role as facilitator and teacher for Kiddo’s N’ Caregivers music classes.

After attending Simpson College, in Indianola, she taught Transitional Kindergarten-4th Grade music at St. Edmond Catholic Schools in Fort Dodge, Iowa for 10 years.

Susan currently resides in Waukee, where she teaches general music and choir at Maple Grove Elementary.

Susan is excited to join Vibrant Music Academy in this capacity to bring opportunities to families to help them connect through music.

She is eager to help families find new songs, activities, and experiences to strengthen already beautiful bonds, and give children the foundation needed to be lifelong music makers.

Emilia Jurzyk is currently completing her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a Biology minor at Drake University. A passionate teacher and performer, she also enjoys blending her interest in science with thoughtful musicianship.

Emilia believes that development in music is rooted in experimentation, exploration, and some silliness – you’ll often hear her say, “I know this seems ridiculous” in her lessons! She understands both the joy and vulnerability of making music and strives to create a studio environment grounded in trust, curiosity, and permission to take risks (and make a few funny sounds). It is an honor to walk alongside students as they develop a passion for music!

As an active vocalist, Emilia has a wide range of performance experience. In the spring of 2026, she performs the titular role in Carmen at Drake University, and she is performing in a showcase of Mozart opera scenes with Opera Carolina. She has been a finalist in national competitions and is a multiple first-place winner of regional competitions. Alongside her solo work, she is also an active choir member in the Drake choir and Spero chamber choir, serving on their leadership teams.

With a strong interest in vocal health and physiology, Emilia has developed solid diagnostic skills and an appreciation for the science of singing. At Drake, she conducts research examining vocal fatigue in singing lessons and the effects of manual therapy on singers. Emilia has also shadowed in multiple different speech-language pathology settings, including ENT, pediatric, and acute care environments.

Whether at the piano or using your voice, Emilia is excited to make music with you!

Will Schumacher is currently a senior at Drake University, finishing his Bachelor of Music Education degree. Throughout his time at Drake, Will studied voice with Dr. Ann Cravero, Dr. Seth Tack, and Professor Ted Brimeyer. In addition to private study, he has been a part of Drake Choir, spēro Chamber Choir, Drake Vocal Jazz Singers, Brocal Chords, and has served as both Vice President and President of Drake's ACDA chapter.

Will brings a variety of teaching experiences to Vibrant Music Academy. In addition to teaching voice and piano, he has been fortunate enough to student teach this spring, direct show band at Johnston High School, and intern at the Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI) for multiple years.

Will believes that music is a means to build people up in all aspects of their lives, by fostering confidence, creativity, and leadership. He believes in building a positive learning environment and a passion for music through genuine relationships, experimentation, and by helping his students to see that music is a place to be yourself and have fun.

Will is absolutely thrilled to work with incredible colleagues, students, and families at Vibrant, and looks forward to learning from his students and continuing to grow as a teacher!