Our Teachers
Amanda Lauritsen, Susan Helling, Jackie Jones, Erica Seeley
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Amanda is the founder and owner of Vibrant Music Academy.
She teaches voice and piano lessons and leads the foundational Kiddos ‘n Caregivers program. After graduating from Drake University studying vocal performance and music education she taught elementary music for the Waukee School District. Amanda has been teaching music to youth professionally for over a decade and 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 Opus, 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! |
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Susan Helling brings 17 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. |
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Jackie Jones is an elementary music teacher in the Waukee School District. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her Master's Degree in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development from Drake University.
Jackie has been teaching for 9 years, currently teaching K-5 general music at Shuler Elementary in Waukee. For the past 7 years, she has also led a private instrumental studio, teaching violin, flute and beginner piano lessons. Jackie is thrilled to be joining Vibrant Music Academy, teaching Kiddos 'n Caregivers music classes! While attending college and teaching in Northern Iowa, Jackie assisted in leading Kindermusik classes in the Cedar Valley and is so excited to bring a similar opportunity to the Waukee and surrounding area communities. Authentic musical experiences foster meaningful connections filled with joy between individuals. Jackie looks forward to inspiring individuals of all ages and abilities, encouraging a newfound appreciation for music, not just as consumers, but also as producers! |
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Erica Seeley received her Bachelor's in Music Education and Voice Performance from Drake University and her Master's in Voice Performance from the University of Minnesota.
Erica is trained in Kodaly, Orff, Musikgarten and Conversational Solfege approaches to music education. Her teaching experience has spanned worship teams, church choirs, baby/toddler music classes, children and youth choirs, directing honor choirs, private voice lessons, and teaching elementary music. She is currently in her 22nd year of teaching and her 11th year of teaching elementary music in the Waukee School district. Erica is grateful to be part of the Vibrant Music Academy community and looks forward to connecting with families through music! |