Early Childhood Music Infant Sign Language Piano Lessons
Musical Classes for Children & Grown-Ups
Our Teachers
Denise Schmitz, Director
Songs and Signs, LLC, is owned and operated by Denise Schmitz. She currently runs Songs and Signs, LLC and serves as the 7-12 Vocal Director at Iowa Christian Academy.
Denise was awarded Music Together Certification Level 1 status, having demonstrated outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. The award was granted by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, NJ, Kenneth K. Guilmartin, Founder/Director.
Denise holds a B.S. in Vocal Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University. She taught K-12 Vocal Music in public schools for seven years and early childhood music and movement classes over the past seven years. She has also had several private voice students. She and her husband Dean have a son.
Denise won the DEKKO Award for Teaching Excellence at her first teaching assignment as the K-12 General Music Teacher at Murray Community School in 1997. Denise and Kristi Tiesma shared the honor of becoming the Des Moines Symphony Academy's first "Teachers of the Year" in 2003.
She loves working with children and families and looks forward to having you in a class soon!
Ann Merkley
Ann is a registered Music Together teacher. She attended Drake University where she studied Music Education and Violin. Ann has experience teaching vocal and handbell choirs at several area churches.
She has three college age children herself and has been actively involved in their music development throughout their childhood years. Ann enjoys teaching and working with children of all ages.
Jodi Stanfield
Once a Music Together parent herself, Jodi Stanfield now doubles as a registered Music Together teacher as well. Jodi is a former voice major at Berklee College of Music, who also dabbles in guitar and piano. She enjoyed many years of singing and playing guitar in Boston rock bands, which included playing the role of Mary Magdalene opposite Gary Cheronne of Extreme in "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1993. Her performing arts training also includes dance and theatre which paved the way to roles in local productions of "Chicago" (Des Moines Playhouse) and "Birth" (Stage West).
Jodi and her husband Mac have two young sons who may pop up in class. Music is a true source of joy for Jodi and she enjoys sharing good times with other Music Together families through this wonderful program.
Kristen Richer
Kristen Richer is a registered Music Together teacher. She attended Loras College in Dubuque, where she was a member of the concert choir and church choir. She has also been active in theatre since her youth, and has had the opportunity to be cast of a number of musical productions.
Kristen has her degree in Elementary and Special Education and taught for eight years before making the decision to stay home. It was in staying home that she found the Music Together program, and enrolled her son. Now she is looking forward to being able to share her love of music with other families in the program!
Ingrid Anthan
Ingrid, a registered Music Together teacher, attended the University of Minnesota and was a member of the women's choir. She has a BA in Criminal Justice and has worked in social services and politics. She was active in voice and piano lessons in her youth, as well as church choir and teaching music in Sunday School and Bible School. She is very excited to share her passion for music and children in her classes!
Chrissi Boel
Signing Smart™ Instructor (on maternity leave)
Rebecca Jaynes
Signing Smart™ Instructor
