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.

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 eight years and early childhood music and movement classes since 2001. She has also had several private vocal and piano 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!

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.

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!

Maggie Kolbe

Maggie is a registered Music Together teacher.  We are thrilled to have her joining us.  She is the mother of three children and lives in Urbandale.