Peppers Piano Studio opened its doors in December 2005 in a small one-room studio in Valley Junction. Our goal was to offer high-quality, personalized musical instruction to students interested in studying. Though we have moved into a larger space to accommodate our growing studio, the goal has remained the same. Students of all ages and abilities are welcome to sign up for lessons.
The studio is designed to be a comfortable space for creative development. Ann Peppers, proprietor and primary instructor, strives to provide a wide range of creative outlets and activities for all students. The studio incorporates elements of world music by introducing students to instruments from different cultures of the world. Percussive instruments build rhythm skills as well as introduce the student to a diverse range of sounds.
Students are encouraged to learn about music theory, music history and composition elements, and to try to master each piece while adding their own unique style.
Whether your interest is in learning the basics, studying the classics, or expanding into new genres, Peppers Piano Studio can help. With personalized, individual lessons and lesson plans tailored to you and/or your student's needs, Peppers Piano Studio will help reach those musical goals.
D. Ann Peppers
Ann Peppers, proprietor and primary piano instructor, has been studying classical piano since the age of 4. She has a Music Business degree from Drake University and has been teaching since 2000. Ann has worked with students ranging in age from 4 to 60 years old.
Ann is a current member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) as well as the Iowa (IMTA) and Des Moines Music Teachers Associations (DMMTA).
Ann accompanies local vocal studios for recitals and competitions year-round and performs as a solo musician for weddings, receptions, and other functions. She also serves as an adjudicator for piano festivals.
Nick Rieser, piano instructor, joined Peppers Piano Studio in October 2008. Nick studied classical piano for many years and in later years with renowned jazz teacher Alan Swain in Evanston, Illinois. Nick's first band experience was with a Dixieland group in high school. Since then, he has performed as a soloist and accompanist to theatre performances and vocalists as well as part of gigging ensembles and big bands. He was a member of the Stanley Paul Orchestra in Chicago for over 10 years.
Currently, Nick performs with the Des Moines Community Jazz Center Big Band and in various clubs throughout the metro area. His is on the rosters of the Iowa Arts Council, Metro Arts Alliance, and VSA Arts as a jazz pianist.
As a piano instructor, Nick has worked with students ranging in age from 5 to 70. He taught beginning guitar and piano classes for the Chicago Park District, and formed a rock band with local high school students.
He taught an adult course called "Laid Back Piano" at Waubonsee Community College, which focused on fun and early improvisation. At the Music Matters School of Music in Illinois, he helped students compose their own recital pieces.
Recently, Nick participated in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' seminar, "Planning Effective Arts-Integrated Residencies for Students." Based on this seminar, he is working on a classroom program to improve basic math skills through music.
