About Arrow Academy of Music | Kids Piano, Guitar, & Singing Lessons in Des Moines

ABOUT ARROW ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Education With Heart. Confidence That Lasts.

At Arrow Academy of Music, we believe music should do more than teach notes.

It should build confidence, spark joy, and help kids discover what they’re capable of

Founded by parents and trained educators, Arrow was created to solve a common frustration: music lessons that either feel fun but lack progress, or rigorous but lose the joy that keeps kids engaged. We knew families deserved both.

Since 2010, Arrow Academy has helped more than 1,000 Iowa families experience what happens when strong teaching, joyful learning, and a supportive community come together.

Our students don’t just learn music, they grow as people.

teacher and young student at piano smiling with classroom in background

Our Mission

Launching a lifelong love of music through purposeful instruction, community, and fun.

Everything we do, from lesson design to performances to teacher training, is built around helping kids feel proud of their progress and excited to keep going.

teen piano students in class at keyboards playing together

Why Families Choose Arrow Academy of Music

They want structure, joy, and a place where their child can grow for years to come.

01

An accredited, level-based curriculum with clear progress markers.

02

Group learning that builds confidence and focus, making lessons seriously fun!

03

Teachers who take time to know and encourage each child.

04

Low-pressure performance opportunities designed for busy families.

05

A supportive Arrow Pathway, guiding students from beginner to experienced musician.

This isn’t about rushing or perfection.
It’s about helping your child grow both musically and personally, step by step.

What People Are Saying

“I was pretty skeptical of group lessons, but I’ve been really impressed with Arrow Academy… I do see a big difference in group lessons compared to 1:1. It inspires them to want to keep up, keep learning, and keep going back.”

DWIGHT AND SAM

“If you’re thinking abut playing the piano, you should absolutely do it!”

Bennett B

“Arrow Academy is the best place for piano classes for kids. My two kids are excited about attending piano lessons and have learned so much. Arrow Academy makes it fun to learn music. My son took piano lessons at a different place before and he didn't enjoy it and didn't learn as much either. I really recommend Arrow Academy if you are looking for music lessons for kids.”

AMY N.

three teens in a guitar class with teacher

Join Us Today!

BEGINNERS:
Enter our program with a FREE discovery trial lesson!

Book a Free Trial

TRANSFERS:
Contact us to enter our program with a free evaluation!

CONTACT US

The Arrow Difference.

Arrow Academy blends structured, level-based progression with real community.

Students learn in small groups where they are known, encouraged, and challenged alongside peers who grow with them. Progress is intentional. Effort is supported. Wins are celebrated together.

Instead of open-ended lessons or high-pressure performance programs, Arrow provides a clear path - with meaningful performance traditions woven throughout the year - so students build skill, confidence, and belonging at the same time.

That’s the difference.

Confidence at Arrow isn’t manufactured through praise alone, it’s earned through real progress. Students move through a clear, level-based pathway so they always know what they’re working toward and can feel proud of what they’ve achieved.
We know parents are busy. That’s why we design our programs to fit real family life, with flexible scheduling, clear communication, and performances that feel joyful, not stressful. Families feel supported every step of the way.
Arrow students learn more than songs. They build a full musical foundation through reading, theory, creativity, collaboration, and performance—skills that transfer to any instrument and last a lifetime.
Piano and guitar are two of the best instruments for beginners because they build musical skills that transfer to any instrument a student may want to pursue later. Piano, especially, teaches the language of music in a clear, visual way, helping students understand notes, rhythm, and patterns that make everything easier down the road.
Students learn and play together in small groups of 2–7, where accountability, encouragement, and real friendships naturally grow. Learning happens together - not in isolation.
Our approach blends thoughtful structure with joyful engagement:
- A level-based curriculum with clear weekly goals and visible progress
- Games that make concepts click and keep momentum strong
- Creativity through improvisation, songwriting, and musical exploration
- Performance traditions woven throughout the year
- Simple practice plans and video support that make progress manageable at home
- Motivation that works with punch cards, prizes, trophies, and our in-studio music store
Because real confidence doesn’t come from coasting - it comes from learning hard things and playing together.
Dependability
We deliver on the promises we make to one another, to our students, and to our families.
Communication
We communicate clearly, honestly, and thoroughly—always with respect and integrity.
Teamwork
We work together with kindness, professionalism, and shared purpose to achieve common goals.
Quality
Our teachers are skilled educators who teach using Arrow Academy’s proven curriculum and lesson plans.
Passion
We love teaching music to kids because it brings joy, sparks creativity, and strengthens growing minds.
Performance
We manage our time and responsibilities thoughtfully, making good decisions with care and efficiency.

"The music curriculum is the best in the Des Moines area (and beyond) and the teachers are above the rest"

“Arrow Academy is a knowledgeable, well-rounded, and positive learning environment for any young musician.
The music curriculum is the best in the Des Moines area (and beyond) and the teachers are above the rest and my kids all enjoy their lessons whether virtual or in person. The group music environment is fun and allows each child to excel individually but also work collectively to make music with their peers (which is an important music skill). My children also love the punches and prizes that they can earn by practicing each week! Thank you Arrow!”
—Stephanie B.
" The studio has embraced our whole family without exception and helped to address our children’s unique learning needs/styles while simultaneously growing their musical talents."

“What an incredible experience we’ve had at Arrow Academy of Music for the whole family! We are completing our second year of music programming. We have two elementary school-aged children with very individual and different needs. The studio has embraced our whole family without exception and helped to address our children’s unique learning needs/styles while simultaneously growing their musical talents.
Kevin and Kellee (owners) drive for excellence in music but do so in a kind, loving and supportive manner. Their hearts are in the right place – it’s a perfect fit for us. Five stars all the way!”
—Tracy H.
"My two kids are excited about attending piano lessons and have learned so much."

"Arrow Academy is the best place for piano classes for kids. My two kids are excited about attending piano lessons and have learned so much. Arrow Academy makes it fun to learn music. My son took piano lessons at a different place before and he didn’t enjoy it and didn’t learn as much either. I really recommend Arrow Academy if you are looking for music lessons for kids."
—Amy N.

AWARDS & ACCREDITATIONS

Accredited for a complete, step-by-step course of study with no gaps.

A black and white circular emblem with a lyre at the center, surrounded by a laurel wreath, and the text 'I MTA' at the top and 'Founded in 1885' at the bottom.

Arrow student assistant helping a younger student at the piano with piano classroom in the background

From Students to Leaders

“Our students don’t just grow in skill. They grow into role models.”

As students complete upper levels of the Arrow Pathway, many step into leadership roles as classroom assistants, gaining meaningful first job experience in a safe, encouraging environment where they use the musical skills they’ve worked hard to earn.

They mentor younger musicians, model confidence and responsibility, and become living proof of what’s possible through dedication and growth. It’s a beautiful cycle: younger students gain someone to look up to, and older students grow not just as musicians, but as leaders.