Inspiring the Next Generation: Des Moines Symphony Music Mentors
Music has the extraordinary power to transform lives, and the Des Moines Symphony is bringing that power directly into schools and communities through its Music Mentors program. Designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of music, Music Mentors pairs professional Symphony musicians with students for dynamic classroom visits.
For young learners, music is often transformative. Music Mentors allows students to gain access to expert guidance from accomplished musicians who share not just technical skills, but the passion, discipline and joy that come with making music. Every interaction opens doors to new possibilities.
The program isn’t just about teaching notes and scales - it’s about mentorship and connection. Mentors work with the same students throughout the year, helping them build confidence, develop teamwork and cultivate resilience, skills that extend far beyond the classroom. For many students, meeting a Symphony musician and seeing someone live their dream career is a powerful motivator, showing them what dedication and creativity can achieve.
Music Mentors also strengthens the community by making music more accessible. The Symphony believes every child should have the chance to experience the joy of music, regardless of background or resources. In addition to bringing high-quality instruction directly into schools and community programs, the Music Mentors initiative offers complimentary tickets to every student.
Meet the Mentors
Benjamin Burgdorff
Benjamin Burgdorf is an artist seeking to expand the possibilities and alter modern perceptions of classical music. This is accomplished through his work as a passionate performer and educator. Burgdorf maintains a full Suzuki studio of the next generation of violinists and violists with Maple Strings. He draws inspiration from his students daily while guiding them through the joyous process of music-making. During the 2025-2026 season, Ben is working with Roosevelt High School, Hoover High School and North High School.
When not teaching or performing, you might find Benjamin playing in the dirt in his garden, playing chess far too late into the evening, or cooking extravagant potlucks with friends and family.
Lisa Meyerhofer
Lisa Meyerhofer is delighted to have joined the Des Moines Symphony in 2022. Along with performing in Des Moines, Lisa currently holds positions as Third Flute/Piccolo with the Omaha Symphony and Principal Flute with Opera in the Ozarks. An award-winning flutist, Lisa received her BM in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College, studying with Wendy Mehne and Kelly Covert, and her MM in Flute Performance from Northwestern University, studying with John Thorne and Richard Graef. During the 2025-2026 season, Lisa is working with East High School and Indianola High School.
When not traveling to her next performance (and sometimes even in the midst of traveling), Lisa maintains her own flute studio and also tutors math and science. She especially enjoys reading, riding her bike, hiking, photography, gardening, cooking, baking, making paper beads and jewelry, sewing, and learning about wine.
Casey Maday
Trombonist Casey Maday grew up in the small town of Antioch, IL and now is Principal Trombonist with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra. As an active performer, he has worked with ensembles such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Sarasota Opera, Monterrey Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, Omaha Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, and many others. You can also regularly hear him performing for touring Broadway shows in the orchestra pit of the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa. During the 2025-2026 season, Casey is working with students at East High School and Roosevelt High School.
Through Music Mentors, the Des Moines Symphony is nurturing not only the musicians of tomorrow but also a community that values creativity, expression and the arts. It’s more than a program: It’s an investment in the future, one note at a time. Tilda Brown Swanson and Richard Swanson helped us launch this program and challenge you to to match their generous gift. Join the Swansons to help us bring this special program to area students!
