About Our Teachers

Emily Manders

Emily is currently enjoying her third year of teaching piano at Keyboard Kids, Inc. and is the manager of the new Woodbury studio. Emily graduated from Bethel University with a degree in vocal music education with an emphasis in piano. She has been playing the piano for 20 years! Emily also uses her piano skills at her church where she is the contemporary worship director.

When not playing or teaching music of some sort, Emily can be found watching movies with her husband Ross, traveling, reading a good book or hanging out with friends. Emily's favorite part about Keyboard Kids, Inc. are the students - getting to know them and helping them grow their love of music.

Mindy Heinsch

Mindy earned her degree in Music Education from Northwestern College in 1994. Since earning her degree, she has taught elementary music in the Elk River school district as well as teaching private voice lessons. Mindy also has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Bethel University.

She enjoys teaching at Keyboard Kids, Inc. because it allows her to use her teaching gifts in the evenings and be at home with her two sons, Connor and Carter, during the day. Her hobbies include hanging out with her husband, Glenn and sons, playing piano, singing and scrapbooking.

Gunnhild Accola

Gunnhild, a native Norwegian, came to Minnesota seven years ago. She got her degree in church music from Bergen Music Conservatory. After finishing her schooling, Gunnhild worked for ten years as a Director of Music at two different churches in Norway. After coming to the United States, Gunnhild has enjoyed teaching piano at Keyboard Kids, Inc. for six years. She truly enjoys watching her students progress and loves showing them the tools they need to succeed as musicians.

Gunnhild is married to Chuck. They have three children. Gunnhild loves to knit and climb mountains (hard to do this hobby in MN!) She shares her musical talent with her current church and enjoys playing with the band, accompanying soloists and conducting choirs.

Laura is a recent graduate of Bethel University. She graduated in 2005 with a degree in Music Education. Laura has been playing the piano for over 15 years and also enjoys singing in her spare time as a member of Evangelion, a professional adult choir. This is her first year teaching at Keyboard Kids,
Inc., and she is excited to meet her students and share with them her love of music!

In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband, visiting Montana (her home state!!), reading and visiting with friends.
 

Mary Hoffer is the owner and founder of Keyboard Kids, Inc. She started Keyboard Kids, Inc. in 1998 after having already taught piano for eight years.  Mary has a BA degree from Bethel University in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance. She is leading Keyboard Kids, Inc. into it's ninth year of lessons and is excited about adding a new studio in the Woodbury area. She loves teaching group lessons and watching children interact and learn the fundamentals of music.

Mary is married to Steve and has four children. Her hobbies are playing piano, hanging out with friends, scrapbooking, reading and traveling.