Chris Powell

About

Chris Powell is an accomplished voice and keyboard teacher with extensive professional experience in music education and performance. A graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Chris earned degrees from the School of Music Vocations (Southwestern Christian College) and the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied opera with Jeffrey Brich. Throughout his career, Chris has educated more than 1,000 students in classes, lessons, and workshops across the country since 2008, demonstrating a deep commitment to music education and community outreach. As a Teaching Artist with City Voices Des Moines, Chris instructs group keyboard classes and maintains a robust private studio with approximately 50 voice and piano students. His teaching approach is characterized by a passion for making music accessible to all, regardless of age or prior experience. Beyond his teaching roles, Chris is a professional piano and voice entertainer based in Des Moines. Together with his wife Jessica, he operates Vows and Vibes, a full-service wedding and event entertainment business. As part of this enterprise, Chris maintains a repertoire of over 300 crowd-pleasing songs spanning multiple decades and genres, from jazz standards to contemporary pop. His versatility as both an educator and performer makes him a valued member of the Des Moines music community.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree, University of Northern Iowa; Associate degrees from School of Music Vocations (Southwestern Christian College)

Teaching Styles