Whether it’s your first time behind a musical instrument or you have been playing the piano for years, we have a private teacher available for you! With four local music stores offering piano lessons in Watertown, Waukesha, West Bend, and Brookfield, White House of Music has everything you’ll need to become a successful pianist.
Why Choose White House of Music?
Why Take Piano Lessons?
Our lesson coordinators can help find the right teacher for you! Contact us to get started!
Piano Accessories
Private Piano lessons for 12 years
Received highest achievement score from the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association
Received a superior plus ranking from the National Guild of Piano Teachers Association
Achieved Top Talent Circle honors Received the Ten Year Paderewski Medal Private violin lessons for 8 years
Received first place in the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music 2006 Scholarship Competition Certificate in elementary teaching from the Royal Conservatory of Music
White House of Music (2019-Present) Kiddie Academy of Brookfield (2022-Present) Hales Corners Lutheran Church and School (2022-2023)
Classical
Alfred, Faber, Bastien book series Classical focus paired with fun styles preferred by each student
What I want my Students to Know -
I want my students to know themselves through music. They and their instrument are the connection to a different world. Together we’ll learn how to interpret sounds and express feelings, strengthen posture and confidence, read music, memorize, and build qualities that are applicable to many other areas of life. We’re going to have a lot of fun, but also be trained to work through the hardships of music. I expect my students to be dedicated to practice, and especially work diligently on our recital pieces. Know that I’m here to help achieve goals as much as I can, and hope to enable all aspirations 🙂
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I love meeting students of assorted ages and personalities. It makes me happy when they’re excited about their pieces and are proud of their improvements. I enjoy when my students enjoy music even more by playing it themselves.
Professional Experience
Teaching Experience
Private piano teacher at White House of Music West Bend
Self Employed Piano Teacher, Nancy Fritz Piano Studio 1979- present
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical and Sacred/Hymns
Teaching Methods
I like to fit the method to the student and how they learn best
Expectations of Students
Consistent practice at home is what makes the difference. When a student comes to their lesson prepared they feel a sense of accomplishment giving us time at the lesson to work on the more musical aspects of the piece. I encourage communication and feedback from parents especially with young children.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music at Baptist College of Ministry
Professional Workshop for Violin and Viola Teachers - Indiana University
Professional Experience
I completed two classical violin recitals as part of my college program; most of my other musical performances occurred through ensembles and small orchestras. I have accompanied WSMA and Federation competitions.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Sewing, textiles, and reading
Favorite Band/Musical Group
Any symphony orchestra
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with people of all ages and watching them grow
Teaching Experience
Five years part time at Falls Baptist String Program
Nine years on and off coaching and accompanying for WSMA
2014 - Present at White House of Music
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
I specialize in classical and sacred music.
Teaching Methods
Strings - Suzuki with supplemental repertoire
Piano - Bastien with supplemental repertoire
Expectations of Students
Come prepared with your music and notebook ready to learn
What I Want My Students To Know
Bring your musical ideas, questions, and dreams. Come ready to explore and grow!
Education/Certifications/Memberships
Degree in Music Theory from UW-Milwaukee
Certified by the State of Wisconsin as a recreation technician
Have continued to take piano lessons on and off after college
Member of the State Board of the Wisconsin Federation of Music Club
Skype- have extensive experience with Skype after using it during covid. I will also offer a Skype lesson if a student is just not able to make it to class. Missed lessons mean slower progress!
I have been teaching piano for 30 years, the last 20 at the White House of Music. I enjoy teaching all ages and have even taught parents of former students. One of the things I find most important is being able to explain things in more than 1 way. Not everyone learns the same way and some benefit from demonstration while others prefer to listen to an explanation and then try it themselves.
I majored in Music Therapy at UW-Milwaukee but after subbing for a music therapist for a time, realized music therapy was not a good fit for me. A friend of mine suggested I try teaching piano and after a semester of teaching just 2 students, I had found my niche and have been teaching ever since. I have taken private piano lessons over the years- there is always more to learn! I plan to start again in the fall. French Horn was my first instrument- starting in 5th grade -and I still play in a couple of area concert bands.
30 years of teaching experience. The first 10 were out of my home and at 2 Lutheran Day Schools. The last 20 years have been spent at the White House of Music. I love having the staff do the scheduling and the billing and I can concentrate on what I love most-teaching! Have also taught some guitar but do not feel qualified enough to do a good job.
Just about everything! Baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary. If a student has an interest in a style I'm not well versed in, I learn it. Over the years I've added jazz, blues, ragtime, and new age to my list of styles.
Faber, Alfred, and Alfred Premier are the main ones. Recently, I had a transfer student who had been using the old Thompson method. I had been shying away from this method as it had not ever been updated and had been around for about 50 years. There are some amazing teaching pieces in that book! So, basically, I'm willing to try any method as long as it works for the student.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Cooking, sewing, gardening, antique collecting, and framing
Favorite Band/Musical Group
Frog Water
Expectations of Students
That they come to lessons prepared and with all their materials each week. If the student didn't understand something, they make a note of it so we can clarify. Be honest.
Anything Else I Want My Students To Know
Piano is hard work - there is no way around it. However, so is anything in life worth doing well. In sports there are practices so you get better at that specific sport, and in piano you practice so you get better at playing not only piano pieces, but technique and theory on the way music works as well. Piano only seems more difficult because you have to motivate yourself to practice rather than having a coach tell you what to do and how long to do it. Music will be with you your entire life, long after you can play soccer or volleyball or basketball, so it is worth every minute you work at becoming a better player. Play away!
I have had the privilege of teaching piano for over 30 years, both in home and at White House of Music. It is a rewarding career to see students learn and grow in their love for music. I have a more easygoing personality, yet still encourage students to strive to do their best. Every student is unique and different so my goal is to help them take their next step musically- wherever they are. In my spare time, I love all things horses and pretty much animals in general 🙂 I also have a passion for leading worship at my church.
-Bachelor of Science in Business Ed with a Music minor from Maranatha University 1992 -Teaching License in state of WI 2013-present
-Teaching Piano in a private studio for 30+ years -Group lessons for 5 years -Individual lessons at White House of Music from 2011-present -General music, choir, and band in Waterford school district for 3 years
I enjoy teaching all different styles of music. My passion is seeing students connect with the music they love. In a typical 30-minute lesson we will use a lesson book, along with theory and a fun book of choice.
I have used numerous methods, with my preference being the Faber series.
Professional Experience
Soloist and accompanist in church and accompanied in dramatic productions
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical and sacred
Teaching Methods
It depends on the individual student. I like to use the series that best suits their personality. I would like to utilize theory lessons, flashcards, and games to reinforce concepts.
Expectations of Students
To practice and come prepared for the lesson and to come to the lesson ready to learn.
What I Want My Students To Know
I love to play the piano! I started taking lessons at the age of 5 and took 16 years of lessons. I play mostly for church and my own enjoyment now, but have in the past played for weddings, choirs, and dramatic productions. My youngest student was 4 and my oldest student was an adult. There have been many students of many ages in between.
Professional Experience
I have accompanied several musicals and private recitals including “Hansel & Gretel”, “Godspell”, and “Annie Get your Gun”.
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical music is my favorite. I love old standards and music from the 70s and 80s.
Teaching Methods
Alfred’s Premier Piano Course, Piano Adventures by Faber & Faber, and Hal Leonard Student Piano Library
Expectations of Students
The Music Tree by Frances Clark, Hal Leonard Solos, and some Faber & Faber
Professional Experience
Luther Manor Nursing Home-assisted and organized programming and music for the elderly
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
New age-classical
Teaching Methods
CAP, Faber & Faber, have had experience with some others
Expectations of Students
To do homework and practice
What I Want My Students To Know
I’m very aware of different learning styles and try to adapt the lessons accordingly.
Dan Maske is a composer, performer, and recording producer, as well as a teacher in those subjects. He has over 25 years experience teaching piano, as well as drum set, and trumpet. He holds BA and MM degrees in music theory/composition from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a DMA in music composition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also performs on trumpet and drum set, and will take on the role of conductor from time to time. In addition, he is a published author of musical instructional books (Progressive Rock Keyboard: https://bit.ly/38Qbu0S, Progressive Rock Drumming: https://bit.ly/31a3Njx, Circle of Fifths Explained https://bit.ly/2NzPCC2, and Counterpoint Explained). Maske has also served on the music faculty of Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI, since 2007, and has been teaching composition for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra since 2005.
• Doctor of Musical Arts, Music Composition - University of Wisconsin - Madison
• Master of Music, Music Theory & Composition -University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music Theory & Composition - University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
• White House of Music, Waukesha, WI Studio Teacher Teaching includes private instruction in piano, music theory, and composition, for all ages. October 2019–present
• Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee, WI Teacher Teaching includes private instruction in music composition/orchestration for the John Downey Creation Project, students, grades 6–12. November 2005–present • Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI Adjunct Music Faculty Teaching included: piano, trumpet, percussion, music theory courses, and music composition (as well as recording and audio production). August 2007–2019
• Edgewood College, Madison, WI Adjunct Music Faculty Teaching included: Arranging/Orchestration for undergraduate music majors. The course included orchestra, band, choir, and jazz arranging techniques as well as computer music notation (Finale). January 2004–May, 2004
• Additional piano & trumpet teaching, since 1994 at other arts schools and music stores.
Classical, Jazz, Pop/Rock
The following is a statement from Dan Maske, regarding his overall teaching philosophy, but each student is treated as an individual, where parents and adult students can request a specific area of focus, based on their interests:
In piano lessons, I teach a form of “comprehensive musicianship,” meaning I work to include traditional music reading and technique, creative elements such as composition and improvisation, music theory, music technology, and more. These help turn students into well-rounded musicians, while making the experience as fun and engaging as possible. I also pay attention to each student’s own musical interests, including styles of music they love, personal goals, and I pay close attention to the areas of music to which a student responds the most. I am also mindful of the impact music instruction can have on children, benefitting them as they strive to succeed in all subjects in school, sports, and other activities.
Dan and his wife, Angela Schmidt, are also founding members of the progressive rock band Far Corner (Far-corner.com), where he plays keyboards and composes the band’s music. The group’s recordings have been released on the Cuneiform Records label (http://cuneiformrecords.com/bandshtml/farcorner.html).
Dan Maske teaches all levels, from beginner to advanced. He specializes in classical, rock, and jazz. Jazz based lessons often focus on improvisation, as well as learning notable works in the jazz repertoire. With respect to classical music, Dan covers all eras and composers, including adventurous works by modern composers.
In addition, piano lessons often involve instruction in composition, depending on students’ interests and goals. Whether it be creating short and simple piano pieces, full rock/pop songs, or even classical works, scored for orchestral instruments, students have the opportunity to tackle a variety of creative endeavors. Such creative work may either be a part of piano lessons, or the main focus of instruction.
Dan also works with college-bound high school students, in preparing them for auditions, and helping them achieve a certain level of proficiency in music theory. Younger students also have the opportunity to enter the State Solo and Ensemble festival, and other similar events, where Dan works with them to polish solos in classical and/or jazz, to be performed for a judge.
Professional Experience
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical, pop, and jazz
Teaching Methods
Faber & Faber is the method I use most often; however, I do use Hal Leonard, Alfred, and Bastien as well.
Expectations of Students
To follow and practice their piano assignments and to pay attention and listen.
What I Want My Students To Know
I like to introduce many different books and styles of music to keep the student interested and excited about playing.
All ages
I have been teaching private music lessons since high school! It is so wonderful to help someone discover their love for music. I studied classical music in college, and I am also a singer, songwriter, and performer. While working on learning an instrument is hard work, the rewards are life-long!
Bachelor of Music, UWEC
I have given private lessons for many years in different situations. At schools, at people's homes, in my home, and at WHOM as well!
Classical, contemporary
I am comfortable using different method books. I like to help the students find the best fit for their situation.
Voice, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Beginner Piano
Waukesha / Brookfield
Music ignites me, and I am excited to share this passion as I teach! I am a singer and multi-instrumentalist, and I love learning lots of different instruments. I have performed solo as well as in a plethora of groups and ensembles; I have experience in various genres including jazz, pop, classical, and hardcore. Aside from music, I am a long distance runner, writer, and photographer.
BM Instrumental Music Performance (Jazz Certificate) - UW-Whitewater
I have the most experience with jazz, pop, and classical, but I'm open to pretty much anything you want to work on! I'd love to work on your favorite songs/tunes/pieces during lessons.
Every student learns differently, so I like to teach with a student-centered approach.
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Piano teacher at Waukesha
Musical background:
Piano is one of my favorite things. I started taking piano lessons when I was 8 years old and the longer I have played, the more I enjoy it. My musical training has been through Falls Baptist Music School and Baptist College of Ministry.
Favorite band/musical group:
Each time I go to the MSO or CSO is a highlight for me. I really enjoy listening to classical music and piano concertos are my favorite!
Teaching Methods:
I primarily use Faber Piano Adventures and will supplement with other method books, skill sets, and sheet music.
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Outdoors
Volleyball
Biking
Music Styles You’re Familiar With:
Classical
Sacred
Expectations of Students:
Students should put their best effort into learning piano. In order to do well, students are expected to practice faithfully between lessons in order to meet the goals I give them. They should come to their lessons ready to learn more. I want my students to have a willingness to learn and a determination to do their best.
What I Want My Students To Know:
My ultimate goal is to teach my students how to read music. While I am excited to teach them piano, I also want to teach them to be able to read music so they can transfer that to any other instrument of interest. Character building is an important aspect of music lessons. Learning an instrument has valuable lessons to be transferred to other areas of life.
Bio
I chose to pursue a career in the industrial electrical business, however, the love of music has always kept me involved with performing, teaching and playing. I strive for musical excellence, but never want to neglect the fun that music can bring! Music can be an expression of our emotions and soul in a way that words can often fail. I love seeing student’s eyes light up when they get a concept or seeing them smile and laugh when we are having fun making music!
Education
25 years of experience. B.A. in Liberal Arts from Maranatha Baptist University in 2017. Trained through the Flint School of performing arts & private lessons from DSO (Detroit Symphony Orchestra) acting associate concertmaster Hai-Xin Wu. Participated in the Dort Honors String quartet & multiple orchestras.
Professional/Teaching Experience
I have taught violin, viola, and piano for 10 years. I’ve played violin since I was 3 years old and started piano when I was 4. Music has been a huge part of my life and I take every opportunity to use my abilities.
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught
I love to ignite and feed a passion and love for music in each child’s life. My goal is to teach each student how to teach themselves and work with them to find ways to make the best music they can and have a blast while doing it! I teach classical, fiddle, sacred, and more.
Expectation of Students
I expect my students to come ready to learn and have fun! Practicing between lessons makes the lessons more fun so I expect some practice between lessons the amount being conditional on each student.
What I want my students to know
I strive for musical excellence, but never want to neglect the fun that music can bring! Music can be an expression of our emotions and soul in a way that words can often fail.
Methods Taught:
I prefer Sally O'Reilly series for teaching technique to young beginners and Suzuki books for repertoire for all ages. Otherwise, I adapt and custom design all teaching methods to the needs of the student. I was trained in several different methods and my teaching style has become encompassing of all training I have received.
What you enjoy most about your job
I love seeing student’s eyes light up when they get a concept or seeing them smile and laugh when we are having fun making music!
Hobbies outside of work
I love going hiking with friends, playing board games, & keeping up with my overgrown chocolate Labrador!
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honor/Awards:
Music has been a huge part of my life since I was six years old! I have been taking music lessons for 17 years, and my primary major at Butler University was piano. I have played piano and flute for WSMA solo ensemble many times, including as a piano accompanist. I have also played for art shows, retirement homes, weddings and more. For the first 12 years that I took piano lessons, I had the same teacher. The relationship I developed with her has been exceedingly influential for me, and I strive to make a similar impact on my own students.
What you enjoy most about your job:
I love when my students are excited about music and seeing how proud they are when they make progress!
Music styles I'm familiar with:
I am most knowledgeable about classical, romantic, baroque, popular, and sacred music.
Teaching methods:
I have experience teaching piano using the Faber method. For flute, I am familiar with Accent on Achievement, books by Patricia George and Phyliss Avidan Louke, and books by Trevor Wye. I'm open to teaching using other curriculums as well. With both piano and flute, I like to include other sheet music in addition to using the lesson books.
Expectations of students:
I expect my students to show up ready to learn, ask questions, and practice consistently!
Professional Experience
General classroom and school music; accompanying choirs, groups, solos; accompanying congregational singing at church; performing piano solos and duets
Teaching Experience
1983-1996 and 2006-2010 – Classroom teacher, including academic subjects, music and choir, grades K-8
1983 to present – private piano lessons for students of all ages and levels, from beginning to advanced; Teaching at White House of Music since 2000
Music Styles I’m familiar with
Classical, some popular music, folk tunes, hymns
Teaching Methods
I most often use Faber and Alfred, but if a student/parent has a preference about books and music, I’m happy to work with them. I also ask student to choose some of the songs and styles of music that they enjoy.
Expectations of students
Practice 4-5 days per week, including learning new pieces, reviewing previously learned music, memorizing, sightreading, practicing exercises and scales, completing theory pages. I also expect most students to participate in at least one recital per year.
What I want my students to know
First of all, I love teaching piano lessons! It’s one of the highlights of my week. I want my students to enjoy learning to play, so we use a variety of music, games, worksheets, challenges, and contests to keep students progressing. I’ve had experience with many students and can always work with a student who is willing to learn.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in music & History from Ripon College
Associates Degree in Supply Chain Management (in progress) from WCTC
Favorite Band or Musical Group
The Beatles, The Cranberries, Mumford & Sons, Hamilton soundtrack
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love seeing my students make any sort of progress, whether big or small!
Playing Experience
Music Leader/Pianist, St. John’s Lutheran Church Stone Bank
Oboist, Racine Concert Band
Freelance oboe and piano player in the greater Milwaukee area
Teaching Experience
White House of Music since 2010.
Previously taught at Heid Music, Brass Bell Music and the Oak Creek Academy of Performing Arts
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical, popular, Broadway Musicals, and sacred
Teaching Methods
Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred's Premier, and Bastien.
I also love Czerny, Hanon, and Burgmüller studies!
Expectations of Students
I'd like my students to: come to lessons prepared, practice regularly, be willing to work hard, and be honest with me.
What I Want My Students To Know
I am here to help you grow as a musician, but I am also here to be a mentor as well! I enjoy getting to know all of my students and their interests outside of piano, and I will make sure that our lessons reflect your goals as well as my expectations of you.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education (K-6) + additional credits.
Job Title:
Piano Instructor
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Piano Lesson Instruction - Waukesha
# of Years with White House:
7 years
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Visiting with family and friends, cooking, researching topics of personal interest, staying as active as possible, and walking outdoors.
Favorite band/musical group:
I love 80's music! Also 70's and some 90's pop hits. I also have some modern favorites but there's nothing like the 80's!
Teaching/Professional Experience:
I had my 1st piano student at 18. Since then I have successfully maintained a small to large studio over the past 18 years. I taught at Music Dynamics of Wales before joining WHM in 2011.
Music Styles You're Familiar With:
Classical forms from the 4 periods of music history is my forte, although I will teach some popular music.
Teaching Methods:
I use almost entirely Faber Methods, but will incorporate Bastien and Alfred if/as needed.
Expectations of Students:
I still believe in the old saying "Practice makes perfect." But even if a student doesn't have time for "Practice makes perfect," there is such a thing as "Practice makes good" or even "Practice makes ok," if they've had busy week. My expectation for my students is that their practice falls within a certain average range of time per week for their current level and that they have access to an instrument to make this happen.
Anything Else You Want Your Students to Know:
I'm all for open lines of communication and teamwork. If there is ever a sudden or planned temporary but complete obstacle to practice, this can be worked around-provided that the obstacle is not indefinitely permanent.
Our very own Brandon Yahn explains why it’s important to keep practicing throughout the calendar year! Avoid the “Summer Slide” with private lessons and regular practice sessions.
Is your student ready to start “Making Music For Life” as a beginner pianist? We walk you through the process of helping your student take their first steps into the world of music performance.
“John in the string shoppe helped my wife fall in love with a new viola that she is delighted with. The whole experience was magical in her words. Customer service at its best!”
“Being an adult, it was not easy for me to learn Piano, until I met my first Piano teacher Angela at White House of Music in Waukesha. I would never forget that experience. “
“Extremely knowledgeable! I have been a customer of WHM for more than 25 years. The service has always been exceptional and the employees know their stuff. These guys are clearly passionate about music and helping others explore and enjoy it. Additionally I find the prices to be comparable with anywhere in the area or online. Keep it up White House!”
“Rented violins while my daughter was still growing from them before buying (a full sized violin). Great experience all around! Thank you to John helping her to select her new beautiful instrument.”
“We stopped in the store on 3/20/17 to check out ukuleles for our daughter’s birthday. Mike showed us the instruments and all of their features and proceeded to play “Happy Birthday” to our daughter Ella. Mike was very helpful and made our experience at your store a very positive one so much so that we purchased a new Ukulele for Ella’s Birthday. She looks forward to showing Mike what she can play at his monthly class.”
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While appointments aren’t required in any of our stores, they do make sure that you receive one-on-one assistance as soon as you step foot in the door. It will also help our staff be prepared for your questions – whether that be on our instrument rental programs, signing a young musician up for music lessons, making your first instrument purchase, joining the New Horizons Band, and more!
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