Whether it is performing on stage or simply singing in the shower, we believe everyone is a musician! Our team has some of the area’s premier music educators, instrument service technicians, and helpful sales representatives who bring experience and passion to their job. If you are looking for a music lesson teacher, click here to read their bios or request a lesson.
Experienced Instrument Repair Technicians and Associates!
Meet the White House of Music Team
- Everyone
- Brass Teachers
- Clarinet
- Electric Bass Teachers
- Flute
- Guitar Teachers
- Management
- Oboe Teachers
- Office Staff
- Orchestral Strings Teachers
- Piano Teachers
- Repair Team
- Sales Team
- Saxophone Teachers
- School Services
- String Shoppe
- Trumpet Teachers
- Violin Teacher
- Waukesha
- Woodwind Teachers
Education - Conservation and Environmental Science
Instruments - Guitar
Musical Groups - The Young Revelators (past)
- Alex MortensenOboe, Saxophone, English Horn and Flute InstructorWatertown, WaukeshaAlex MortensenOboe, Saxophone, English Horn and Flute Instructor
Instrument(s) Taught:
Oboe, English horn, Saxophone, Flute
Location:
Waukesha
I am most comfortable with this age group:
All
Preferred Virtual Platform:
Skype, Zoom
Bio
Alex Mortensen discovered her love of music and teaching while growing up in Wisconsin, surrounded by inspiring music, musicians, and instructors. She took her passions to Indiana University Bloomington’s Jacobs School of Music, where she received her BA in Multiple Woodwind Performance, studying oboe, saxophone, and flute. Alex has experience performing in various environments, including orchestras, ballet, big-band jazz ensembles, chamber groups, and contemporary (some of her favorite moments have involved working with living composers).
Music Education:
BM Multiple Woodwind Performance (3), Indiana University-Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music
Teaching Experience:
Alex has taught in a range of contexts for over eight years.
Styles Taught:
Alex primarily teaches in the classical style. She teaches beginner jazz and contemporary techniques, as well.
Methods Taught:
Oboe - Geckler, Barret, Rubank, Ferling
Saxophone - Rubank, Ferling, Snavely
Flute - Flute 101, Rubank, Taffanel and Gaubert, Trevor Wye
- Allison WickSchool Service AssistantWaukeshaAllison WickSchool Service Assistant
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Jazz Piano Performance, Recording Arts/Music Production, Portland State University
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty
Piano/Organ/Keyboard
# of Years with White House:
Started 2020
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Hiking, Climbing, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Woodworking
Favorite band/musical group:
Medeski, Martin and Wood, Soulive, Charlie Hunter
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I love being surrounded by music and musicians, and especially enjoy introducing new musicians to the opportunities of music.
- Andy WheelerSales Professional / Educational Sales ConsultantWatertownAndy WheelerSales Professional / Educational Sales Consultant
Primary Job Focus
Account management and auto-billing
Hobbies Outside of Work
Gardening, cooking, entertaining guests, Halloween & making family costumes, concerts, and reading thrillers & mysteries
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Clutch, David Byrne, Bottle Rockets
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love the people I work with, the challenge of managing the accounts, and working with customers.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education - Western Illinois University
Band Instrument Repair Graduate 2008 – Minnesota State College Southeast Technical
Master of Music History and Literature/Library and Information Science at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - 2022
National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians member
Advisory Board Member for the BIR program at Minnesota State College Southeast
TechnicalPrimary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Woodwind Repair in Waukesha
# of Years with White House:
Employed in May 2020, repairing for fourteen years in the Milwaukee area.
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
In my spare time, I enjoy riding my bike around town, digging through the crates at local record stores, and spending time at home with my two rescue dogs, Teela and Penny.
Favorite band/musical group:
I enjoy attending live shows, cranking up the volume to hear my favorite DJs on WMSE and playing the clarinet and electric bass.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
Feeling welcomed every day by the best technicians and staff in town. Also, it is a great feeling to work with customers on their repair necessities and service their instruments properly.
Education
Associates Degree in Accounting - Milwaukee Area Technical College
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Cardinal Stritch
Hobbies Outside of Work
Card making, spending time with family, and learning to play the Ukulele
Favorite Band or Musical Group
I like classic Rock and 80's Alternative bands, but some of my favorites are The Beatles, Fallout Boy, and The Smiths.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
The people, the focus on Music for Life, and the compassion of the owner.
I played with the Madison Symphony Orchestra for several years and have subbed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Wisconsin Philharmonic, Kenosha Symphony, and various other ensembles. I also play occasionally with my Dad’s ethnic Balkan dance music band. Outside of music, I enjoy playing golf, hiking, camping, enjoying Star Wars, following various sports, and spending time with my family.
Education
- BM UW-Madison
- MM Northwestern University
Year joining the team - 2022
Primary Focus
- Educational Sales
- String Specialist
Education
Degree in marketing and have played bass professionally for 40+ years.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Playing golf, traveling, and playing the bass.
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Beatles
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I enjoy renting instruments to new students and seeing how excited they are and watching and listening to lesson students as they improve and mature into quality musicians.
Education
- Tech College violin repair
- Band Instrument repair
Joined WHOM - 2022
Hobbies
- Reading (Sci-Fi / Adventure)
- Metalworking
- Platform Programmer
Education
UW - Whitewater in Communications & PR
Waukesha South High School
# of Years with White House:
Since birth
Hobbies Outside of Work
Golf, boating, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family & friends
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Too many to list. I played Rock n Roll in the 80's... need I say more?
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Being surrounded by music and the opportunity to get people involved in music... for life!
Education
Graduated from West Bend East High School
Student at Berklee College of Music
Primary Focus
Music production/sound engineering
Instrument Specialties
Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
# of Years with White House
Since 2020
Musical Activity Outside of Work
I play trumpet and guitar in my own Neo-Soul/R&B Band, as well as I work in my own studio as a freelance producer/engineer making records for myself and others!
Favorite band/musical group
Tower of Power
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
Meeting fellow musicians from all around the state
Cynthia Coy, a native of Wisconsin, has been an instrumental music educator for 32 years. Most recently, she served as the Director of Music at Saint Catherine’s High School in Racine, Wisconsin. Prior to this appointment, she was the originating Director of Bands at Kate Bond Middle School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she enjoyed building a brand new band program (which included a Symphonic Band, a Concert Band, a Novice/Beginning Band, and a Jazz Ensemble) with the opening of this new school in the summer of 2011. As the Director of Bands at Green Bay Southwest High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin, her marching band was selected as one of fifty bands (one from each state) to participate in the May 2004 dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. While the Director of Bands at Mukwonago High School in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, her 150-member competitive marching band, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band performed in the 1997 Alamo Bowl Festival in San Antonio, Texas, and in the 1995 Outback Bowl Festival in Tampa, Florida. She has also directed high school jazz ensembles which have performed in the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Jazz Festival, the Frank Mantooth Jazz Festival at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and the Bob Kames Foundation Jazz Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Ms. Coy earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May 1985, graduating Magna Cum Laude, with an emphasis in instrumental music education and percussion. She has enjoyed performing as a percussionist with the Bellevue Orchestra (Memphis), the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Green Bay Festive Orchestra, the Green Bay City Band, the Milwaukee Police Band, the Waukesha (Wisconsin) Area Symphonic Band, the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (Stevens Point, Wisconsin), and the Stevens Point City Band.
Special honors bestowed upon Ms. Coy include numerous inclusions in Who’s Who among America’s Teachers and her naming as “Mukwonago High School Teacher of the Year” in May 1996. She served as one of 200 teachers in the Memphis City Schools’ Teacher Effectiveness “Ambassador Program” and was selected to be a conductor for the 2012 Memphis Area Middle School Honors Band hosted by Overton High School.
Ms. Coy served on the Memphis City Schools’ Teacher Development Team for the Tennessee Fine Arts Growth Measures System and further served as a Peer Reviewer of fellow music educators’ portfolios in spring 2013 and 2014.
Ms. Coy has held memberships in the National Band Association, the Jazz Educators Network (JEN), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
- Darren KrzyckiRepair TechnicianWaukeshaDarren KrzyckiRepair Technician
Primary Job Focus
I oversee the department that cleans, restores, and maintains the band and orchestra rental instruments. I also get to repair and maintain the orchestra rental instruments.
Education and Previous Work
Stringed Instrument Repair with Guitar & Violin Specialties Program - Minnesota State College Southeast
I have 13+ years of experience repairing and restoring instruments and bows for professionals and students alike.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Playing guitar, woodworking, and hiking the Ice Age Trail
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Hugh Maskela - South African Flugelhorn Player
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I get to work with some pretty awesome people, and I love to repair instruments. Putting an instrument into fine playing order is very gratifying!
Primary Job Focus
Orchestra instruments, keyboards, guitar, and Wisconsin State Musical Association (WSMA) music
Previous Work
34 years as an Orchestra Director at Wauwatosa West High School and Whitman Middle School
Past President of Wisconsin String Teachers Association
Certifications
Yamaha Certified String Specialist
Hobbies Outside of Work
Spending time with grandchildren and performing with "The Ricochettes" band
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Anything before '76
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Helping customers find the perfect instrument that helps them learn and grow and working with customers of all ages who will be involved with music.
Education - Northern Illinois University (2021) Bachelor's in Trumpet Performance
Primary Focus - Trumpets / Brass at Waukesha
Interests / Hobbies - Disc Golf, Bowling, Archery, Thrifting, Geocaching
Musical Groups -
- Metrofern - Chicago-Based Funk / Fusion / Disco Band
- Burnt Coil - Neo-Soul / R&B Band
- Good Shepherd Brass Quintet
- Deborah RodeferLesson Coordinator for Voice and Piano, SalesWaukeshaDeborah RodeferLesson Coordinator for Voice and Piano, Sales
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania - B.M. Music Therapy, Voice
Wisconsin Lutheran College – B.S. Business Management & Leadership
Tau Beta Sigma
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
I was a music geek in school and joined every group I could! That gave me experience with choir, vocal solo, flute, piccolo, oboe, guitar, piano, baritone sax and trumpet.
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
I am a gamer, writer, reader, crafter, cosplayer, wife and mother extraordinaire.
Favorite band/musical group:
Broadway Musicals, Alternative, Contemporary Christian, Soundtracks
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I love White House of Music’s number one focus on serving customers – that gives me the freedom to have fun helping students, parents, and the musical community every day.
Primary Job Focus
Preparing band instruments for lease at the distribution center
Previous Work
40+ years experience in retail music
Hobbies Outside of Work
Movies, golf (I like watching more than playing), musical theatre, summer festivals, exercise, dining out, gigs, and domestic chores
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Buddy Rich Big Band, Doobie Brothers, Frank Sinatra, and more
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Preparing musical instruments for future musical prodigies!
Primary Job Focus
Band, orchestra, and guitar
Hobbies Outside of Work
Photography of travel & landscape, traveling to U.S. historical sites & Disney, grilling, smoking meats, and other foods
Favorite Band or Musical Group
80's music - Styx in particular
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I came to the music business from the battery business where nobody is happy about shopping. So when a customer is excited about getting a new instrument, I get pretty excited right along with them!
- Donna LeeOffice StaffWaukeshaDonna LeeOffice Staff
Education and Previous Work
25 Years in the music business
AA Bryant and Stratton College - Business Management
Hobbies Outside of Work
Guitarist, songwriter, and music recording
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Lynyrd Skynyrd
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I appreciate the opportunity to develop friendships with the White House staff and the educators I serve, while furthering the musical pursuits of "children" of all ages.
Education:
High School Diploma, 2 years of music education courses at Concordia University
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty:
Freelance Electric/Double Bassist and Instructor that has coordinated gig's with musicians across the country, knowledgeable in the string instrument field along with some knowledge of saxophones.
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
I enjoy hiking, kayaking, cooking along with being a massive Bucks fan.
Hobbies Outside of Work
World travel and cultures
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Chicago, Yo Yo Ma, Joni Mitchell
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Helping staff help customers!
Primary Job Focus
Brass instrument repairs
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Arts in Music - UW Eau Claire
Band Instrument Repair Degree - Minnesota State College Southeast
Hobbies Outside of Work
I play trumpet in a few groups in town and also enjoy maintaining and riding my motorcycle.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Being able to help people learn to play music by keeping their horns in great working order.
Primary Job Focus
Saxophone repairs
Education and Previous Work
Associate of Art degree
- Jessica BooneRepair TechnicianWaukeshaJessica BooneRepair Technician
Education and Previous Work
Studied music at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music majoring in both cello and classical guitar
Hobbies Outside of Work
Hiking, kayaking, camping, and traveling
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love working with customers, and I enjoy finding the perfect instrument for a customer.
Primary Job Focus
Store Manager, Lesson Coordinating
Education
Cardinal Stritch University
Hobbies Outside of Work
Playing music!
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Primus
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Helping other people find enjoyment through music.
- Joshua GuariscoBrass Repair TechnicianDistribution CenterJoshua GuariscoBrass Repair Technician
Primary Job Focus
Brass instrument repair and restoration
Education and Previous Work
Bachelors Degree in Music - UW Milwaukee
Principle Oboist - Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra
Principle Oboist - Milwaukee Philharmonic
Hobbies Outside of Work
Composing original music, writing, reading, disc golfing, being a goof ball, and listening to all types of music
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Steve Reich (composer)
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I enjoy working with my hands to ensure that the instruments that White House of Music rents are in great working condition for students. There is great camaraderie between all of the shop technicians!
Instrument(s) Taught: Oboe, Clarinet
I am most comfortable with this age group: 12 years old and up
Preferred Virtual Platform: Zoom
Bio: Hello! I look forward to teaching you oboe or clarinet lessons. I have been playing music since 2001. I currently play oboe with multiple local orchestras, including the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Philharmonic! On top of teaching lessons, I also am an instrument repairman at White House of Music! See you Soon!
Music Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (I studied Oboe with Stephan Colburn, Margaret Butler, and Katie Steele)
Teaching Experience: I have taught at the White House of Music since 2018. I have also coached young musicians at UW-Milwaukee Honors Band events, as well as with the Sheboygan Area Youth Symphony.
Styles Taught: I am well versed in classical styles, but also work with each student on learning their preferred music!
Methods Taught: Rubank Elementary Method Essential Elements Others as needed
Primary Job Focus
Outside school sales and band/orchestra instruments
Education and Previous Work
BA in Music Merchandising with a minor in Business Administration - UW Oshkosh
Hobbies Outside of Work
Golfing, boating, bowling, and watching football with family and friends
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Anyone from James Brown to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Johnny Cash to Phillip Phillips
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love the variety the job brings... every day has new and exciting challenges! I enjoy working both with the educators and their students, helping to fulfill whatever musical needs they may have. I also enjoy leading our sales team.
We have a great group of people who work extremely hard out in the field making sure we go the extra mile when it comes to all customers!
Education - Business Administration
Year Joining WHOM - 2019
Instruments - Flute
Hobbies - Reading
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Music Education and Trombone Performance
Job Title:
School Service Representative
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Trombone / Waukesha
# of Years with White House:
Since 2020
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Musicals, Music in general, Sports and Auto Racing
Favorite band/musical group:
Snarky Puppy, Trombone Shorty, Pentatonix, Home Free
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I enjoy helping students and families find the right tools to help them be successful in music.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
UW-Milwaukee - BA in Music Education
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Outside school sales for band and orchestra music programs.
# of Years with White House:
23
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Watching my kids play fast pitch softball and soccer
Playing my trumpet in Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns
Favorite band/musical group:
Too many to mention, from big band to funk and beyond!
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I love working with students and educators to make their program the best it can be. Working with great co-workers to make music for life happen!
Primary Job Focus
Woodwinds
Education and Previous Work
Associate of Applied Science - Band Instrument Repair at Western Iowa Technical Community College
Hobbies Outside of Work
Camping, hiking, and reading
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Being able to fix instruments!
Education and Professional Experience
B.A. - Carthage College
Served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs for five years.
Hobbies Outside of Work
My love of gardening equals my passion for music.
Favorite Band/Musical Group
I can only narrow that down to genres: classical & rock. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra performing the music of Led Zeppelin is the best of both worlds!
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
The look on a student's face when they are handed their first instrument is the fuel that keeps me passionate about my career with the White House of Music.
Primary Job Focus
Band, orchestra, and trombone
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Fine Arts - UW Milwaukee
Trombone performance
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards
Current member of International Trombone Association (ITA).
Hobbies Outside of Work
Record collecting, auto racing, and live music
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Milwaukee Symphony, Pink Floyd, Queen, and various other pop and alternative artists
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with music and with great customers/co-workers!
Teaching Experience
I've been teaching trombone and baritone at White House of Music for 16+ years.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical, jazz, pop, modern, and sacred
Teaching Methods
All standard method books including: Bordogni/Rochut, Cornette, Rubank, Remington, and others, in addition to solo repertoire.
Expectations of Students
Regular assigned practice, proper instrument care, and good attendance
What I Want My Students To Know
I love music, trombone, and baritone, and . will do my very best to help students grow as musicians and people.
Education: MM Percussion Performance with Certificate in Composition from Bowling Green State University
BM Percussion Performance and BA Music Composition from UW Oshkosh
Hobbies Outside of Work: Comedies, Star Wars, video and board games, Minecraft YouTube.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
B.M.E. from Indiana University Bloomington
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Trombone/Euphonium & School Music
Location: Watertown
# of Years with White House:
Since May 2018
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Making music of course, learning new things, hiking/exploring, making/eating
new recipes, and playing board/card games
Favorite band/musical group:
Vulfpeck, to name one
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
Working with musicians, they tend to be the best kind of people!
Education
- Master of Music Education - American Band College / Washington Central
- Band Instrument Repair Diploma - Minnesota State College Southeast (Redwing)
Year joining WHOM - 2022
Hobbies - Playing with my cats, video games, and officiating soccer.
- Michael SmithRepair TechnicianMichael SmithRepair Technician
Primary Job Focus
Band instruments
Awards
Oar Award - 2x
Hobbies Outside of Work
Odd jobs
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Swing Explosion
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
It's a fun working environment!
Primary Job Focus
Woodwind repair and restoration
Certifications and Awards
Straubinger Certified Member NAPBIRT
National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians - Member of its Master Clinicians Guild
Recipient of Sussex Hamilton's Distinguished Alumnus Award
Hobbies Outside of Work
Harleys & Real Deal BBQ!
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Any Big Band (Jazz) or Symphony Orchestra (especially the MSO)
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Getting an instrument to play its very best!
Education
- Badger State Repair (repair certification)
- UW-Whitewater (Bachelor of Arts)
Started with WHOM - 2022
Specialty - Bass Trombone and Tuba
Interests - Hunting, Fishing, Spending Time with Family
Musical Groups - Whitewater Community Band and Holton Band (Elkhorn)
Primary Job Focus
Sales & education, band specialist
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Music Education - UW Eau Claire
Honors
Menomonee Falls High School Fine Arts Wall of Fame
Hobbies Outside of Work
Camping, listening to music, playing trombone, and music recording & mixing
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Horn Bands - Chicago, Earth, Wire, Tower of Power Jazz Band, and Gordon Goodwin
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Meeting people and helping them reach their goals whether that's purchasing just the right item or learning and improving on their instrument!
Primary Job Focus
Sales support for school services - education outreach and growing school accounts.
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Music - St. Norbert College
Taught 5th-8th grade band for 28 years
Hobbies Outside of Work
Packers football, watching sports, hiking and being outdoors, running, and playing and listening to jazz
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Harry Connick and Miles Davis - any jazz bands
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love that it is still connected with music and school music education! I love the people and the familial atmosphere.
Education
Violin Repair Diploma - Minnesota State College - Red Wing
Instrument Specialty - Violin
Interests / Hobbies - Leatherworking, reading, writing science fiction novels, going to renaissance festivals, spending time outdoors, playing violin and bassoon, and learning new instruments
Music Groups - Currently none but I would love to find a community orchestra or band to play in!
- Ricardo MartinezTrumpet InstructorWaukeshaRicardo MartinezTrumpet Instructor
Education
University of Evansville- BM in Music Education- 2020
Presser Foundation Scholar- 2019
Music Service Award- 2018-19
Gumberts Senior Recital Award Finalist- 2020
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee- MM in Performance (Current)
Professional/Teaching Experience:
Student Taught at Harrison High School in Spring of 2020 in Evansville, IN
Trumpet Assistant at the Wesley Shepard Music Camp (Evansville, IN) from 2017-2019
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught:
I teach using a mix of traditional methods that are effective and modern approaches to further the
student's learning.I have taught band methods, band literature, orchestral excerpts/parts, and have
experience in teaching students the basics of playing jazz styles.Expectations of Students:
I expect student to be prepared, have an open mind to new ideas, and have fun learning the trumpet and how to play it. I do not expect perfection, but rather positive progress and new ideas learned with each lesson.
What I want my students to know:
Everyone starts in different places of life, and that's okay. With hard work, passion, and positivity, you can achieve be where you want to be.
Favorite band/musical group:
If I'm in a clasical mood, I will listen to most thing played by the Chicago Symphony. Otherwise, I enjoy listening to Muse, Panic! At the Disco, and Fall Out Boy.
What you enjoy most about your job:
I enjoy getting to learn about my students as their own person and seeing the growth of them reflect in not only their personality but also in their playing.
Hobbies Outside of Work:
Playing video games, cooking and experimenting with flavors, watching disney and anime.
- Roger GirdaukasStringed Instrument RepairWaukeshaRoger GirdaukasStringed Instrument Repair
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor's Degree in Music (UW-Oshkosh)
Member of Violin Society of America
Primary Job Focus
Repair, restoration, set-up, and adjustment of all orchestral stringed instruments.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Home improvement projects and travel
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working one-on-one with string players, listening to their concerns, and helping them to get the most from their instruments.
Primary Job Focus
Brass and woodwind repair
Education
Band Instrument Repair Degree - Western Iowa Tech
Hobbies Outside of Work
Woodworking, metalworking, and travel
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Being able to work with my hands to solve a great variety of repair problems.
- Stephanie ZimmerPrint Music Buyer, Piano InstructorDistribution CenterStephanie ZimmerPrint Music Buyer, Piano InstructorEducation and Professional ExperienceBachelor of Music in Music Education - Alverno CollegeMaster of Arts in Pastoral Studies - Catholic Theological UnionDirector of Liturgy and Music in Catholic parishes, a school music teacher in Catholic schools, retailHobbies Outside of WorkPodcasting about TV shows, watching movies and tv series, playing with my golden retrievers, training our puppy, singing with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, playing for churches, going to plays or musicals, hanging out with my husband and family including our grandkids
Styles Taught:
I'm open to anything. If I'm not familiar with a style the student wants to learn, I will learn more about it.
Favorite MusicMilwaukee Symphony Orchestra, musicals, pop, and rockTeaching ExperiencePrivate Piano Instructor – home studio for 15 years2019-Present – White House of MusicTeaching MethodsTechnique is really important in learning piano. I start with that as a building block to learning various skills. Lesson books all have positive attributes and I tailor my choices by student learning styles.Expectations of StudentsI expect students to work hard in their lessons but also to spend some time at home practicing the songs and skills we are working on. It is frustrating to myself and the student when they are working on the songs over and over in the lesson instead of coming into their lessons prepared to show me what they can do and then move on to the next challenge in their books. Taking responsibility for their success helps everything to go smoother.What I Want My Students To KnowI want each of my students to know that I enjoy teaching and love working with them. I want them to feel successful and that the lesson time was spent well.What I Enjoy Most About My JobI enjoy the people I work with and helping customers find what they are looking for and to solve problems. Primary Job Focus
Director of purchasing and rental operations
Education and Previous Work
B.S. from Carroll University with Majors in Education and Music
Hobbies Outside of Work
Professional bassoonist - long time regular member of Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra and Milwaukee Festival City Symphony.
And taxi driver for our three kids!
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I enjoy the financial aspects of purchasing and inventory management. I work with great people!
- Theresa BollhagenSoftware DeveloperDistribution CenterTheresa BollhagenSoftware Developer
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
MATC – Music Business
Carroll University – Music Business, Dean’s List
WCTC – Associate of Science, Web and Software Development, Phi Theta Kappa, National Technical Honor Society, Honor List
Job Title:
Software Developer | Lesson Instructor
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Software Development – creating custom software solutions for the needs of the company and helping with eCommerce. Also maintaining current web and software solutions developed by the former developer.
Instrument(s) Taught:
Violin, Viola
Location(s):
Brookfield
I am most comfortable with this age group:
12+
Preferred Virtual Platform:
Discord, Skype
Bio
I have been playing music since my grandpa taught me to read music on the piano at age 5. Since then I have studied the guitar, violin, viola, ukulele, piano, bass guitar, and voice. I have been involved in orchestras (both violin and viola), choirs, bands, and solo performances.
Music Education:
Carroll University - Music Business, Performance Violin major, Viola minor Teacher: Jamie Hofman Milwaukee Area Technical College - Occupational Music Violin , Guitar Major Teachers: Steven Freidenberg, Jack Grassel, Steve Peplin Other: Celtic MKE Irish fiddle (private lessons) Playing for Irish dancing Teacher: Heather Lewin
Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for nearly 20 years. For 18 of those years I was an independent contractor at a store in Menomonee Falls. I am in my second year of teaching at White House of Music.
Styles Taught:
Classical, Irish, Rock, Be Bop, Blues
Methods Taught:
No matter the style, students are taught to read music notation before diving into a particular style, usually by learning from Essential Elements 2000. Students will also learn scales and basic theory. Methods: Classical: Suzuki books are used as a main book but are supplemented with other pieces songs and etudes. As the students advance, they learn separate classical solo pieces. Irish: Most Irish music is taught by ear, however, "The Irish Fiddle Book: The Art of Traditional Fiddle-playing" by Matt Cranitch is used for many tunes (as a supplement), techniques, and set pieces. I believe that it's important for today's students to be diverse style-wise which is why I like to introduce my students to styles they may not think they could play on a violin or viola. Also, it's fun!
Primary Job Focus
Violinist
Previous Work
Touring musician with acts such as Brooks & Dunn
Classically trained violinist from 7 years old to present
Also plays mandolin, electric bass, electric violin, and viola
Experience in rock, country, jazz, Celtic, and cajun
Awards
15 time nominee and 7 time Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) winner
Hobbies Outside of Work
Performing with various country, rock, and blues bands, duos church band, kayaking, and camping
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Too many different bands and genres to name!
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Seeing people, especially children, happy with their new or repaired instruments.
Primary Job Focus
New contracts and contracts returns & exchanges
Awards
DAR Award and Benny Award 2x
Hobbies Outside of Work
Quilting, gardening, crafts, reading, fabric, taking son hunting, and enjoys going through old cemetaries
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Cowboy Up, but I enjoy many types of music
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Variety of duties - it's never boring!
Year Started with WHOM - 2016
Interests
- Restarting the Flute after putting it down
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Spending time with the Grandkids!