Instrument(s) Taught:      Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice

Location:      Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:      10 – 18

Preferred Virtual Platform:     zoom

Bio

Amber Seebach is a dedicated vocal and string music educator with a lifelong passion for music and youth development. She began playing violin in first grade and quickly expanded her musical journey to include vocal performance through high school and university choir. Over the years, she has been a musician with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and the University of Wisconsin Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, experiences that deepened her technical skill and artistic expression. With a strong background in both music and education, Amber brings a nurturing and engaging approach to teaching. Her experience as a camp counselor, lifeguard, and swim instructor has shaped her ability to connect with kids of all ages, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. She believes in the power of music to build confidence, foster creativity, and bring people together. Outside the classroom, Amber enjoys spending time at the beach, reading, connecting with friends, and relaxing with her cat. She is committed to making music education accessible, meaningful, and fun for every student she works with.

Music Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

Teaching Experience:

Amber just finished her last semester at UW-Whitewater and graduated in May of 2025. During her last semester she student taught orchestra at Kettle Moraine Middle School and choir at Milton High School/Middle School. She has given violin lessons for the School District of Menomonee Falls. Starting in the fall of 2025, she will be the Choir Director at Menomonee Falls High School and Middle School. Music2500 Teaching License certifies Amber to teach instrumental, vocal, and general music.

Styles Taught:

Classical, pop, fiddle, musical theatre

Methods Taught:

Essential Elements or Sound Innovations (if the student plays in school orchestra Amber will use method book the school uses.) Suzuki and WSMA Repertoire Solfège Kodaly Method (voice)

Instrument(s) Taught:     Violin, Viola, beginner Piano

Location:     West Bend

Bio

I make an effort to approach each student as a unique and promising artist, help students set individual goals, and then plan and prepare lesson materials tailored for what they intend to achieve.

Music Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from UW-Eau Claire in Violin and Viola performance

Teaching Experience:

Private Music Instructor from 1983 to present (lessons out of my home) White House of Music, West Bend 2005 to present Academy of Music, Menomonee Falls 1996 to 2000 Played with many local orchestras: Concord Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Catholic Orchestra, Rochester Symphony, and LaCrosse Symphony

Styles Taught:

I mostly teach Classical, but have taught fiddle and country styles to kids and adults.

Methods Taught:

I am classically trained and teach most of my students with a classical background. I do have other students that I teach fiddle (country), Jazz, and Blues.

Instrument(s) Taught:     Violin, Viola, Piano

I am most comfortable with this age group:     Any Age

Preferred Virtual Platform:     Skype

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 a student’s eyes light up when they get a concept or seeing them smile and laugh when we are having fun making music!

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 concert master Hai-Xin Wu. Participated in the Dort Honors String quartet & multiple orchestras.

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!

Styles 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.

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.

Instrument(s) Taught:      Cello, Violin, Viola

Location:      Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:      All Ages

Bio

Irena recently graduated from UWM with a BA in Music with cello as her primary instrument and voice as a secondary. She grew up learning violin in Suzuki lessons, and was self-taught on the cello until getting to college. Irena loves all things music and grew up in dance lessons, singing in choirs and musical theater, and playing strings in her school orchestra and a variety of instruments in band when she could fit it into her schedule. For Irena, music is both a career and a hobby, as she enjoys Salsa dancing and learning additional instruments in her free time.

Music Education:

BA Music – UWM

Teaching Experience:

Irena currently is a strings teacher with El Sistema in Waukesha and a dance teacher in the Mad Hot Rhythm program through Danceworks.

Instrument(s) Taught:     Violin, Viola

Location:       Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:       4-18

Bio

Jackie Baker began studying the violin at age 5 under the tutelage of Elizabeth (Van Gelderen) Zempel. At the age of 9, she fell in love with the rich tone of the viola and began viola lessons with Anna Grace (Van Gelderen) Overmiller and then Jamie Hofman. Jackie has passionately pursued her music training and has won competitions, scholarships, and studying opportunities with teachers, chamber musicians, performers, and conductors across the country. She has had the privilege of attending the Summer String Academy at Indiana University and studying under renowned teachers Mimi Zweig, Jim Przyzgocki, and the Penderecki String Quartet. In 2010, she won honorable mention in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition and performed as principal violist with the orchestra; in the same year, she earned the position of principal violist of the Falls Baptist Chamber Strings and the Baptist College of Ministry Symphony Orchestra and had the privilege of performing the solo string quartet of Elgar’s “Introduction and Allegro” at the Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra festival in Chicago, Illinois. In 2013, she received the Silverman/Anello Scholarship for her recorded performance of Ernest Bloch’s “Suite 1919.” Throughout her years in the Falls Baptist Music School, Jackie had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with and for artists such as Erin Alderage, Roeland Jagers, Sarah Kapustin, Wyatt Sutherland, and Matthew Michelic. In 2015, Jackie graduated with a BA in viola performance and pedagogy. Since her college graduation, Jackie has received many opportunities to perform as a soloist and chamber musician in the community and across the US and Canada. Jackie also enjoys her position as an English and literature teacher at Falls Baptist Academy and Baptist College of Ministry. When she’s not practicing or performing, she’s studying for classes or spending time with her high school students, teaching or participating in extra-curricular events. Her hobbies include traveling, writing, and music: she enjoys experiencing new cultures, recording her experiences, and sharing her love of music with those around her in both sacred and secular settings. Jackie is passionate about training the leaders of the next generation to become effective communicators in both language and music.

Music Education:

BA, Performance & Pedagogy

Teaching Experience:

In addition to her role as a performer and chamber musician, Jackie actively teaches both violin and viola in the community. In 2011, she started a string program on the east side of Milwaukee and also began teaching private lessons. In 2012, she accepted the position of assistant conductor of the Baroque Strings, a middle school string ensemble. That same year, her student orchestra was accepted at the Midwest Clinic as a demonstration ensemble. In 2017, Jackie accepted a full-time position at Baptist College of Ministry and the Falls Baptist Music School as a violin and viola instructor, chamber music coach, and administrative music secretary.

Styles Taught:      Classical

Methods Taught:      Suzuki+

Instrument(s) Taught:      Violin, Viola, Piano

Location:      Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:     5 and up

Music Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music at Baptist College of Ministry Professional Workshop for Violin and Viola Teachers – Indiana University

Teaching 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. 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

Styles Taught:

I specialize in classical and sacred music.

Instrument(s) Taught:      Violin, Viola

Location(s):     Brookfield, Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:      All ages beginner to advance

Bio

I started Violin at 3 years of age. I went to school for music performance. Later in life I went into Law Enforcement and changed career paths. I missed playing the violin. My career in law enforcement brought me full circle back to playing the violin. Sometimes life brings you full circle to a place you have been before just to show you how much you have grown.

Music Education:

I studied music performance in College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. I studied with Ralph Evans and Efim Boico in college. I played in a quartet and chamber group. I have also studied with Mimi Zweig, Yuri Beliavski, and Wei Tsun Chang.

Teaching Experience:

I have 20 plus years of teaching private lessons. I have also prepared students for MYSO, WSMA, Federation, and many concerto competitions. I have experience in the Carl Flesch, Russian 4 octave and Galamian scale systems.

Styles Taught:

Jazz, Bluegrass, Improvisation, Hip hop, and Irish Fiddle.

Methods Taught:

Classical, Galamian, Suzuki, Russian, and Carl Flesch.

Instrument(s) Taught:     Violin, Viola

Location:     Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:     9

Preferred Virtual Platform:     Skype

Instruments Taught: Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano

Location: Brookfield

Instrument(s) Taught:      Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Music Theory

Location:      West Bend

I am most comfortable with this age group:     All ages.

Bio

Ryan Erdmann is a professional electric bassist, double bass player, and dynamic music educator who teaches 5th and 6th grade orchestra in West Bend, Wisconsin. He has multiple years of experience teaching applied instrument lessons on guitar, bass, drums, and orchestral strings. Outside of education, he performs a variety of musical genres, ranging from classical, to jazz, and to different styles of rock music. Performance highlights include events with the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, Murphy’s Law, and an album credit on Michael Murphy’s debut album, Indigo Jones. Outside of performing and teaching, Ryan enjoys football, baseball, and various tabletop games.

Music Education:

Lawrence University Bachelors of Music – Instrumental/General Music Education & Music Theory Graduated December 2022.

Teaching Experience:

Orchestra Director – West Bend School District for 5th and 6th Grade Orchestra. 2023-present Private Lesson Instructor for Guitar, Electric Bass, Drums, Music Theory, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. 2018-present Rock Infused Orchestra Bass & Violin Coach. 2023-present Mile of Music Education Team Member. 2023-present Music Teacher – Neenah Joint School District for 6th Grade Choir and Orchestra. 2023-2023. Heid Music Rock-U Coach. 2022-2023

Styles Taught:

Classical, jazz, rock, pop, country, alternative.

Methods Taught:

Ryan has experience implementing Sound Innovations, Essential Elements, and Hal Leonard curriculum for all instruments taught. Ryan also will develop and implement curriculum tailored to the needs and wishes of his students. Ryan enjoys following the Suzuki method of instruction and has plans to become a certified instructor of this method in the near future.

Instrument(s) Taught:      Voice, Violin, Viola

Location(s):      Brookfield, Waukesha

I am most comfortable with this age group:       All ages

Bio

I have been teaching voice for twenty-five years. My former students can be found on opera stages across the country, on and off Broadway, in national and international tours, on TV, and in movies. They can also be found in courtrooms, hospital and surgical rooms, as university professors, public school teachers, doulas, and stay-at-home moms. I have consistently prepared students for auditions, competitions, and contests with great success. I have founded two summer programs for singers and collaborative pianists, one in Austria (which is now closed) and one here in Wisconsin, attracting and thus teaching students from all over the world. I have directed shows, judged competitions, and conducted community choirs. I began my musical studies at 10 with Violin and Viola and continued playing in orchestras all throughout college. So, though my career has been “voice heavy”, my initial steps began as an orchestra player and over the years I have taught a great many of these students as well. I have just returned to WI, where I grew up, after living in Miami, Germany, and Austria for nearly 30 years.

Music Education:

I have a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) both in Vocal Performance.

Teaching Experience:

I have 25 years of experience teaching voice to beginner through emerging, young professional with a great many violin and viola students interspersed there as well.

Styles Taught:

Classical, Musical Theater, etc

Methods Taught:

I will meet each student where they are and decide on the best road forward. This is a very personal approach and will vary with each person.

Instrument(s) Taught:      Violin, fiddle, viola, cello

Location:      Brookfield

I am most comfortable with this age group:      All ages; beginners- advanced; adult beginners

Preferred Virtual Platform:      Zoom

Bio

Tricia Fairman Riley is a violinist and fiddler based in MIlwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, music has taken her on a journey to the Pacific Northwest, and back to the Midwest. Ms. Riley teaches a variety of styles and genres of fiddle and violin playing, including classical strings, jazz, Irish, Scottish and Americana fiddle. She incorporates a Suzuki-style teaching approach, believing that all children -and students of every age – can. A favorite complement from a 10yo student is she is “firm, but nice” in her teaching approach; meaning Ms. Riley won’t let you off the hook on scales, but will reward that effort with teaching your favorite song. Ms. Riley’s musical journey started at 8yo when she was gifted a violin for her birthday. She studied string pedagogy at The Ohio State University with Drs. Kai Hui Tan and Robert Gillespie, receiving her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2009. Ms. Riley is passionate for contemporary and new music, and loves discovering new or little known composers. She is an Irish and Scottish fiddler, performing and recording with Ockham’s Razor (Seattle, WA 2016-2023). Ms. Riley performs and teaches workshops in Irish and Scottish fiddle stylings at community cultural festivals. She currently performs with new Milwaukee country band, Prime Country MKE.

Music Education:

Bachelors, Music Education Focus: String Pedagogy The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)

Teaching Experience:

Independent violin/fiddle teacher (2009-present) Ethos Music Center, Portland, OR (2013-2018) Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Strings Coach, Portland, OR (2014-2020) Michelle Tuesday Music School, Gahanna, OH (2011-2013)

Styles Taught:

Classical strings Suzuki-focused Fiddle (Americana, Irish, Scottish) Jazz

Methods Taught:

Suzuki Traditional