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 five local music stores offering piano lessons in Watertown, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, Germantown, and West Bend, White House of Music has everything you’ll need to become a successful pianist.
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Why Take Piano Lessons?
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Piano Accessories
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
# of Years with White House:
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
Teaching/Professional Experience:
Music Styles You’re Familiar With:
Teaching Methods:
Expectations of Students:
Anything Else You Want Your Students to Know:
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Bachelor’s degree from Belarusian State Academy of Arts
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Germantown
# of Years with White House:
2019-Present
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Music composing, sound engineering, keyboard player at church
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I enjoy seeing my students’ progress
Teaching/Professional Experience:
4 years of teaching piano and music theory classes
Music Styles You’re Familiar With:
Classical
Teaching Methods:
The Alfred method is my favorite, but I try to use an individual approach for each student that best suits their personality (The Bastien, Faber, Kasschau, Fletcher and other methods).
Expectations of Students:
I strongly believe that practice at home is very important. I recommend that students practice at least 5 times a week, even it’s only for 10 minutes.
Anything Else You Want Your Students to Know:
I grew up in Belarus and moved to the United States in 2016
Education
Private Piano lessons with Martha Brueggeman for 12 years
Received highest achievement score from the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association
Received a superior plus ranking form the National Guild of Piano Teachers Association
Achieved Top Talent Circle honors
Received the Ten Year Paderewski Medal
Private violin lessons with Jennifer Startt (the 2nd violin principe of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra)
Received first place in the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music 2006 Scholarship Competition for violin
Professional/Teaching Experience
White House of Music (2019-Present)
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught
Methods: Classical, Alfred and Faber books, Masterwork Classics
Styles/Genres: Classical, Romantic, 20th Century, Baroque
Expectations of Students
Responsibility, effort, passion, motivation, excellence, patience, obedience, a willingness and drive to succeed at their instrument and an amiable attitude towards achieving goals.
What I want my Students to Know
Becoming a remarkable piano player takes dedicated practice. I will teach you everything I know but ultimately it's up to your devotion and the attitude you give to the instrument that will blossom you into a noteworthy pianist. Learning the piano should be enjoyable and will teach you many life lessons. The end result of your hard work will be the ability to unleash your emotions through music and an outlet for expressing feelings to your listeners for their enjoyment.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
I enjoy investing in student's lives and helping them grow in their piano studies.
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.
Professional Experience
Brass Bell Music Store (2016) - currently teach private violin lessons from beginner to intermediate levels
Teaching Experience
Falls Baptist Music School 2013-2016, taught private lessons as well as group lessons with students ranging from beginner to advanced (ages 3-17), assisted in several summer music camps (ages 4-25) Wisconsin International Academy 2015-2016, assisted in organizing a small music program, taught private and group lessons to Chinese high school students.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Violin and Viola: Classical, Sacred and Ear training
Piano: Classical, Sacred (Hymn playing)
Teaching Methods
I use mainly Suzuki, but supplement with books such as the Bonnie Blue Book, Fiddle Rhythms/Magic, and other method books such as the Royal Conservatory, Canadian Series, and Barber. Piano: I use my own ear training, scales, and warm ups, and use the Alfred Series for pieces. Once the student has completed the Alfred books, I use a variety of popular advanced classical pieces.
Expectations of Students
Students should come to a lesson on time with their music, instrument, and practice chart/notebook. They should be fully prepared to perform their goals assigned the previous week, and be ready for helpful tips and comments given by the teacher. After receiving the new assignments, they should go home and practice as many days as possible focusing on completing each daily goal.
What I Want My Students To Know
I believe that it is important for students to be able to memorize a piece and perform it for an audience. Not only does this bring closure to a given piece, but it also develops confidence of their ability. When I feel that several students have reached the level of mastery in a piece I will arrange a recital for them to participate in.
Professional Experience
Active church musician (Grace in Downtown Milwaukee, Woodlawn in West Allis) Regular solo piano performances (at Menards!) Various local rock groups (mostly a roots-rock band called Heavy Leaves)
Teaching Experience
Wisconsin Lutheran High School (2014-present) St. Marcus Lutheran School (2015-present)
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
I try to have a balanced approach between classical, jazz, and pop/rock styles. It's all music; it's all there for us to explore.
Teaching Methods
In my guitar lessons, I have been using Hal Leonard and Essential Elements books. They have a nice balance of different musical styles and approaches to learning. For my more advanced guitar students, I like to use William Leavitt's Modern Method for Guitar. In piano lessons, I use both the Faber and Alfred series, which are the most popular methods.
Expectations of Students
I expect my students to show up on time and have a good attitude. I also expect my students to be curious and artistic in their approach to music lessons. Lastly, I expect all my students to enjoy practicing and performing regularly.
What I Want My Students To Know
Before becoming a musician, I studied to be a pastor! Also, besides music, I enjoy thrifting, staying active, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Professional Experience
Took part in Indiana University Summer String Academy in 2010
Teaching Experience
Falls Baptist Music School (2013-2015)- Teaching lessons to elementary through junior high age students
New Song (2013-2015)- Teaching lessons to elementary students
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical and Sacred
Teaching Methods
Violin and Viola- I use Suzuki as a basic framework and supplement with some other books and sheet music.
Piano- I use a variety of method books (Alfred, Faber, etc.) and supplement some additional pieces.
Expectations of Students
Students should have a desire to learn, practice diligently, enjoy music, and desire to develop to their full potential.
Professional Experience
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Musical theatre, Pop, and Opera/Art Songs
Teaching Methods
Every student is an individual. It is up to the student how they want to learn. I have experience with Alexander Technique training, Feldenkrais Method; attended “Learning Methods: Patterns of Being” workshop with David Gorman at UWM
Expectations of Students
To show up with music and be willing to sing!
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
Hobbies Outside of Work
Cooking, sewing, gardening, antique collecting, and framing
Favorite Band/Musical Group
Frog Water
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with all the different personalities and figuring out what makes the light go on for each person.
Teaching Experience
Teaching piano for 25+ years - started teaching at home15 years ago.
Taught general music at two different grade schools.
Have directed several different church choirs.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Most - classical including baroque, romantic, jazz
Teaching Methods
Piano Adventures by Faber is my favorite.
Expectations of Students
That they come to lessons prepared and with all their materials each week. If the student didn't understand something, that 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!
Professional Experience
Washington Caldwell School in Waterford, WI music director from 2008-2011
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Contemporary worship music
Teaching Methods
I use mainly Bastien and Alfred, but supplement with various other materials
Expectations of Students
My expectation for my students is that they take the next step for them musically. Everyone is on a different level, so I like to see them focus on doing their personal growth.
Professional Experience
Teaching Experience
In the past, I taught piano lessons at our home and students participated in piano spring auditions. I have been employed as a piano instructor at West Bend White House of Music since 2005. My students' ages range from five years to 80 years.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
I have worked with all kinds of music styles over the years.
Teaching Methods
I use piano method books that apply to a student's background, age, knowledge, and goals. Through the interview we discuss student goals and background. I use Bastien, Alfred Premier, Noona mostly.
Expectations of Students
I expect them to practice almost daily at home, repeat an assigned section 5 times a day, review one old song daily, bring materials to the lesson and always have three songs to share when someone asks for music.
Professional Experience
Teaching Experience
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.
Education
BA Music Education and Elementary Education
MME Masters of Music Education
Past board member of WCDA
Director of WCDA Singing in WI (2x) and NEIACDA Children's Honor Choir
Master Adjudicator for WSMA
Professional/Teaching Experience
Retired vocal and general music teacher
Dubuque Chorale Associate Director
Dubuque Choral Children's Choir, Accompanist
Directed over 20 school and community musicals
Acted in many community theater companies
Sung in a few community operas
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught
Vocal methods based on classical style of singing. Influenced by research of Clippinger, Vernard, and Phillips. Piano method used is the Bastien Piano Series.
I have taught students interested in all styles of music. I specialize in helping students connect the breathing process to vocalization.
Expectation of Students
Vocal students will need to purchase "The Clippinger Class - Method of Vocal Culture" and practice assigned vocal exercises in addition to specific songs being studied. Piano students will need to purchase a Bastien Series piano book and practice assigned pieces and theory exercises often between lessons.
What I Want My Students to Know
My goal as a teacher is to find what level a student is able to perform as a musician and help the student progress in skill as musician and inspire them to be self motivating in their study of music.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
What I enjoy most about teaching music is helping students grow to the point they know they have understood or mastered a skill. In other words, I love helping students become better musicians.
Hobbies Outside of Work
I enjoy cooking, sewing, gardening, composing, painting, researching many things, singing, travel, and being with friends and family.
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.
Professional Experience
Director of Music (full-time position), St. Monica Church, Mishawaka, IN (1978-1981)
Director of Music (full-time position), St. Joseph Church, Waukesha, WI (1981-1985)
Director of Music (full-time position), St. Agnes Church, Butler, WI (1985-present)
Teaching Experience
White House of Music (1987-present); individual piano lessons
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical; popular; and easy jazz (as long as it is notated)
Teaching Methods
I choose the method according to the speed that the student is capable of learning. I am fond of the Faber series. With later-intermediate and advanced students I just use standard piano literature.
Expectations of Students
To practice regularly and watch fingering and tell me what kind of music they Most enjoy playing.
What I Want My Students To Know
I really enjoy teaching and interacting with students.
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.
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.
Professional Experience
Registered Music Therapist-able to adapt piano to special needs, Church Musician
Teaching Experience
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Wide range – try to incorporate a variety of styles for a well rounded education
Teaching Methods
Alfred, Hal Leonard, Faber & Faber
Expectations of Students
Practice on a regular basis, at least 4-5 times a week even if for 10 minutes.
What I Want My Students To Know
I have a strong faith which drives my actions and morals.
Professional Experience
Wisconsin Lutheran College: Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance
I sing professionally at functions such as weddings and funerals.
Teaching Experience
I’ve taught private music lessons for the past two and a half years. I teach sight reading/singing, music theory, and aural skills to students ages four and up.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Voice: Opera, art song, pop, music theatre, and contemporary Christian. Languages include English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Latin. I am also proficient in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Piano: Classical, musical theatre and contemporary Christian.
Teaching Methods
Because every student is different, there isn’t a specific series I utilize. I’ve used Bastein, Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred, Piano Town and Hanon. I also like to work with music the student picks, such as Harry Potter or Star Wars. For voice lessons, I have a wide library of repertoire and use Alexander Technique.
Expectations of Students
I expect that my students practice every week and come to their lessons with a positive attitude and a smile!
What I Want My Students To Know
I love movies and love to learn music from movies! I’ll sing along to Disney songs any day!
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, 1996— Major: English.
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, 1986— Major:Music, Minor: History.
Member Sigma Alpha Iota - Honorary Music Fraternity
Member Phi Alpha Theta - Honorary History Fraternity
Winner of Sigma Alpha Iota College Honor Award
Teaching Experience
Private Teacher - 3 years
White House of Music Instructor - 22 years
Professional experience as accompanist and church musician
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical, folk, and contemporary
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught
Primary Method - Alfred's Premier Piano Course
Alternative Methods - Piano Adventures (Faber), and Hal Leonard
Focus on classical technique. Popular music, jazz and blues styles are taught using written sheet music.
Expectations of Students
Students should commit to a consistent practice routine in order to achieve results. Students will be expected to memorize recital pieces and perform in two recitals each year. Students are required to keep fingernails short in order to play with the proper hand position and technique.
What I Want My Students To Know
I want my students to know how to read music. I want my students to know how to express themselves through music. I want my students to know the basics of music theory and music history
Favorite band/musical group
Classical composers: J.S. Bach and Frederic Chopin
I'm an avid listener of world music and an '80s new wave fan
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
I enjoy the "aha" moment when a student masters a new skill. I enjoy teaching pieces that a student has always wanted to learn. I enjoy the smile on a student's face after a great performance. I enjoy listening to my students' stories!
Hobbies Outside of Work
Member Wisconsin Writes Association
Drama Movies Editor at Bellaonline.com
Education
Bachelors Degree in Music & History from Ripon College
Hobbies Outside of Work
Reading, knitting, running, eating cheese, and Garfield
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Mumford & Sons, The Beatles, and the Hamilton soundtrack
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with such a fun group of people who are passionate about music!
Teaching Experience
I've been teaching piano and oboe for 15 years, seven of which have been at White House of Music. I have a BA in Music Performance with an emphasis on oboe and classic piano.
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical, popular, Broadway Musicals, and sacred
Teaching Methods
Piano: Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred's Premier, and Bastien
Oboe: Rubank, Essential Elements, and Barret & Sellner Studies
Expectations of Students
I'd like my students to: come to lessons prepared, practice regularly, be wiling to work hard, and be honest with me.
What I Want My Students To Know
I want to give my students a love of music!
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.
“Thank you White House of Music for continuing the 40 year tradition of customer service in the new Hartland location.”
“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.”
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!
Offer only valid on the purchase of specific Yamaha models between November 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. Double rebate days are Small Business Saturday, November 24, and December 8 with rebates up to $200. Rebate is only valid on new instruments. Rebate is NOT payable at the retail store. All claims must be submitted online via http://4wrd.it/SUTY18, and must be received by January 31, 2019. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For full details and to see if your purchase is eligible for a rebate, please ask your sales associate in store, or contact us.
