Whether you just picked up a violin or viola for the first time or if you have a few years of practice under your belt, White House of Music has the right teacher for you! With private lesson locations in Watertown, Waukesha, West Bend, and Brookfield, White House of Music has everything you’ll need to become a successful string musician.
Why Choose White House of Music?
Why Take Violin Lessons?
Our lesson coordinators can help find the right teacher for you! Contact us to get started!
Explore The White House String Shoppe
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:
1. Name: Joy Anna Gillmore
2. Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Have taken violin lessons for fifteen years, and piano lessons for nine years. Have completed two semesters of music pedagogy. Two-time winer of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Bach Double Competition. Received Honorary Mention in the Baird Stars of Tomorrow Competition in 2016 and performed side-by-side with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Am currently involved in the Falls Baptist Music School Chamber Strings and the Falls Baptist Music School Symphony Orchestra.
3. Job Title: Violin Instructor
4. Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location: Violin Teaching and some Piano teaching at White House of Music in Waukesha.
5. # of Years with White House: 2 months
6. Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work: Sewing, Volleyball, Hair styling, Playing my instruments, and traveling with my family.
7. Favorite band/musical group: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
8. What You Enjoy Most About Your Job: Helping others to learn to play their instrument well and to enjoy playing their instrument.
9. Teaching/Professional Experience: Have spent hours of instructing/assisting in private lessons (for at least three years). Have assisted in many workshop sessions for young students. Have taught for one year at Falls Baptist Music School and one year at New Song Outreach Program.
10. Music Styles You’re Familiar With: Music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance period, the Baroque period, the Classical period, the Romantic period, the PostRomantic/Impressionistic period, and the Twentieth Century.
11. Teaching Methods: The Suzuki Method with some of Paul Roland and Mimi Zweig’s teaching methods mixed in.
12. Expectations of Students: To practice (at least five days a week); to accomplish each week the goals that are set by the teacher; and to give all that they have into their instrument.
13. Anything Else You Want Your Students to Know: I am passionate about passing on what I know to the next generation and about seeing them succeed.
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.
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!
Professional Experience
Performed with Concord Chamber Orchestra 2004-05
Teaching Experience
Private violin/viola lesson at WHM for past 9 years
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical
Teaching Methods
Essential Elements to learn to read music, Suzuki to get students playing musically, and etude books as students get older.
Expectations of Students
I don’t expect every student to be a professional, but I expect my students to practice regularly (sometimes it can’t always be as much as it should but at least some practice time each week). I want them to progress. They should get better each week. Some weeks may be less successful than others-but I want to see them continually get better. Lastly, I want them to enjoy what they are doing!
Professional Experience
Played with many local orchestras: Concord Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Catholic Orchestra, Rochester Symphony, and LaCrosse Symphony
Teaching Experience
Education
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
I mostly teach Classical, but have taught fiddle and country styles to kids and adults.
Teaching Methods
Expectations of Students
Each student is taught differently and learns at different levels, so I would have different expectations for each student.
What I Want My Students To Know
I make an effort to approach each student as a unique and promising artist, help students set individual goals, then plan and prepare lesson materials tailored for what they intend to achieve.
Favorite band/musical group
Love Pentatonix
What you enjoy most about your job:
Seeing my students mature and grow as musicians.
Professional Experience
Solo playing for weddings and other events since 1980’ish
String quartet and chamber ensembles since 1982’ish
Chicago Civic Orchestra, principal second violinist 1985-1987
Tours:
Recordings:
Teaching Experience
Violin & piano private lessons since early 1980’s
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
While classically trained on violin and piano, I play and enjoy many styles on violin/fiddle including classical, baroque, country, folk, rock, blues, and musicals.
Teaching Methods
Whatever best suits student’s interest, learning style, and level. I like to incorporate music of student’s choice as ability allows.
Typically includes: Violin – combination of Suzuki, Mark O’Connor, classical repertoire, plus technique
Expectations of Students
I enjoy students who put effort into learning the fundamentals of their instrument so that we may progress. “Treading water” due to lack of interest or practicing drives all involved nutsy.
What I Want My Students To Know
I share a home with my husband, young daughter, cats, and a variety of animals. I was the fiddle player with The Wickershams in Madison and Hillbilly Winos based in Chicago area.
When not involved with music & family, I’m with animals. I’m a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and founder of Atagahi Wildlife Haven. I’m also a Certified Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior) with a feline behavior consultation business called Feline Fine Again.
Education:
Getting my Bachelors in Music Education
Graduated Salutatorian from Falls Baptist Academy
Professional/Teaching Experience:
4 years of pedagogical study
4 years of teaching experience
Studied violin for over 15 years; studied under teachers such as Elizabeth Zempel, Jamie Hoffman, and Mimi Zweig
Teaching Methods & Musical Styles/Genres Taught:
Suzuki, Kodaly, Classical
Expectations of Students:
Students should expect to put effort into their lessons - depending on how advanced they are, practicing 4-5 days a week is what I would normally expect.
What I want my students to know:
You will get what you put into your instrument.
Favorite band/musical group:
Orpheus Chamber Ensemble, Libera Boys Choir
What you enjoy most about your job:
I love seeing students succeed in their instrument and get excited about it! Music gives a great opportunity for kids to learn to express their emotions.
Education
23 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.
Professional/Teaching Experience
I have taught violin, viola, and piano for 7 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.
Favorite band/musical group
I love many genres of music and groups, so I can’t really say I have a favorite.
What you enjoy most about your job
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!
Hobbies outside of work
I love going hiking with friends, playing board games, & keeping up with my overgrown chocolate Labrador!
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
I am currently an undergraduate student at Baptist College of Ministry majoring in Music Performance and Pedagogy. My degree is specifically directed to piano and violin pedagogy. I have studied under Elizabeth Zempel, Jamie Hofman, Mary Williams, and Anna Overmiller. I started violin at age three and now have been studying it for 18 years. I began piano a few years later and have studied it for 15 years. In addition, I am actively involved in chamber, symphony, and ensemble groups. I have also had the privilege to perform with the MSO in the Stars of Tomorrow competition as honorable mention. In the winter of 2019, our chamber group won the opportunity to perform a concert at the Midwest clinic.
Job Title:
Violin and Piano Teacher
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Violin and Piano teacher at Germantown
# of Years with White House:
I began teaching at White House of Music in Germantown June 1, 2021
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
I enjoy spending time with my family/cousins and pet bunny. I also love playing volleyball, frisbee, hockey, rollerblading, biking, swimming… practically anything outside with friends 🙂 A morning with coffee and my Bible is my favorite way to start a day!
Favorite band/musical group:
I enjoy going to the MSO or CSO. Before covid, I loved going to Ravinia in Chicago (an outside concert in a large park), and look forward to going again when it opens again. Classical music is my favorite genre.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
I enjoy learning more about my students and their hobbies. I love to have fun in the lesson and connect their hobbies with music. It is neat to watch how they progress and grow over the years in music. It is just so awesome to work with people and make a difference in their life.
Teaching/Professional Experience:
I have completed five semester-long pedagogy classes and taught private lessons for three years. I am currently also teaching at Falls Baptist Music School and New Song program that is based out of the music school.
Music Styles You’re Familiar With:
I teach mainly Classical music with the various genres involved.
Teaching Methods:
Violin: Suzuki Method with supplemental pieces and exercises books.
Piano: Beginner- Piano Exploration Series; Beginner/Intermediate-Alfred Piano Series
Expectations of Students:
I expect my students to practice consistently and correctly in order to build character and strengthen their musical skills. I appreciate respect and obedience during the lesson. Finally, I expect each student to come ready to have fun...even if it is a music lesson!)
# of Years with White House:
Since 2022
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
Math tutoring, organizing, Church activities
Favorite band/musical group:
Boston Cello Quartet, Canadian Brass
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job:
Seeing students achieve
Interacting with students and helping them progress forward and express their musicality.
Teaching/Professional Experience:
I have taught at my house for several years as well as the Falls Baptist Music School for about a year. I am still in an undergraduate degree at Baptist College of Ministry, but I am on track to graduate with a Music Major in the Spring of 2023.
Music Styles You’re Familiar With:
Classical
Teaching Methods:
Suzuki, Williams Piano Adventure Series, I am a strong advocate of ear training and etude focus
Expectations of Students:
Practice consistently and show effort, communication with any questions or misunderstandings, and expect to have a good time:)
Anything Else You Want Your Students to Know:
I work on technique and posture, especially at the beginning of learning an instrument. It is essential to play effortlessly and comfortably.
Does your student want to play the violin or viola? Our basic starter guide outlines a number of best practices for lesson preparation, instrument care, and what to look for in a new violin or viola!
Our resident orchestra specialist provides a list of tuning “do’s and don’ts” to tuning your string instrument. Learn more about this process and some helpful tools in this brief video tutorial.
This brief video sponsored by Yamaha and White House of Music showcases the benefits and opportunities offered by joining an orchestra program.
Our very own Dave Topolovec has trained countless thousands of students in the Wauwatosa School District. In this article, he provides a reference guide for parents of new orchestra students.
Do you need to replace a string on your violin? David Topolovec walks you through each of the various parts and repair process in this step-by-step tutorial.
“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.”
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
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!
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
