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
- Management
- Office Staff
- Piano Teachers
- Repair Team
- Sales Team
- Saxophone Teachers
- School Services
- String Shoppe
- Woodwind Teachers
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Jazz Piano Performance, Recording Arts/Music Production, Portland State University
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Waukesha/Watertown
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 WheelerStore Manager / Sales Professional / Educational Sales ConsultantWatertownAndy WheelerStore Manager / Sales 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.
Education
BA in Music from Iowa State University
Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America
Hobbies Outside of Work
Reading comic books, playing video games with friends, Dungeons and Dragons
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Nujabes Robert Glaspur Experiment, Chris Potter Underground, Snarky Puppy, Dave Matthews Band, Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Common. Noname, Tyler the Creator
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with other passionate musicians and helping each student find their own personal sound
Teaching Experience
- 5 Years Private Teaching Experience
- 4+ years of private saxophone teaching and guest clinician with Des Moines Public Schools
- Mumford's; a punk rock band based in Ames, IA from 2015-2017
- Spiders from Milwaukee; a David Bowie cover band 2017-Present
- Various Small Fires; an R&B/Soul band based in Waukesha - 2018
- Pit Musician with Johnson Creek Public Schools for their productions of Annie and Legally Blonde
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Jazz, hip hop, classical, latin, and rock
Teaching Methods
Essential Elements, Rubank Methods, Tradition of Excellence, Standard of Excellence
Styles/Genres Taught
Classical, Jazz, Latin, Rock
Expectation of Students
Come to lessons having practiced and ready to learn.
What I Want My Students to Know
That I will do everything I can to help them reach their goals.
Store Locations At Which I Teach:
Germantown and Watertown
Primary Job Focus
Print special orders and stocking music in all locations
Education and Previous Work
Masters of Music/Saxophone performance - UW-Madison
BA in Music Education - Carroll University
Hobbies Outside of Work
I spend a lot of time writing and recording music. I also try and play golf with my son whenever I can.
Favorite Band or Musical Group
I am a Big Bang fan and enjoy Michael Bublé.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
The daily interactions with customers and co-workers is my favorite part of the day. Being around other musicians is a plus!
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.
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.
- Chris LeppAccessory PurchasingWaukeshaChris LeppAccessory Purchasing
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!
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!
Credentials/Certifications/Edcation/Honors/Awards
Louie Armstrong Jazz Award recipient
NBA Band member 2018
Shadow Drum and Bugle Corps 2017
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location
Winds / Trumpet / Wauwatosa
# of years with White House
Since 2020
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work
Orchestra / Community Orchestra
Band
Student at UWM
Favorite Band/Musical Group
Hip-Hop / The CSO
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
Getting to work with great people who are also musicians. Also working with the future of music students.
Primary Job Focus
Guitar and Bass
Hobbies Outside of Work
Reading, spending time with family, and more work
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Tito Puente
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
It's music - what's not to enjoy!
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.
- 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
School accounts
Education and Previous Work
Associates of Applied Science degree in Business Administration - Waukesha County Technical College
Hobbies Outside of Work
Playing tenor sax and clarinet in three bands, gardening, biking, and sitting around the fire pit with friends
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Glenn Miller, The Beatles, Dave Matthews Band, and R.E.M
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
The people I work with, the variety of duties, and music!
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!
Primary Job Focus
Woodwind, brass, and print music specialist
Education and Previous Work
Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education - UW Madison
Hobbies Outside of Work
Music-wise I enjoy church music, Austrian folk music, and German choral music. My interests outside of music include: cats, spectator sports, and running.
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Die Kern Buam, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and The Shaggs
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I enjoy helping kids get started on instruments, helping customers and coworkers solve challenging problems, Ukuleles, and witty banter with the repair and office 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.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards
Bachelor of Arts in English/Creative Writing at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty
Instrument Specialty: Guitar, bass, and percussion
Additional: Voice
# of Years with White House
Since May of 2019
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work
I sing and play guitar in a hard rock band called Nobody’s Fault. Outside of music, I like to write for my own blog, watch anything on Netflix, as well as hang out with my friends and family.
Favorite band/musical group
Green Day is my all-time favorite band, but I also enjoy other artists and bands from most styles of music.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
I enjoy interacting with customers and making sure they gravitate to the right instrument. I also enjoy working with co-workers that make you feel like part of a family.
Education
I went to the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where I studied the violin and received a Bachelor of Arts in music.
Hobbies Outside of Work
Hobbies that involve my instrument include playing for weddings and church. Non-musical activities I enjoy are arts and crafts, hanging out with my friends, and my cat.
Favorite Band or Musical Group
The Killers are probably one of my favorite bands, but I really do like every genre.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love seeing the excitement in people of all ages when they are finally able to get an instrument they’ve always wanted.
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
Guitar, bass, and Ukulele
Education
BA in Music Theory and Composition - Wisconsin Lutheran College
MM in Guitar Performance - UW Madison
Founding Member of Music Development Program
Hobbies Outside of Work
Motorcycle Building and racing
Favorite Band or Musical Group
Too many!
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I enjoy getting to meet musicians of all levels from varying walks of life, and I love being able to provide them with instruments and resources to continue to flourish in what they do!
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.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards
Concordia University Wisconsin- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Music Minor
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty
Instrument Specialty: Guitar and Bass,
Additional: Piano, Drums and Voice
# of Years with White House
Since 2019
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work
Bible studies, hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, songwriting, hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, basketball, football, frisbee, reading, writing, tetris, video games, tv shows, party games, board games, concerts, open mics, etc.
Favorite band/musical group
So many, but I'll say Incubus.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
Working with co-workers and customers
Primary Job Focus
Saxophone repairs
Education and Previous Work
Associate of Art degree
Primary Job Focus
Guitar Setup and Repair
Hobbies Outside of Work
Writing and recording music
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Working with my hands and happy customers!
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
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!
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!
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
Bachelors of Music in Instrumental Music Education and Trombone Performance
Job Title:
Sales Professional
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Trombone / Wauwatosa
# 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.
Teaching Experience
Private Piano Instructor – home studio for over 12 years
Member of Wisconsin Federation of Music Clubs for more than 10 years.
2014-Present at White House of Music
Music Styles I’m Familiar With
Classical music and most forms of rock are my favorite styles to perform and teach.
Teaching Methods
I believe scales provide the best foundation for learning all types of music. Hanon exercises have become a favorite warm up to use with students of all ages. Finger Power by Sehaum is my go to method book for technique. Lesson books all have positive attributes and I tailor my choices by student learning styles.
Expectations of Students
I expect students to take personal responsibility for their success by working with me to create specific plans for overcoming obstacles. I also encourage my students to select challenging repertoire that they enjoy so they stay motivated.
What I Want My Students To Know
I want each of my students to know that they inspire me to continue teaching.
Primary Job Focus
Violins, violas, cellos, and all bows
Honors
I had the 'honor' of rehairing two bows bows for Isaac Perlman and Schlomo Mintz!
Hobbies Outside of Work
Reading, horticulture, quilting, history, music, and being outdoors
Favorite Band or Musical Group
It's difficult to name just one! Beatles, Who, Pretenders, Bowie, and R.E.M.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Taking an instrument or bow and putting it back into viable playing condition. I also enjoy the people I work with!
- Martin HaackSales Professional & Trombone, BaritoneWaukesha
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.
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!
- 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!
- Paul NewlinPrint Receiving & Distribution DriverPaul NewlinPrint Receiving & Distribution Driver
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.
- 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.
- Sami BequestSales Professional/Band Lesson Coordinator/Foundation RepresentativeSami BequestSales Professional/Band Lesson Coordinator/Foundation Representative
Music Background/Education
Years of study between Music Therapy and Music Education.
Bachelor of Arts in Music - UW-Whitewater
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty
Specialist in: Flute and Saxophone (woodwind)
Additional: Any band instrument, percussion, guitar
# of Years with White House
Since March of 2018
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work
Playing in a band with friends and coworkers, drawing and painting professionally, thrifting, going to the beach, fishing, hiking, enjoying campfires, and going on adventures.
Favorite band/musical group
Anything 70's, 80's, or current rock/metal. It's so hard to pick one group as a musician, but if I have to choose... Avenged Sevenfold.
What You Enjoy Most About Your Job
Helping a player choose an instrument that fits both their personality and style of playing that they will love and play for years to come. I also love troubleshooting problems that young players might have, and helping them to that moment when everything clicks. It's amazing meeting new people every day and building relationships with more frequent customers.
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 ZimmerSales Professional, Piano InstructorGermantownEducation 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 grandkidsFavorite 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.
Credentials/Certifications/Education/Honors/Awards:
25 years in music-retail, Occupational music from MATC
Job Title:
Sales associate
Primary Focus/Instrument Specialty/Store Location:
Guitars, keyboard, woodwinds
# of Years with White House:
2
Interests/Hobbies Outside of Work:
baseball, bicycling, motorcycling, music performance, concerts
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!
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!
Primary Job Focus
Keeping the store running smoothly and keeping customers happy!
Hobbies Outside of Work
Anything outdoors, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with grandkids
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
I love the little kids. Watching them progress at a young age is very inspirational! Seeing their faces light up the first time they see their instrument is priceless.