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

Nujabes, Robert Glasper Experiment, and Chris Potter

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Nujabes Robert Glaspur Experiment, and Chris Potter Underground

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Working with other passionate musicians.

Teaching Experience

4+ years of private saxophone teaching and guest clinician with Des Moines Public Schools

Music Styles I’m Familiar With

Jazz, hip hop, classical, latin, and rock

Teaching Methods

Essential Elements and Rubank Methods

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.

Education 

UW - Whitewater in Communications & PR

Hobbies Outside of Work

Golf, boating, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family & friends

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Too many to list. I played Rock n Roll in the 80's... need I say more?

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Being surrounded by music and the opportunity to get people involved in music... for life!

Education 

Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance

Member of Milwaukee Music Teachers Association 

Hobbies Outside of Work

Composition, arranging, and teaching piano lessons

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Eisley

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Seeing all the new print music before it hits the shelves.

Previous Work

Taught for 32 years 

Hobbies Outside of Work

Reading (historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy), gardening, travel, spending time with grandkids, and listening to covers from "The Great American Songbook"

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Eagles

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Helping customers fill their needs

Primary Job Focus

I oversee the department that cleans, restores, and maintains the band and orchestra rental instruments. I also get to repair and maintain the orchestra rental instruments.

Education and Previous Work

Stringed Instrument Repair with Guitar & Violin Specialties Program - Minnesota State College Southeast

I have 13+ years of experience repairing and restoring instruments and bows for professionals and students alike.

Hobbies Outside of Work

Playing guitar, woodworking, and hiking the Ice Age Trail

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Hugh Maskela - South African Flugelhorn Player 

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I get to work with some pretty awesome people, and I love to repair instruments. Putting an instrument into fine playing order is very gratifying!

Primary Job Focus

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.

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

Guitar and drums

Education 

Bachelors of the Arts in Music Business with a minor in Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Hobbies Outside of Work

Guitar, drums, Nintendo, Super Mario Bros, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Blackhawks hockey, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, movies, art, and cats

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Black Sabboth is up there, but too many to count

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Helping give music to the masses, bringing joy and fun to those who come in our store, helping out in any way I can, and just overall a joy to come into work every day!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

Primary Job Focus

Print music specialist

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Music degree - UW Oshkosh

Computer classes through Milwaukee Area Technical College

Various piano teach clinics & seminars

Awards

Concerto Competition winner at UW Oshkosh

Jaycee Volunteer Community Service Award

Hobbies Outside of Work

Choir accompanist, church organist, reading, hiking, playing with my grandkids, and following Brewer baseball and Badger basketball

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Pentatonix 

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I enjoy the friendships with co-workers and customers that have developed over the years. It is fun to come to work!

Teaching Experience

Maintained private piano studio from 1979-1998 working with students of all ages; past member of the Rock River Music Teachers’ Association and the National Federation of Music Club. My students participated in National Federation and WSMA district and state competitions, along with performing in RRMTA Monster concerts. I've been a church organist for 25+ years and a choir accompanist for over 20 years.

Music Styles I’m Familiar With

Baroque, classical, and romantic period music along with sacred and mainstream popular music

Teaching Methods

Alfred, Bastien, or Faber

Expectations of Students

I expect each student to practice between lessons to make the lesson time we spend together more worthwhile.

What I Want My Students To Know

I try to find out the goals and of each student and what styles of music they enjoy. I try then to find a course of study and music that will motivate them and keep them engaged.

Education

Music Education - Edgewood College

Professional Experience

Teaching Experience

• 1998-2004 – Private Studio, Madison
• 2004-2005 – Forbes- Meagher Music, Madison
• 2005-2009 – Ward-Brodt Music, Madison (lessons, adult & home school string classes)
• 2009-Present – White House of Music, Waukesha and Wauwatosa

Hobbies Outside of Work

My wife, Thea, and I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, watching movies, going to concerts, and playing chamber music. My other interests include history, theology, genealogy, and science. I have played cello since I was nine and am currently a member of the UW-Parkside Community Orchestra, the Milwaukee Philharmonic, and play as a freelance wedding musician. I also teach private cello lessons.

Favorite Band/Music Group

Too many to name! Any symphonic, chamber, or baroque ensemble. I frequently attend performances of the Milwaukee Symphony and the Madison Bach Musicians.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

As a buyer, I enjoy the interaction with all the store locations. There is a lot of variety in what I do so it's a nice mix of routine and spontaneity.

Music Styles I’m Familiar With

Baroque, Classical, and Early Romantic

Teaching Methods

Essential Elements (1-3), Suzuki series (1-4), Klengel Technical Studies Vol. 1, Popper 15 Easy Studies, and Alwin Schroeder Vol. 1

Expectations of Students

To come prepared for each lesson (bring instrument, bow, music, etc.) and have a willingness to learn. Specific practice requirements depend on age and skill level, but daily practice is required for all. Performance in recitals is highly recommended, but not required.

Anything Else I Want Students to Know

When it comes to practicing, I emphasize the importance of "quality over quantity". Practice is necessary, but ineffective practice will yield little to no results and can even be detrimental. It is very important to me that all students practice intentionally, and I use our lesson time to demonstrate how to practice. It is my goal that all students develop an appreciation of music through the study and expansion of cello repertoire and to develop good technique and practice habits.

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!

Primary Job Focus

Piano

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology for children and adolescent

Classically trained pianist

Hobbies Outside of Work

Spending time with family and friends, exploration adventures, and hiking

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Way too many to list!

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

It's exciting seeing students (of all ages!) learn something new and get excited about music. Everyone is good at something!

Teaching Experience

Music Styles I’m Familiar With

Teaching Methods

Expectations of Students

What I Want My Students To Know

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!

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!

Primary Job Focus

Band, orchestra, and trombone

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Fine Arts - UW Milwaukee 

Trombone performance

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.

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!

Primary Job Focus

Sales & education, band specialist

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Music Education - UW Eau Claire

Honors

Menomonee Falls High School Fine Arts Wall of Fame

Hobbies Outside of Work

Camping, listening to music, playing trombone, and music recording & mixing

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Horn Bands - Chicago, Earth, Wire, Tower of Power Jazz Band, and Gordon Goodwin

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Meeting people and helping them reach their goals whether that's purchasing just the right item or learning and improving on their instrument!

Primary Job Focus

Sales support for school services - education outreach and growing school accounts.

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Music - St. Norbert College

Taught 5th-8th grade band for 28 years

Hobbies Outside of Work

Packers football, watching sports, hiking and being outdoors, running, and playing and listening to jazz

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Harry Connick and Miles Davis - any jazz bands

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I love that it is still connected with music and school music education! I love the people and the familial atmosphere.

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor's Degree in Music (UW-Oshkosh)

Member of Violin Society of America

Primary Job Focus

Repair, restoration, set-up, and adjustment of all orchestral stringed instruments.

Hobbies Outside of Work

Home improvement projects and travel

Favorite Band or Musical Group

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Working one-on-one with string players, listening to their concerns, and helping them to get the most from their instruments.

Primary Job Focus

Piano, band, and orchestra

Education and Previous Work

Master of Arts - Library and Information Studies

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish

Hobbies Outside of Work

Piano, crafting, being outdoors, travel, and learning new things

Favorite Band or Musical Group

The Killers

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

Getting kids excited about music!

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.

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!

Education and Previous Work

Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance - Lawrence University

Hobbies Outside of Work

Going to concerts and music festivals and traveling

Favorite Band or Musical Group

BTS

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I love my job because I am able to help people as they pursue their musical dreams. As a lesson coordinator, I love seeing the progress that students make as they attend their lessons year after year.

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.