Piano Lessons At The Conservatory

Education

• Masters Certificate (Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television) – USC

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Great reputation.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My first piano teacher, Rhoda Rabin, showed me how to play “Pop Goes The Weasel.” Still rocking that tune today!

Website

https://www.daveadler.com

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Maranatha Baptist University
• Level 1 Certification – Early Childhood Music and Movement Association
• Nationally Certified Teacher of Music – Music Teachers National Association

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I loved the opportunity to teach private lessons, early childhood, and in local schools.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I didn’t want to be a teacher until I met Dr. Rick Townsend who taught me during my freshman and sophomore years of college. He inspired me to start teaching after he demonstrated the impact we can have on our students’ lives and the lives of their families.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

Education

• B.M. Piano Performance – University of Nebraska-Kearney
• M.M. Vocal Coaching – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I was graduating with my Masters Degree and I thought it would be a perfect school for me to show and share my love for Music with children and adults from the community.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2002

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My childhood teachers were all so remarkable and I take their knowledge with me to every lesson. My most favorite musical experience was performing with a full orchestra. from the rehearsals to the actual performance was something I will never forget.

Education

• Piano Performance Degree – Escuela de Música Manuel A. Lopez (Venezuela)
• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Master of Music in Piano Performance – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the Piano faculty at the Conservatory in 2010.
• Has worked with a full range of students, from beginner to musicians at the university level, since she began teaching in 2001.
• Has taught several individual and group lessons at UWM.
• Debuted as a soloist at the age of 11 with the Caracas Municipal Symphony Orchestra.
• Has performed with all the major symphony orchestras and theaters throughout Venezuela.
• Won first prize in three piano competitions, the Harriet Serr Competition in 1994, the MoisésMoleiro National Competitions in 1996, and the McDowell Club of Milwaukee in 2005.
• Was awarded the highest honor to a Venezuelan young artist, the Medal of the Third Grade Order, by President Dr. Rafael Caldera in 1997.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy – Lawrence University
• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish – Lawrence University
• Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy – University of Colorado-Boulder

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of its great facilities, teachers, staff, and students. It is a place that is buzzing with creativity and passion for music making.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2015

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My undergrad piano professors at Lawrence University, Anthony Padilla (piano) and Mary Van De Loo (pedagogy), inspired me to chase after excellence in playing and teaching. They did this in such a kind, patient, generous, and persistent way. I hope to pass on this tradition to my students.

http://drewdonicapiano.weebly.com

Director, Education

Education

• Bachelor of Music – Northwestern University
• Master of Music – Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
• Music Education Certification Courses – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2003

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

While living in various cities for my undergraduate and graduate studies, I found that I enjoyed teaching as part of a school community more than going it alone. WCM has allowed me to nurture my passion for teaching piano and general music and also perform as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician. I spent the first 15 years at WCM in a teaching artist role and the last 5 as the Director of Education.

Education

Music school in Buchach, Ukraine – Graduation Diploma
Ternopil College of Music – Diploma of Junior Specialist
Odessa National Music Academy – Bachelor’s degree

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Why did you choose WCM?

Music is a gift to all of us  and it connects us as humans. It is important for me to be surrounded with same people who share the same passion and excellence toward the music. The Wisconsin Conservatory of music is exactly the school that inspires students and makes an invaluable contribution to the development of each individual by revealing their talent through the correct guidance.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

I grew up in a family where two of my sisters already played musical instruments, I had a good role models. Since childhood, we organized musical concerts where we played for our family and sang in the church choir together. It was from these experiences that instilled in me a love for music and understanding that music is an integral part of myself expression. Music is a beautiful language that can be spoken without words and everyone can understand. I realized this as a child when I was listening to my teacher as she played the piano. She taught me to feel the beauty of sounds, the spectrum of emotions and moods through music. All these people are like angels to me who helped me get on the path of a musician.

Chief Operations Officer

Education

• B.M. – University of Central Missouri
• M.M. – University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2007

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love teaching piano. I love helping others. I love my family. WCM gave me the opportunity to assist others in accomplishing their musical goals, teach piano, and be near my family.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Right now – I am spending more time practicing and it is doing wonderful things. I am enjoying the process of learning a new rep and then linking it to what I get to try with my students.

Education

• B.M. Piano Pedagogy – University of Texas at Austin
• M.M. Piano Performance – University of Texas at Austin
• D.M. Piano Performance – Northwestern University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I have always respected the reputation of WCM in the Milwaukee community and admired its long history. More recently it’s exciting to see all the ways that WCM is growing in its mission to bring music to everyone, and I’m happy to be part of that!

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My very first piano teacher, Joan Cunningham, recognized, nurtured and lovingly tended a tiny voice buried deep within my shy nine-year-old self. She taught me to listen to myself, to music, and eventually to those unique voices expressed by every student.

Coordinator – Private Instruction & Piano Faculty

Education

• B.M. and M.M – Manhattan School of Music
• DMA (in progress) – University of Wisconsin-Madison

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2021

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Because it’s a great school in Wisconsin and I want to continue to make an impact in the community through music education.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My teacher in NYC, Nina Svetlanova, was a great influence on how to practice and perform.

Education

• A.B. in Music, Harvard University
• M.M. in Piano, Indiana University
• doctoral studies, Indiana University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

1987

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I wanted colleagues, and to be a part of something larger than just having a home studio.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

When I was 12, my piano teacher suggested that I might like to try playing chamber music. She had heard good things about a small music camp in the Berkshires that emphasized chamber music. I went that summer, and I was hooked–getting to play music with FRIENDS! It’s still my favorite form of music-making, these many years later.

Education

• B.M. Piano Performance – St. Olaf College
• M.M. Piano Performance/Pedagogy – UW Madison
• Smart Start Teacher Certification – Royal Conservatory of Music

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2010-2014 and 2019-Present time.

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of the feeling of community–being surrounded by such high-caliber faculty is inspiring! I also love how WCM is able to provide music instruction to children in schools who would otherwise go without, and I have experienced first hand what a difference that can make.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

The summer after graduate school, I had the opportunity to attend a summer program on the music of Debussy in Castres, France. Studying Debussy in a beautiful chateau in the French countryside was definitely a highlight of my musical studies, and I think back to it every time I perform or teach French music.

Education

• D.M.A.- Texas Tech University (Piano)
• M.M.- Bowling Green State University (Piano)
• M.M.- Bowling Green State University (Composition)
• Piano Grade 8 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023.

Why did you choose WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of the mandate and commitment to serving disenfranchised schools with excellent music teaching and resources. Thus, fostering a more holistic and well-rounded arts appreciative community by making music accessible to all.

Describe a musical experience that had a positive impact on you:

I have had many music experiences in my lifetime. However, one I will forever cherish was when I was 18 and I thought it was too late to make music a career and I basically gave up music. A teacher by the name of Kimberly Cann showed me through her teaching that my dream of having music a career could be a reality. I haven’t looked back since and it also pushed me to share that knowledge and inspiration with others.

https://mikhail2406.wixsite.com/mikhail-johnson

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance | Northwestern University
• Master of Music, Piano Performance and Pedagogy | Northwestern University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2008-2022 and 2025-Present

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because I enjoy working at a community music school and collaborating with dedicated students and esteemed faculty.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My high school band teacher had a positive impact on me. Being new to the high school (having moved from the city to the suburbs), I discovered that there was no orchestra program and only a band program. I was a pianist and violinist, but my band teacher had the confidence in me to try different instruments and genres so that I would be able to participate in ensembles. I had the opportunity to play Percussion in Marching Band; Bass in Symphonic Band and Musical Pit Band; and Piano in Jazz Band. This diverse musical experience influenced me to pursue a career in music.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Composition | Moody Bible Institute
• ATCL Diploma in Piano Performance | Trinity College of London
• Grade 8 Piano Certificate | Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
• Grade 5 Voice Certificate | Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
• Grade 5 Music Theory Certificate | Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because of its mission to make music more accessible within the diverse communities of Milwaukee through a team of skilled and passionate faculty and staff. Their dedication to serving with excellence and inclusivity to every student has allowed me to learn from, teach alongside, and to grow holistically as a musician.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Throughout elementary school until my college years, I have had the privilege and joy of recalling so many gifted musical mentors. The most profound and impactful musical experiences have been through my professors at Moody Bible Institute, who journeyed with me and cared deeply about my musical and personal growth.

Education

• Bachelor of Music Performance, emphasis in Piano Pedagogy | Viterbo University

Background

• Graduated Magna Cum Laude and member of the Viterbo University Honors Program.
• Has been teaching since 2006 and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities.
• Her students have participated in recitals, community music events, and Wisconsin Music Teachers Association (WMTA) district and state competitions.
• She has served as adjudicator for the WMTA District Auditions
• Her personal study of the Alexander Technique has been influential in her teaching and she has attended 13 summer workshops since 2006, working with teachers such as Michael Frederick, Martha Hansen Fertman, and Carol Boggs among many others.
• Volunteered as WMTA Judges Coordinator, has enjoyed attending multiple WMTA state conferences, and most recently, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL in 2018.
• She continues to serve on a local music worship team and has volunteered in several churches as main pianist and solo/ensemble vocalist since 2014.

Education

B.A. –  Lawrence University
M.A. – University of Missouri Kansas City
D.M.A. – University of Kansas

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2013

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM’s long standing reputation for providing quality music education to the Greater Milwaukee community.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My childhood piano teacher, Carol Anne Lemke was incredibly inspiring and influential in shaping my musical interest and development.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts | University of North Texas
• Master of Music (current) | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

The mission statement resonates with my purpose of no matter where you are and how old you are, you can always start learning music. I believe in having an exceptional and delicate music school help enrich the musical industry, and WCM is a place for that.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2025

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

When I was younger, I had a private music teacher that would always be so encouraging on the little things I would do on the days off. Although it was nothing like winning awards, she would always make sure I got some praise and acknowledge the steps I took towards my musical journey. I appreciate that I had a teacher like her because it helped me not being so critical on myself, and also with knowing that no matter how small the things I do are, I am making progress.

Education

• Carthage College – Bachelor of Arts, General and Choral Music Education and Piano Pedagogy

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I wanted to be part of a professional musicians who value community, and providing all students with accessible and exceptional music education.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I have been involved with the Washington Island Music Festival my whole life—I went to music camp as a young child, sang in the Festival chorus as a young adult and helped lead rehearsals, and now I teach the same music camp I used to attend as a kid. It means a lot to teach the next generation of kids in my hometown, serve alongside the musicians who inspired me to pursue a career as a professional musician, and work on expanding musical opportunities for the Island community that means so much to me.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in music and social science: University of North Carolina at Western Carolina
• Certificate in Piano Pedagogy: New School for Music Study, (Frances Clark Center)
• Graduate studies in arts administration: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2009

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

My WCM teaching colleagues, of the highest level caliber, and our fascinating diversity of students inspire and invigorate me as a teacher and artist.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Frances Clark was my most influential teacher. A great thinker, musician, and teacher, her educational philosophy goes beyond learning to play the piano to that of creating a curiosity for a lifetime of learning about the art of music at the piano.

Website

PianoArts.org

Coordinator, Group Class

Education

Bachelor of Music, Performance, Minor in Piano Pedagogy | Lawrence University

Background

• Joined the WCM Piano and General Music Faculty in 2018.
• Earned her Bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University in the studio of Professor Anthony Padilla, graduating magna cum laude and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
• Has performed in several competitions and masterclasses, playing for musicians such as internationally-renowned pianist Jeremy Denk and pianist and harpsichordist Lorna Peters.
• Enjoys exploring the arts of all kinds and holds an additional degree in English.
• Continues to collaborate with instrumentalists and choirs.

Education

• Master of Music – Bowling Green State University
• Bachelor of Music – Lawrence University Conservatory of Music
• High School Diploma – American College of Musicians / National Guild of Piano Teachers

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM for its reputation in attracting amazing students and instructors, as well as to be able to take advantage of its wonderful resources, including exceptional pianos and performance opportunities.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My high school music teacher pushed me and supported me in my decision to pursue music. He opened my eyes and ears to widely diverse musical genres and helped to cultivate a musical curiosity that still prevails today.

Education

• Bachelor of Music | Wisconsin College – Conservatory
• Master of Music | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
• Wisconsin D.P.I. Certification in General Music, Adaptive Music, and Choral Education | Alverno College

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

1986

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I desired to teach in an environment that nurtured music education for all ages and abilities, had a highly qualified faculty and a community outreach component.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

My teachers, who encouraged me to attend a wide range of performing and visual arts offerings, helped me to develop a sustained appreciation of the arts and other cultural offerings.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Music Performance | UW-Madison
Permanent National Certification | Music Teachers National Association

Background

Online Only

Education

• BM – Seoul National University
• Teacher’s Certificate – Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea
• MM – Boston University
• DMA – Boston University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I was very impressed by the history and legacy of WCM and wanted to be part of it as a dedicated teacher.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I enjoy music in many different ways. I attend live performances and listen to recordings. And I read, analyze, study the score and perform them. I also love playing chamber music with friends and colleagues, exchanging thoughts and ideas. Growing up, I used to sing in the church choir as well. Through teaching, I share my musical knowledge, skills and experience with my students. Music makes me want to keep learning and grow. Learning a new piece is never easy (especially memorizing!). However, the entire process of my music making and enjoyment brings me sheer joy. It is therapeutic.

http://www.haeshin.us

Education

• University of British Columbia – Vancouver Canada, B.Music
• Stony Brook University New York – M.M.
• University of California Berkeley – Ph.D.
• Paris Conservatory and I.R.C.A.M., France – Post Doctoral

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

The Conservatory was looking for a Jazz piano instructor! I have taught for 36 years in higher education and have a passion for teaching piano to students of all ages, including adult students and retirees wanting to develop their talents.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

Primarily a Modern Classical Composer, between 2003 – 2008 performing my own Piano Concerto, “Secrets of War,” with several orchestras in Europe and U.S.A.

Website

www.frankstemper.com

Education

• Bachelor of Arts – Taipei National University of the Arts
• Master of Music – Mannes College of Music, New York City
• Doctor of Musical Arts, concentration in Collaborative Piano – University of Kansas

Background

• Collaborative pianist for the Milwaukee Children’s Choir since 2015, and has taken part in the choir’s tours in California (2016), the Bahamas (2017) and New York (2018).
• Served on the piano faculty in the Music Department at Tainan University of Technology, and Tainan Theological College and Seminary in Taiwan before moving to Milwaukee in 2014.
• Was the pianist of the University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra from 2004-2006, and participated in the orchestra’s performance of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite and Shostokovich’s Fifth Symphony.
• Trio performance with saxophonist Valerie Vidal and flautist Hyun-Jung Kang was broadcasted on WQAR, New York.
• Primary teachers and musical influences were Richard Reber, Jacob Lateiner, Robert Koenig and conductor, Nicholas Uljanov.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance | University of Nebraska, Omaha
• Master of Music in Piano Performance | University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance
• Performer’s Certificate in Collaborative Piano | University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2023

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I wanted to be connected to the thriving Milwaukee music community and to have opportunities to collaborate with the exceptional music faculty at WCM.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I don’t play clarinet much anymore, but playing in youth orchestra as a high school student was a formative musical experience and inspired me to seek out more chamber music and collaborative work as a pianist.

Website

Katherineturnerpianist.com

Education

• B.A. – University of Wisconsin – Madison
• M.M. – Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University
• D.M.A. – University of Wisconsin – Madison

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM is a great community to discover and share everyone’s love and talent for music.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I really enjoyed a chamber recital and opened my eyes in the collaborative performance world. As a pianist I have never played with anyone else before, and the chamber recital made me realize the opportunity is fabulous and I can get to work with so many great musicians.

Education

• Foundational Music Education | Vyshnivets Music School
• Specialist In Arts | Ternopil Music College Named After S.Krushelnytsk
• Bachelor Degree | Lviv National Music Academy Named After M.Lysenko

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Music is my passion, and I love teaching piano while helping others achieve their goals. Conservatory is a place full of passionate, professional musicians who value high-quality education. Being among like-minded people inspires me.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.

I’ve loved music since I was a child. At first, my dream was to sing. However, when I went to enroll in music school and heard the sound of the piano, I knew immediately that I wanted to learn to play it. That’s how my journey began when I was seven years old and continues to this day.   Throughout my studies, I was fortunate to learn from extraordinary teachers who inspired me and became role models. Music, along with my surroundings, shaped me not only as a musician but also as a person. To this day, I am grateful that I started on this path.  When I had my first students, I realized that teaching was the field where I wanted to grow and develop. I discovered how much I enjoy sharing what I know and can do with others and seeing the results of our work together. Seeing my students excited makes me happy and reminds me why I love teaching.