Piano Lessons At The Conservatory

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, Music – University of Nebraska-Kearney
• Master of Music – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2002.
• At the age of 13, was chosen to participate in a solo concert with the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Music in Bogota, Colombia to play the Haydn Concerto in F.
• DeGreiff-Beisser’s broad training includes studies in accompanying for instrumental and vocal ensembles and soloists.
• As a recitalist, has appeared at the University of Nebraska, and at the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango Concert Hall and Olav Roots Auditorium in Bogota, Colombia.
• Has also appeared at several opera productions with the UWM voice students, as well as several voice faculty recitals here at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
• Studied under Harold Martina, Blanca Uribe, James Cook, Jeffrey Peterson, Katjia Phillambaum and Judit Jaimes.

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

• Member of the Piano faculty at the Conservatory since 2010.
• Teaching since 2001, Maria works with a full range of students from beginner to musicians at the university level.
• 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

• Member of the Piano faculty at the Conservatory since 2015.
• Has been teaching since 2009, and enjoys teaching students of all ages and abilities.
• Has presented on creativity, studio development, and Recreational Music Making (RMM) for the Music
• Teachers National Association national conferences (2017 Baltimore, 2016 San Antonio, 2015 Las Vegas).
• Frequent adjudicator for piano festivals, auditions, and competitions.
• Board member of the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association.
• Active performer, collaborating with WCM faculty, students, and other musicians in the area.

Director, Education | Chair — Piano

Education

Bachelor of Music, cum laude, Piano Performance | Northwestern University

Master of Music, Piano Performance | Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University
Background

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2003, Piano Department chair since 2005, Director of Education since 2018.
  Member of Pi Kappa Lambda, MTNA, WMTA and MMTA.
• In her 23 years of teaching, she has taught group and private piano lessons at the Conservatory, as well as coached chamber music.
• Through Conservatory Connections she has taught general music and piano to students throughout Milwaukee and most recently taught our Music Counts curriculum at St. Joseph Academy of Early Learning.
  An active performer in the Milwaukee area, Ms. Drews often collaborates with WCM faculty and MSO musicians.
• She also performs annually with the Washington Island Music Festival in Door County.
  Has studied with Sylvia Wang, Ann Schein and Seth Knopp, and performed in master classes by David Burge and Menahem Pressler.
• Prior to moving to Milwaukee, she taught piano in Baltimore, Maryland at the Friends School of Baltimore and the Music Workshop.

Education

• Bachelor of Music – Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
• Master of Music, Piano Performance – Strasbourg Conservatory, France
• Additional studies completed at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, Germany
• Doctor of Musical Arts (in progress) – Northwestern University

Background

• Rodolfo is new to the Conservatory, and has taught private piano lessons for over 10 years.
• Has played solo and chamber music in Brazil, France, Austria, Germany and the United States.
• Translated into Portuguese a book of a pupil of Liszt, and worked as researcher for a documentary on German television about the pianist Artur Schnabel.
• Received artistic advice from international concert pianist Cristina Ortiz.
• Rodolfo’s major goal is to help his students develop a balanced and free approach to the instrument in which technique and musical understanding are integrated and the sense of curiosity is always nourished.
• Teaches piano students of all levels, including preparation for competitions and performances.

Chief Operations Officer | Piano

Education

• Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude | University of Central Missouri
• Master of Music | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Background

• She has served as the Chief Operations Officer at the Conservatory since 2014, and previously managed the Student Services department for four years.
• Has been a member of the WCM Piano Faculty since 2007, specializing in instructing young pianists.
• A certified teaching artist by the International Piano Teaching Federation.
• Participant of the 2017 Community Arts Education Leadership Institute (CAELI).
• Prior to moving to Milwaukee, Fritz taught group piano at Des Moines Symphony Academy and maintained private studios in Lincoln, NE, and Warrensburg, MO.
• Throughout her teaching career she has been an active member of the Music Teacher National Association and currently serves as President for the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association.
• Also serves as pianist at Redemption Lutheran Church.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music, Magna cum laude – Harvard University
• Master of Music, with highest distinction in Piano Performance – Indiana University

Background

• WCM Piano faculty member since 1987.
• Primary areas of focus include educating an array of students, and chamber music.
• Recipient of the Milwaukee Civic Music Association’s award for Excellence in Studio Teaching.
• Enjoys being an active musician in the Prometheus Trio, and participating in the Washington Island Music Festival.
• Made her solo debut with the Boston Pops at age 17, and her Carnegie Hall debut in 1984.
• Twice awarded Second Prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and received Indiana University’s Leo Weiner Prize for Chamber Music.
• Has soloed with both the Milwaukee Symphony and the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra.
• Recorded for the Arundax, CRI, Fleur de Son, Equilibrium, and the Wisconsin Conservatory labels.
• Received WCM’s “Teacher of the Year” honor in 2017.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance | St. Olaf College
• Master of Music, Piano Performance/Pedagogy | University of Wisconsin-Madison

Background

• Joins the WCM faculty in 2019 with 18 years of experience teaching private lessons as well as group piano.
• Studied under Catherine Kautsky, Jessica Johnson, and Kenneth Graber.
• Enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels, and her students have regularly participated in WMTA Auditions and the NFMC Festival.
• Former faculty member at community schools in the Boston, MA and Madison, WI areas.
• Has served as an adjudicator for piano festivals and competitions.
• Collaborative pianist for instrumental and vocal soloists and choirs.

Education

• Bachelor of Music
• Master of Music
• Doctor of Musical Arts, Piano Performance – University of Kansas

Background

• A piano teacher at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music since September 2013, and the Milwaukee High School of the Arts since November 2013.
• His musical interests have taken him throughout the United States as well as to Europe and Asia.
• Heinzel performs regularly at the Milwaukee Veterans Affairs Clinic, David Barnette’s Art Gallery, Alexian Village, St. John’s on the Lake and Chai Point.
• Many of his current students participate in annual events such as WSMA, the Federation Festival, Wisconsin Music Teachers Association Auditions and the Wisconsin Conservatory’s Piano Festival.
• In addition, they perform twice every year in fall and spring studio recitals held at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
• His students span a wide range of age, ability and interest.

Education

• Joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program | Juilliard School
• Artist’s Diploma | Mannes College in the New School of Music
• Doctor of Musical Arts | Northwestern University

Background

• Presented her solo debut at age 14, performing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Bong Kim.
• Went on to place in several prestigious national competitions in Korea, including Korea Times National Piano Competition and Music Journal National Piano Competition, among several others.
• Selected as a top prize-winner in numerous international competitions, including ARD International Music Competition in Munich, Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Bösendorfer International Piano Competition, Juilliard Concerto Competition, Vienna International Music Competition, amongst others.
• Has given numerous solo recitals upon invitation at a variety of venues, including the Dame Myra Hess recital and the Pianoforte Foundation Series, both of which were broadcasted live on Radio WFMT 98.7 FM.
• Her performance highlights include solo and chamber appearances in Musikverein, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and Merkin Hall, to name a select few.
• Has been a long-time participant and performing associate at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, has participated in Music Academy of the West, Pianofest in the Hamptons, and Yellow Barn Chamber Music Festival, and was a guest artist in Gijon International Piano Festival in Spain.

Education

Elizabeth Lieberman holds a MM and is a graduate of Northwestern University and of Northern Illinois University.

Education

• Piano Pedagogy Professional Training Program – New School for Music Study
• Western Carolina University

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2005.
• While at the New School, studied with founder Frances Clark and co-founder Louise Goss, as well as renowned pedagogue Richard Chronister, composer David Kraehenbuehl, and author and composer Elvina Pearce.
• After graduating, Ms. Medford became a supervisor in the professional department and served as a clinician in teacher workshops across the US.
  She also taught piano at the New School for Music Study, in Chicago and at an American school in Germany.
• Was also the National Representative for Summy-Birchard Music Publishing Company.
  She is the founder of Piano Arts, a National Concerto and Solo Competition.
• Following her move to Milwaukee, was appointed by the Milwaukee Symphony as the Director of Education and Education Concert Manager, positions she held for 23 years.

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.
• A pianist since she was five, she 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.
• She continues to collaborate with instrumentalists and choirs and is thrilled to be joining the musical community of the Conservatory.

Education

• Lawrence University Conservatory of Music
• Bowling Green State University

Background

• Ruben Piirainen is a Milwaukee-based pianist, music director, vocal coach, composer, and local restaurant owner.
• Was on the music staff of the Florentine Opera for six seasons where he coached and accompanied the Studio Artist Program.
• During his time with the Florentine Opera, Ruben was also involved with music preparation for all mainstage productions, played in the pit orchestra, presented a recital of new operatic works at the National Opera Center in New York, and performed solo recitals with opera stars Alyson Cambridge and Noah Stewart.
• He has also worked extensively with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Present Music, Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, Festival City Symphony, Theatre Gigante, Sunset Playhouse, Music by the Lake, and Opera for the Young.
• His original one act children’s opera A BUSY BEE was commissioned and premiered by the Florentine, and received subsequent performances by Opera Carolina.
• A Hal Leonard Corporation recording artist, and has been on the faculties of Interlochen Arts Camp, Bluffton University, and Bowling Green State University.
• Has also received commissions for compositions from Skylight Music Theatre and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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

• Has been a member of the Piano faculty at the Conservatory for over 30 years.
• Provides lessons for beginners and continuing students of all ages.
• Served as the music specialist with Milwaukee Public Schools for 25 years, retiring in 2014.
• Specializes in songwriting, arranging for choral ensembles, and early childhood education, and enjoys contemporary piano styles including jazz, blues, pop, and rock.
• Performs for various events throughout Wisconsin, in high demand as both a piano soloist and member of a jazz trio: Recent engagements have included Greendale Gazebo Village Nights, Wilson Center for the Arts, Alexian Village, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, and the Ovation Jewish Home.
• Stays active in the community by being the Children’s Program Notes Host for the Festival City Symphony.
  Had the great privilege in taking part in summer studies at the KodályMusic Institute, which serves to promote professional development for music educators.

Education

• Bachelor of Music Degree (Cum Laude) | Seoul National University
• Master of Music Degree | Boston University
• Doctor of Musical Arts | Boston University

Background

• From professional musical engagements to educational activities and community service at various settings, Haeshin’s international and multi-cultural experience helped her develop a unique insight into the universal value of music education.
• Native of South Korea, she has appeared in solo recitals, concerts, and festivals throughout the US, Russia, UK, Luxemburg, Belgium, Puerto Rico, China, and Korea.
• During the recent seasons she has performed at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts (Seoul, Korea), Stern Auditorium, Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall) and Tsai Performance Center (Boston), as well as at Harvard, the Moscow Conservatory, among others.
• Haeshin is the founder and Artistic Director of the Medtner Society of Korea, and joined the Conservatory faculty in the fall of 2019.
• Haeshin’s performance in the 75th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein Piano Recital at Lenox Library (2018) was broadcast on CTSB, the public channel in the Berkshires, MA.
• She won 1st prize at American Protégé Concerto Competition, 1st prize at American Protégé Romantic Music Competition, 2nd prize at Richmond Piano Competition
• As a collaborative pianist, she was granted a fellowship at Garth Newel Music Center with her piano quartet, and recently went on concert tours in Washington, D.C. including the White House Holiday Performance Talent, Ireland, UK, and Spain with Boston College High School Concert Choir.

Education

• Bachelor of Music – Eastman School of Music
• Master of Science – Juilliard School
• Doctoral Program – Peabody Conservatory

Background

• WCM faculty member since 1999.
• Curtis has performed in more than 30 countries, and appeared on national radio and television networks on four continents.
• Was a featured guest on NBC’s Today, where he performed part of an original piano concerto and was interviewed by Hugh Downs.
• As winner of the Harriet Hale Woolley Prize for two consecutive years, he studied piano in Europe with Wilhelm Kempff, Robert Casadesus and Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, and composition with Nadia Boulanger and Olivier Messaien.
• Previously taught at Vassar College, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and the Juilliard School.
• His repertoire has included the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven in seven recitals, and Great Music for Piano from Haydn to the Present in twelve.
• Also performed the complete piano works of Debussy in a series and over twenty all-Chopin programs.
• Has toured extensively for the State Department and was the first American pianist to play for mixed audiences throughout South Africa.
• In addition to his musical studies he earned a second Master’s Degree in cinema from the University of Paris (Sorbonne).

Collaborative Pianist

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

• Doctor of Musical Arts, Piano Performance and Pedagogy (in progress) | Northwestern University
• Master of Music, Piano Performance | Yale School of Music
• Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance | Manhattan School of Music

Background

• Known for “great imagination and extraordinary musicality” (Shantou Daily) in his playing, classical pianist Lam Wong made his debut with Liszt: 12 Études d’exécution transcendante at the age of fourteen.
• He has since appeared in concert venues in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chicago and New York, and  has also worked with distinguished artists MarcAndré Hamelin, Mikhail Voskresensky, and performed in master classes of Boris Berman, Richard Goode, Robert Levin, Nelita True and Arie Vardi.
• As an avid chamber musician, Wong attended and performed in chamber music festivals including Sarasota Music Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and Manchester Music Festival.
• As an avid chamber musician, Wong attended and performed in chamber music festivals including Sarasota Music Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and Manchester Music Festival.
• Also works closely with the Director of Piano Pedagogy, Dr. Marcia Bosits, at Northwestern University, where he teaches pre-college students from the Northwestern community, conducts lessons for non-major students from the university, and leads group classes at various levels.
• Other pedagogy works also include Piano Clinics (a master class series focusing on solving pianistic problems), and specialty areas in sight-reading, a topic which he presented at the Collegiate Chapter Poster Session at the ISMTA Conference.