Woodwind & Brass Lessons At The Conservatory

Education

• B.S.  PreK – 12 Instrumental / General Music Education | Ball State University
• M.M.  Trumpet Performance, Secondary Concentration in Chamber Music | UW-Milwaukee

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM to connect with the amazing and talented faculty, help enrich the experiences of music students through diverse program offerings, and get involved in the greater Milwaukee community.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

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

When I was in 6th grade, the Dallas Brass came to do a week long residency and side-by-side concert with our band program. Seeing these spectacular performers live and getting to interact with them on a personal level influenced my desire to pursue music as a career. I wanted to do what they did – bring accessible, high level musical performances to people of all backgrounds. Through my work with other non-profit organizations, performing and commissioning music by under-represented and living composers, and collaborating with artists of diverse backgrounds, I hope to continue giving back to my community through music.

Website

www.alecburkemusic.com

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Music Education | Ball State University
• Master of Arts (in progress), Flute Performance | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Background

• Spent the past 5+ years teaching woodwind sectionals, flute sectionals, and private flute lessons at a variety of schools in the greater Indianapolis area.
• Worked as the Community Programs Assistant for Classical Music Indy 2018-2019 and as Assistant Education Coordinator for the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in Spring 2018.
• Worked as an Education Intern for the Chicago based not-for-profit, Fifth House Ensemble, in 2017.
• Acted as inaugural secretary for the Flute Guild at Ball State University in 2017.
• Performed Density 21.5 in Summer 2017 at the Milwaukee Art Museum through the Fresh Inc. Festival.
• Sings with her band EKRUTEAK.
• Spends her summers working as Program Coordinator for Music for the Sake of Music, a music not-for-profit providing free lessons and music ensembles in Green Bay, WI.

Education

• B.M.- Bowling Green State University – Oboe Performance
• M.M.- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee –Dual Masters in Oboe Performance and Chamber 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 the community between the students and teachers!

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

Moving to Milwaukee to complete both masters with Katie Steele! She helped shape me into being a better oboist, musician, and teacher!

Education

• Bachelor of Musc | MIchigan State University
• Master of Music | Pennsylvania State University
• PhD | University of Missouri-Columbia, PhD
• MBA with a focus on Supply Chain & Marketing | Broad College of Business, Michigan State University

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM because it’s one of the few places where I can fully live out my purpose. Wisconsin Conservatory of Music allows me to teach music at a high level while using it as a force for equity and change. I’m passionate about helping students grow not just as musicians, but as people. WCM gives me the platform to do that in both traditional classrooms and underserved communities. It’s not just a job; it’s a mission that aligns with everything I stand for as an educator, artist, and human being.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2025

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

Being told I couldn’t play the trumpet because of my physical disability became the driving force behind my success. That challenge pushed me to defy expectations, earn a Ph.D., and build an international music career. Now, as an educator, I use that experience to inspire my students and show them that obstacles can become powerful opportunities for growth and transformation.

Education

• Bachelor of Science, Music Education | University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
• Master of Music, Trumpet Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Joined the Conservatory faculty in 2017.
• Plays with groups such as the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Philharmonics and the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.
• Premiered new music with Present Music and DIY Chamber Ensemble.
• Plays in the pit orchestras of dozens of musicals around Wisconsin.
• Taught master classes throughout the Midwest.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Music Education | Oberlin Conservatory of Music
• Master of Music, Horn Performance | Cleveland Institute of Music

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2017

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love the culture of inclusivity and community engagement, as well as the beautiful spaces for teaching and performing.

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

One of the most perfect moments of my life was performing Bruckner with the Cleveland Orchestra in Vienna’s Musikverein.

Education

• BM Eastman School of Music, Performer’s Certificate
• MM The Juilliard School

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2020

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM has a dedicated faculty and staff. There is a great variety in musical experience represented.

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

Classically trained, I have broadened my outlook in recent years studying jazz with WCM’s Aaron Van Oudenallen.

Education

• B.M. in Instrumental Music Education – Wright State University
• Performance Specialist Certificate in Bassoon – Wright State University
• M.M. in Bassoon Performance – Bowling Green State University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM has an incredible commitment to the betterment of their communities and the furthering of diversity in the arts. I am excited to combine my personal passions with those that WCM stands by.

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

I’ve been fortunate to have a great many incredible music teachers that have impacted my life. To keep a long story short, my elementary music teacher has turned into a lifelong supporter and champion of my personal journey as a person and musician. From me as an incredibly shy young student, to being able to teach her daughter’s private lessons, Mrs. Lisa Berry has always been and always will be one of my biggest sources of inspiration in this journey.

Education

• Berklee College of Music

Background

• WCM faculty member since 2005.
• Moved back to his roots in Milwaukee after 10 years of living in New York and touring and recording with the band ulu.
• Has played and recorded with many bands and artists, including De La Buena, Choir Fight, Jamie Breiwick, Steve Peplin, The Static Chicken, Tristan Royalty Squad, The Extra Crispy Brass Band, The Soul Trio, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Eric Bennet.

Education

• Miami Central High School

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2018

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Job Offer from WCM.

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

Making the All-State Band in Florida.

http://www.johnnypadilla.com

Education

• Undergraduate Degree | Ohio State University
• Masters Degree | Music and Community Partnership – University of South Carolina

Background

• Sabrina Raber is a performer, educator, and entrepreneur based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Fellow for the Global Leaders Program, where she earned an Executive Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, Teaching Artistry, and Organizational Management in 2019.
• As a student at the University of South Carolina, Sabrina developed a program entitled, Find Your Beat, a recycled instrumental music education program for underserved children.
• Has performed with ensembles including the Long Bay Symphony, Aiken Symphony, Columbia Choral Society, the Spark Chamber Ensemble, and the University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra where she performed as soloist.
• Was a top finalist for the National Flute Association’s C.R.E.A.T.E Entrepreneurship competition, a two-time Masterclass winner of the South Carolina Flute Society Competition, and a winner of the University of South Carolina Concerto Competition.
• Led masterclasses in both the United States and in Chile, where she was a guest artist for the international Peñalolén Flute Festival.
• She has also presented research on the impact of music education on under-resourced children through the use of alternative music education techniques.
• Outside of the music world, Sabrina is an avid photographer, a self-identified foodie, sports fan, and lover of all things wonderful.

Education

• Doctor of Musical Arts, Trombone Performance | Arizona State University

Background

• Emmy Rozanski is an enthusiastic music educator and active freelance trombonist in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas.
• Adjunct music faculty at Alverno College, teaching artist for Sistema Ravinia, and low brass instructor at Highland Park High School.
• Traveled to El Salvador in the summers of 2018 and 2019 as a teaching artist with MusAid, leading classes in technique and ensemble skills, as well as teaching private lessons.
• Currently the principal trombonist for the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra (Skokie, IL) and has recently performed with the International Women’s Music Festival Orchestra (Madison), Summit Brass (Denver), the Powder River Symphony (Wyoming), and the Billings Symphony (Montana).
• Toured Switzerland performing with the Arizona Contemporary Music Ensemble.
• She is researching motivation and growth mindset as they pertain to musicians and educators and presented on these topics at the 2019 International Trombone Festival and International Women’s Brass Conference.
• As part of her doctoral project she wrote and illustrated a children’s book about the trombone, Mr. Fitch Joins the Band.

Education

• Bachelor’s in Music Performance | Crane School of Music
• Master’s in Music Performance | University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Background

• Holds principal positions with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra and the Lake County Symphony Orchestra.
• Has performed with the Southwestern Suburban Symphony Orchestra, Present Music Milwaukee, Northern Symphonic Winds, Racine Symphony, Wisconsin Philharmonic, Antioch Brass Quintet, and The Big Top Circus Band, and is on numerous sub lists in both Wisconsin and Illinois.
• Performs with a number of local jazz and rock groups in the Milwaukee area.
• Runs a large, successful low brass studio.
• Has placed in and won numerous national and international competitions.
• Does recitals and masterclasses at universities and solos with orchestras in the area, like the Lake County Symphony Orchestra this season.

Education

• Master of Music, Instrumental Conducting – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Bachelor of Music, Music Education – Heidelberg University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM has a long-standing tradition of nurturing musical talent and promoting artistic excellence. I wanted to be surrounded by students and faculty who share my love for music and also want to create an inspiring and dynamic learning environment.

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

One of my favorite teachers always encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and open up to new musical experiences.

Education

• B.M in Music Education & Clarinet Performance | UW – Stevens Point
• M.M in Clarinet Performance | Youngstown State University

Background

When did you start working at WCM?
2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?
The Conservatory’s mission perfectly aligned with my philosophy of breaking down barriers and making music education accessible for students of all ages and backgrounds. I was eager to work alongside amazing musicians to challenge my own growth as a performer and educator.

Describe a musical experience or teacher that had a positive impact on you.
During my student teaching experience, I had the privilege of introducing a young student to the bass clarinet. When we opened the case for the first time, their eyes widened and they said “I’m so excited!” Watching my students find joy through music is the greatest gift I receive from teaching!