String Lessons At The Conservatory

Education

• University of California, Santa Barbara (PhD candidate, MA)
• University of Oklahoma (BMA)

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I love teaching music!

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

My undergraduate viola and ethnomusicology professors helped me chart my own academic and musical path, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Education

• B.M. in Music Education – UW-Madison

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

WCM has a strong commitment to serving the community.

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

During an orchestra rehearsal at camp, I realized that every person in the orchestra contributes to a whole.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance – Butler University
• Master’s degree in Performance – University of Oklahoma (where he expanded upon his ever-growing musical repertoire with Doctor Anthony Stoops)
• Alec’s first private teacher was Laura Snyder, a prominent bassist in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, with whom he studied in high school in Brookfield, Wisconsin
• Studied under Professor David Murray, internationally renowned solo bassist and educator

Background

• Joined WCM in 2023
• Alec Henry is a multifaceted bassist and teacher
• Born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, he is currently an instructor for the Connections program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• He also maintains a private studio for various string students throughout Southeastern Wisconsin
• Before settling down again in Milwaukee, Alec was the String Bass Graduate Assistant at the University of Oklahoma
• He played in various local orchestras throughout the Midwest, serving as principal bass in both the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis
• During his youth, Alec spent eight years with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra
• His Indiana summers were spent teaching for the various youth music camps led by the Butler Community Arts School on campus
• Specifically, Alec specializes in the teaching and performance of 21st Century solo bass literature, euro-classical music, and modern jazz compositions on both the upright and electric bass.
• In addition to his teaching at the Wisconsin Conservatory, Alec likes to stay involved with the string bass community by attending the biannual International Society of Bassists Conventions as well as volunteering with the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists in Madison, Wisconsin

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Viola Performance- University of the Arts Berlin
• Violin Books 1-5: Suzuki Association of the Americas
• (Books 4 and 5 are in progress)

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I enjoy working collaboratively with students and families. I believe music is a tool that brings joy to young people’s lives, allowing them to express themselves, make close friends, and form lasting connections. Learning music at a young age provides children with experiences they will never forget. It also teaches vital life skills such as self-discipline, collaboration, and dedication.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2022

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

Studying viola with Prof. Hartmut Rohde at the University of the Arts Berlin, which instilled a passion for teaching in me.

Education

• M.M. Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University
• B.M. Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I value a supportive community of musicians and strive to make harp lessons more accessible to those interested in learning the instrument.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2019

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

My harp professor at Vanderbilt University will always hold a special place in my heart. She encouraged, motivated, and inspired me to work hard, while also reminding me to stay positive and to laugh every single day. I am grateful that we still keep in touch!

Violin

Education

• Bachelor of Fine Arts | Carnegie Mellon University
• Master of Music | Yale University
• Artist Diploma | Yale University
• Doctor of Musical Arts | University of Wisconsin – Madison

Background

• Joined the WCM violin and chamber faculty in 2003.
• Has taught worldwide with 35 years of teaching experience, ranging from beginners to graduate school and professional level musicians.
• Has performed worldwide in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Avery Fisher, Auditório Manuel de Falla, and Memorial of Latin America.
• Has shared the stage with eminent artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Mathieu Dufour, Eric Friedman, Sidney Harth, Caio Pagano, Frank Morelli, Wang Jian, Amit Peled, Susan Babini and Aldo Parisot.
• Has enjoyed a multifaceted career as a soloist, orchestral and chamber musician, recording artist, pedagogue, adjudicator, and conductor.
• Founding member of the critically acclaimed Philomusica Quartet.
• Concertmaster of the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and Racine Symphony Orchestra, and Assistant
• Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Chamber Orchestra/Milwaukee Musaik.
• Has performed at Chamber Music Milwaukee, Frankly Music, Fine Arts at First, Sunday Live from the Chazen, Dame Myra Hess Concert Series; to name a few.
• Has appeared under conductors such as Eleazar De Carvalho, Gunther Herbig, Robert Shaw, Claudio Santoro and Isaac Karabtchevsky.
• Studied with violinists Sidney Harth, Erick Friedman, Robert McDuffie, and Vartan Manoogian; as well as conductors Eleazar de Carvalho, David Stern, David Becker, James Smith; and members of the Tokyo, Yale, and the Paganini string quartet
• Recipient of the prestigious Ivan Galamian Award, Carnegie Tradition Award, Yale Alumni Prize and the Miles Prize.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance | Lviv National Music Academy
• Master of Music in Violin Performance | Lviv National Music Academy

Background

• Joined the Violin faculty of the Conservatory in 2005.
• Previous teachers include Alexander Tatarinzew, Eleonor Stanlis, and Mark Zinger.
• Received Suzuki violin training for levels 1-7 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Deerfield Trinity University.
• An avid musician, Tatiana began her musical career performing in the Lviv Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, touring to countries such as Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, and Estonia.
• Has also performed with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the American Polish Orchestra, and the Chicago University Orchestra.
• Had the great privilege in performing with astounding musicians, including Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and Doc Severinsen.
• Has worked with artists such as Rachel Barton Pine, Regina Carter, and Almita Vamos in numerous workshops.
• Previously taught at the Rockford College Music Academy.

Education

• Bachelor of Music | Indiana University
• Master of Music | University of Michigan

Background

• Joined the Conservatory in 2018.
• Received Suzuki Teacher Training with Mimi Zweig and Judy Offman.
• Has taught students of all ages and levels for 25 years.
• Created and directed Suzuki and traditional instrumental programs in schools in New York, Texas, Wisconsin, and London.
• Has enjoyed a varied career as an orchestral violinist and freelance chamber musician, performing in the US and Europe with the New World Symphony, New Haven Symphony, Bayou City Chamber Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Spoleto Festival Orchestra.
• Chosen by Isaac Stern and Sir Georg Solti to perform and record as a member of the Solti Orchestra Project at Carnegie Hall.
• Received first prize in the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition.

Chair, Strings

Education

• Bachelor of Music | Northern Illinois University
• Master of Music | Northern Illinois University
• Performer’s Certificate | Northern Illinois University

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2018

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Mentoring Milwaukee’s string students and diligently developing their musical and character skills to realize their full expressive potential, is central to my professional mission to cultivate a love for learning.

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

Being whisked away on tour to Europe with Camerata Chicago as Associate Principal Second Violin, was a life changing experience. Meeting and sharing music with people of many languages and diverse traditions was both empowering and highly rewarding. Touching the hearts of people on the other side of the world was a poignant reminder to share one’s gifts and appreciate the ones we are sent in return.

Chair – Suzuki Strings

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Music – Luther College
• Master of Music in Cello Performance – University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Music Theory – University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy – The University of Denver
• Suzuki Cello Books 1-10 – Suzuki Association of the Americas

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I chose to work at WCM to be part of a thriving Suzuki program and to teach lessons around the greater Milwaukee area.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2016

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

There are too many to recount! I’m very grateful to all my teachers, coaches, mentors, colleagues, and past and present students.

Website

https://suzukiassociation.org/people/charles-rasmussen/

WCM Board Faculty Representative

Education

• BME, strings emphasis- Baylor University
• MM, violin performance- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Violin Book 1-10- Suzuki Association of the Americas
• Viola Book 1-5- Suzuki Association of the Americas
• Smart Start Certificate- Royal Conservatory of Music

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

Growing up learning violin in a Suzuki program, I knew that I wanted to teach in a Suzuki program. I wanted to be part of a community of like-minded teachers and families.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2016

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

During my long-term Suzuki teacher training at the School for Strings in New York City, I got to train with Allen Lieb, chair of the ISA and SAA violin committees. I loved hearing his stories about his students and his experiences learning from Dr. Suzuki in Japan.

Education

• B.A. in Music with an emphasis on Composition – Wisconsin Lutheran College, 2024

Background

What year did you start working at WCM?

2024

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I interned at WCM in the summer of 2023, and it was a phenomenal experience. At the end of that summer, I was asked if I had any interest in teaching a strings class in the Community Partnerships program in. I had to decline for that school year, but I applied to be a WCM faculty member for the 2024/2025 school year. I am blessed that WCM has welcomed me back as a faculty member.

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

I started taking violin lessons when I was seven years old, but I wasn’t part of an orchestra until high school. Participating in my high school orchestra allowed me to witness how the different instrument parts work together to create something beautiful. This solidified my passion for music, and has inspired me to create music of my own.

Education

• B.M.- University of Wisconsin–Madison
• M.M.- The Juilliard School

Background

Why did you choose to work at WCM?

I was glad to join a century-old organization with a rich history in shaping the musical community I grew up in.

What year did you start working at WCM?

2018

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

At 18 years old, I had the opportunity to perform Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. This transformative experience not only fulfilled a long-held dream but reinforced my desire to pursue a lifelong career in music.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance – Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE)
• Master of Music in Viola Performance – Louisiana State University (LSU)

Background

• Born in Vassouras/RJ – Brazil, Felipe Vianna started his music studies at PIM – Programa de Integração pela Música, a social project based on El-Sistema Music Education, having violin lessons with Daniel Andrade, and participating actively in Suzuki masterclasses with Suray Soren Doyle and Paulo Bosisio. Later, became violin, viola, and music theory teacher at the project from 2007 to 2009.
• After migrating to viola, pursued his studies at Federal University of Pernambuco, where played actively as principal and section viola at UFPE Symphony Orchestra and “Sonoro Ofício”, a historically informed chamber orchestra, from 2010 to 2016.
• Finalist at Paulo Bosisio National String Competition in Juiz de Fora/ MG – Brazil, adult division in 2013.
• Co-principal viola at Orquestra Sinfônica da Paraíba, in João Pessoa/PB – Brazil, during 2015 season.
• Received the Graduate School Tuition Award (GSTA) from Louisiana State University in 2017.
• Worked as violin and viola teacher at Kid’s Orchestra in Baton Rouge, academic year 2019-2020.
• Major viola professors (in chronological order): Dr. Savio Santoro (UFPE), Dr. Elias Goldstein (LSU) and Paul Cortese.
• Participated in festivals in Brazil, US, and Italy, under the tutelage of many great violists, such as Emmerson diBiaggi, Leonardo Piermartini, Carlos Aleixo, Marcelo Jaffé, Alexandre Razera, Gabriel Marin, Nobuko Imai, Bruno Giuranna, Carol Rodland, Michelle LaCourse, Phillip Ying, Paul Newbauer, Raimi Solomonov, Karen Dreyfous, Susan Dubois, Wenting Kang, Hella Frank, Daphne Gerling and Glêsse Collet.