Guitar & Bass Instructors:

Craig Friemoth
Guitar
Teaching on: Monday - Friday
Experience: 12 Years Teaching
Education: Music Degree from UW Whitewater, and many years of experience as a professional working musician
About: Craig actively performs with one of Milwaukee’s most celebrated festival bands, Mt. Olive, and recently wrote the victory song for the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team. Craig also has recording credits including three albums with Phil Collen of the 80’s mega group, Def Leppard, as well as two album credits with Tommy Holland of Steppenwolf. In 2006 he performed in the backing band for Tommy Tutone. View Craig's Website.

Travis Brown
Guitar & Bass
Teaching Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday
Experience: 20 Years Studying, 10 Years Teaching
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems from UW-Milwaukee (Magnum cum Laude)
About: Travis believes in teaching beginner and advanced students strong fundamentals and appreciation of music, followed by advanced studies in music theory concepts for composing, improvising and songwriting. Travis has written a music theory book for all musicians called eVirtuoso-Music Theory Essentials. eVirtuoso-Music Theory Essentials contains a vast array of everyday music theory concepts for all musicians. From intervals to scales and arpeggios to chords, this guide provides step by step instructions to understanding common elements of music theory principles and applying those principles to everyday practice. This music theory book also contains a large amount of reference information for quick usage and review in traditional staff line and tablature (TAB) notation. Click HERE for more information.

Travis's knowledge of both music and computer programming allows him to create unique music theory software such as eVirtuoso-Intermediate, a tool to help guitar students learn music theory concepts like chords, scales, and arpeggios. You can find more information HERE.

To check in on the latest project updates, check out Travis's website eVirtuoso-Music Theory Online Lessons.
To discuss, comment, and ask questions about all aspects of music theory, stop by and post on Travis's eVirtuoso-Forum.
View Travis's Teacher Website.

Geoff Howard
Guitar & Bass
Teaching on: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday
Experience: 20 Years with 8 Years Teaching
Education: Associate’s Degree in Music Performance
About: Geoff has worked with Grammy winning artist/producer Joe Puerta (Ambrosia, Bruce Hornsby and The Range), touring nationally, studio recording, writhing commercial spots for local as well as national ads. View Geoff's Website.

Peter Ruesch
Guitar
Teaching on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Experience: 7 Years Teaching
Education: Classical Guitar at UW Whitewater under the director George Lindquist
About: Peter is the founding member of regionally touring rock act Carbellion. Signed to Indy 500 Records, they have opened up for Shinedown, Corrosion of Conformity, Black Label Society, Powerman 5000, Reverand Horton Heat, Valient Thor, The Sword, Soil, Motorhead, Seemless, & Clutch. Peter is endorsed by Hagstrom Guitar, Mills Acoustics Speaker Cabinets, Maxon Pedals, and CAD Microphones. View Peter's Website.

Mike Murphy
Guitar & Bass
Teaching on: Wednesday & Thursday
Experience: 8 Years Teaching
Education: Studied Music at UW Milwaukee
About: Mike specializes in rock and blues styles. While he stresses the importance of note reading and basic knowledge of music theory, he maintains a perfect balance of focus on the students interests and styles. Students will learn anything from the newest pop/rock hits to jazz, hip hop and to the must know classic songs and riffs. If playing in a band is what you are interested in, Mike is an ideal choice as he encourages musicians to collaborate and learn together. He is the founder of the Rock shop program, a school for musicians to learn to play and perform together. Students are matched with other musicians of similar ability and style. Students entering this program are recommended to have had 1 to 2 years of private lessons and will leave with experience and confidence to start bands on their own or join a band of higher caliber. The Rock Shop is not only for kid but for adults too. View Mike's Website.

Piano & Voice Instructors:

Connie Johnson-Evers
Piano
Teaching on: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday
Experience: 8 years teaching
Education: Bachelor's degree in education, Piano Pedagogy Certification
About: I have been playing piano since the age of six and have been giving private piano lessons for about eight years. I hold a bachelor's degree in education and have taught other subjects at various levels, but I have decided to focus my time and energy on what I am really passionate about—music and piano.
My own education in piano includes many years taking lessons, and more recently, taking college level lessons with Dr. James McKeever at UW-Parkside. I am also completing a Piano Pedagogy Certification program there, in which I am gaining much knowledge to share with students. I also have practical experience as a church pianist for about 10 years.
When teaching, I make an effort to individualize lessons by getting to know my students, how they learn, and by carefully analyzing what steps they need next in their musical journey. I believe all students can learn and they have a natural musical sense, so my job is to find the best ways to bring out that potential and knowledge and build on it with each lesson.
I try to give students a variety of experiences in lessons by incorporating music reading, theory, composition, and ear training and also by introducing them to a wide variety of musical styles. And since individual practice is so important in this endeavor, I give a lot of tips and advice on ways to practice at home during the week.
I look forward to getting to know new students at the Music Cafe and working together to make wonderful music.
View Connie's Website.

Mike Campbell
Piano
Teaching on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Experience: 20 Years Teaching
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Choral Conducting and Master of Arts in Music Composition.
About: Mike has written and performed jazz, rock, gospel, and neo-classical music for solo, small ensembles and symphony orchestra for many years. He has spent much time in the local recording industry as a session player and recording engineer while co-owning a recording studio in the area. View Mike's Website.

Hillary Johns
Piano & Voice
Teaching on: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Experience: 14 Years
Education: Music/Performance Arts and Early Childhood teacher through the State of Wisconsin
About: Hillary has experience in everything from musicals at local playhouses to singing the National Anthem at the Milwaukee Bucks games. Hillary has travelled extensively and has had the opportunity to perform in jazz clubs in Switzerland and South America. Hillary has experience in designing individual curriculums as well as teaching Spanish. View Hillary's Website.

Kelly Kuhl
Piano & Voice
Teaching on: Monday & Tuesday
Experience: 10 Years Teaching
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Music from UW Whitewater
About: Kelly has been singing in the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for 6 seasons and has been working as a church organist and choir director for over 20 years. Kelly teaches both basic ideas in musical theory and the correct techniques for singing without stressing your voice, so you can sing your whole life long. If you take piano lessons, not only will you learn music theory, and basic keyboard techniques, but you will discover the ways a piano is a percussion instrument that has tones. Rhythm is an essential element in the life of a pianist. Kelly welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. View Kelly's Website.

Katherine Allison
Piano
Teaching on: Thursday
Experience:
Education:
About: My name is Katherine Allison and I have a passion for piano. I have been playing for thirteen years and am eighteen years old. My favorite composers are Chopin and Beethoven. I have only been trained in classical music, but can play a variety of music. My desire is to spark a fire for passion of piano for others as I believe it is the magic of our hands that creates music, not notes. I am very patient with kids and believe that one is never too young to start learning music! View Katherine's Website.

Percussion Instructors:

Alan Arber
Percussion
Teaching on:
Experience:
Education:
About: Alan Arber is a well known drummer/percussionist in the greater Milwaukee/Chicago areas. Alan is currently touring/recording for Daryl Stuermer (Phil COllins/Genesis guitarist), Genesis Rewired, Mary Karlzen, and has recorded with numerous artists, including Willy Porter and Janet Planet. Alan can also be heard on a number of commercial jingles and cd play alongs for Hal Leonard Publications.
Alan is currently accepting students of all ages and styles. Come learn the technical, mental, and auditory aspects of becoming a great musician.
www.Cold-Sweat.com
www.Genesis-Rewired.com
View Alan's Website.

String Instructors:

Sarah Greenwald
Violin Only
Teaching on: Friday & Saturday
Experience: 10 Years Teaching
Education: Studied Privately with Mr. Tom Pederson, Miss Kelly Kusik and currently studies with Miss Elizabeth Pabon, director of the String Preparatory Program at Maranatha Baptist Bible College (MBBC).
About: Sarah has been involved with several groups and orchestras and is a current member of the String Preparatory Program at MBBC. The group has been busy traveling in Southeast Wisconsin, performing in churches and nursing homes. Sarah loves working with beginning students of all ages and watching them develop the valuable ability to play the violin successfully. View Sarah's Website.

Jon Miller
Violin, Cello, Upright Bass and Beginner Viola
Teaching on: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Experience: 5 Years Teaching
Education: Bachelor of Music Instrumental Music Education from UW Whitewater
About: Jon’s primary instrument is the cello. Jon currently plays with the Echelon String Quartet, a string group focused on playing contemporary music. Jon has also played in a rock band, several jazz ensembles and has been involved in several musicals, both as a participant and as a conductor. View Jon's Website.

Brass & Woodwind Instructors:

John Knurr
Brass & Woodwind
Teaching on: Tuesday & Wednesday
Experience: 20+ Years of Teaching
Education: Bachelors Degree from University of Wisconsin and Master of Arts Degree from Sacramento, California.
About: John has taught music within the public schools in Sacramento, CA and Williams Bay, WI. John became the founding member of The Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society and was a staff member at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society young Camp. John was a player with The New South Rampart Street Paraders, a fun high energy entertaining band, Steamboat Willie New Orleans Jazz band, numerous festivals in Euorpe and has performed on cruise ships and continues to expand his musical horizons. View John's Website.

Hillary Johns
Trumpet, Flute & Clarinet
Teaching on: Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Experience: 14 Years
Education: Music/Performance Arts and Early Childhood teacher through the State of Wisconsin
About: Hillary has experience in everything from musicals at local playhouses to singing the National Anthem at the Milwaukee Bucks games. Hillary has travelled extensively and has had the opportunity to perform in jazz clubs in Switzerland and South America. Hillary has experience in designing individual curriculums as well as teaching Spanish. View Hillary's Website.

Matt Quaglieri
Woodwinds
Teaching on: Wednesday
Experience:
Education: Undergraduate degree in instrumental and general music education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2011
About: Matt is a Mukwonago High School Alumni and currently teaches K-6 general music at Prairie View Elementary School and Eagleville Charter School in the Mukwonago Area School District. Matt has been playing clarinet for 13 years and has experience playing in wind ensembles, symphony orchestras, chamber groups, and as a soloist. He has also taught several clarinet clinics and workshops for students throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Matt received his undergraduate degree in instrumental and general music education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2011. He has been featured as a soloist with the UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble in 2009 and has held principal positions in many of the university’s performing ensembles. As a recent graduate Matt continues to seek opportunities to perform and to challenge himself as a life-long musician and clarinetist.
Matt believes that solid fundamental skills and an emphasis on expressive playing are the keys to success on any instrument. He also believes in a student-centered approach to music lessons and tailors his approach to meet the individual needs, challenges, and talents of each student. In 2011, the Collegiate Music Educators National Conference recognized his efforts in educational leadership with a professional achievement award. As an educator Matt continues to strive to provide the highest quality musical instruction to each of his students. View Matt's Website.

Mike Murphy
Saxophone
Teaching on: Wednesday & Thursday
Experience: 8 Years Teaching
Education: Studied Music at UW Milwaukee
About: Mike is an ideal choice as he encourages musicians to collaborate and learn together. Mike is patient and easygoing, he provides an inspiring atmosphere for students to learn to set goals for themselves and work at a comfortable pace. View Mike's Website.