Business Details
Your Premier Music Education Destination in Central Wisconsin
At Wausau Conservatory of Music, we believe music is fundamental to human development and community connection. Our mission is to provide exceptional music education and performance opportunities for all ages and skill levels, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. With a team of skilled performing faculty artists, we offer individual lessons, group classes, and ensembles for over 17 instruments, both online and in person. We prioritize accessibility through scholarships and tuition assistance, having awarded over $50,000 annually to support students. Our programs serve early learners to lifelong musicians, creating a vibrant, inclusive community that strengthens social bonds through shared artistic expression.We deliver 5,000+ contact hours annually through free community programs and host 30+ free concerts and events each year. Our economic impact exceeds $1,000,000 annually, reflecting our commitment to enriching Central Wisconsin through music education. By partnering with local schools and organizations, we expand access to music programs for underserved populations. Our values of leadership, innovation, and community building guide our efforts to inspire the next generation of musicians and thinkers. Through personalized instruction and collaborative learning, we empower individuals to discover their unique voice and reach their full potential.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Group Classes
Summer Music Camps
Ensemble Programs
Music Appreciation Courses
Early Childhood Programs
Faculty Matching Service
Tuition Assistance Program
Community Concert Series
Performance Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We provide over $50,000 in annual tuition assistance to ensure music education accessibility
- Our faculty includes professional performing artists with expertise in 17+ instruments
- We offer 30+ free community concerts and programs annually for public engagement
- Our programs serve 5,000+ contact hours through community outreach initiatives
- We partner with local schools to expand music education access across Central Wisconsin
Services
Private Music Lessons
Personalized music instruction tailored to individual goals and skill levels. Our expert faculty artists teach 17+ instruments with customized lesson plans that develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. Lessons foster creativity while building foundational music theory knowledge and performance skills for students of all ages.
Group Classes
Collaborative music education programs for various age groups and experience levels. Our group classes include Harmony Hive Children's Choir, Ukulele Choir, and General Music courses that promote social learning while developing ensemble skills and musical understanding in a supportive environment.
Summer Music Camps
Intensive summer programs for students aged 7-18 with varying experience levels. Camps focus on skill development, audition preparation, and musical exploration through instrument workshops, ensemble rehearsals, and performance opportunities that build confidence and technical mastery.
Ensemble Programs
Collaborative performance opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities. Our ensembles develop essential musical skills through group rehearsals and public performances, fostering teamwork while exploring diverse musical styles and repertoire in a professional setting.
Music Appreciation
Courses exploring music history, theory, and cultural significance for all age groups. These programs develop critical listening skills and deepen understanding of musical styles through analysis of compositions, historical context, and performance practices.
People
Susan Bender
Executive Director
Susan Bender leads Wausau Conservatory of Music as Executive Director, overseeing strategic operations and community engagement initiatives while maintaining the organization's educational mission and artistic excellence.
Lynn Riska
Registrar
Lynn Riska manages student services and program coordination, ensuring smooth registration processes and personalized instructor matching for students seeking music education opportunities at Wausau Conservatory of Music.
Brenton Kniess
Marketing Coordinator
Brenton Kniess develops marketing strategies and community outreach programs to promote Wausau Conservatory of Music's educational offerings and performance events across Central Wisconsin.
Jenn Williams
Administration and Operations Assistant
Jenn Williams supports daily operations and administrative functions at Wausau Conservatory of Music, ensuring efficient program delivery and maintaining organizational systems that support educational excellence.
Questions
What music programs are available for young children?
We offer Early Childhood programs for ages birth to 8 years that develop musical foundations through interactive activities and caregiver participation.
Do you provide financial assistance for music lessons?
Yes, our Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program provides over $50,000 annually to support students based on financial need.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we present over 30 annual concerts and events featuring student performances, faculty recitals, and visiting artists in our Caroline S. Mark Concert Hall.
What summer music programs do you offer?
Our Summer Music Camps for ages 7-18 include instrument-specific training, ensemble rehearsals, and audition preparation with professional musicians and educators.
How does WCM support community music education?
We provide 5,000+ annual contact hours through free community programs and partner with local schools to expand music education access across Central Wisconsin.
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