West Bend Music Academy – Teachers
Linda Maas – Piano and Flute
Bachelor of Science in education with a Minor in Music
Emphasis on Flute & Piano
Performed in College Chamber Music Recitals
Guest Soloist at Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Plays for services at Morning Star Lutheran Church in Jackson
Teaches piano levels beginner to intermediate ages three and up
Jan Snowden – Piano
Jan received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus in Organ Performance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She has 40 years experience at West Granville Presbyterian Church. She has taught in the West Bend area for 23 years and is regarded as one of the finest teachers in the area. Jan has taught all the way from beginners to collegiate level players, and always puts her students first.
Dave Petty – Saxophone & Clarinet
Dave’s interest in music developed in the later years of the “Swing Era”. Although he studied and enjoyed Classical clarinet, he listened to “Swing” (the original and true mild jazz) at every opportunity. As a developing musician living close to New York City, he had the chance to catch some live performances by the likes of Ben Webster, Zoot Simms and Benny Goodman. The easy swinging style of their music became the target to shoot for. Like other serious musicians, Dave has played many styles in the effort to keep busy (Big Bands to small variety groups) and has been in and out of music at varying times through the years. He enjoys the Big Band jobs, but his true love is playing with the smaller Swing and Dixieland groups.
Changes to the night club/bar scene in the past years have made it difficult to keep a group of musicians busy, so Dave developed a “back up group” (via the computer) to allow him to work as a single. His saxophone and clarinet styles provide a foot tapping/ danceable style of great listening music that I think you will enjoy.
Rich Ruchalski – Guitar & Bass
Rich started off at young age, performing in bands, taking lessons, and participating in church music groups. In 2003, he attended the University of Wisconsin in which he majored in Music. While there, Rich was awarded the Madalyn Rodney Scholarship for Excelling Music Majors. He received his Associates of Arts & Science degree with a focus in Guitar in 2006, and began teaching at the Music Academy of West Bend thereafter. In 2007 Richard attended North Park University in Chicago where he studied Music Education. He performed and competed in college level guitar ensembles in both classical and jazz. Since his return , he has organized and led summer school rock band programs for elementary through high school students, has taught group lessons, and taken on a full schedule of private guitar and bass students. His styles include but are not limited to: classical, folk, rock, blues, jazz, and country.
Jay Tamez – Guitar, Concert PA, Recording & Music Business
Jay has entertained tens of thousands of people over the course of his music career. He has been active in the music industry for over two decades, with a background in Live Production, Recording Technology, Music Business and Marketing. He also has received production credits for videos aired on public television and events. Jay has in depth music business experience working for Virgin Records. While there his duties included: music sales and support, artist penetration, public relations, business planning, international correspondence and support.
Drew Kleinhans – Guitar and Bass
Associates Degree in Music Occupations from MATC
Focus on guitar and bass and can teach a plethora of styles
Played worship music for St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church including Bass, Guitar, Vocals, and Drums
Guitar and drum teacher for West Bend Music Academy’s Summer School Rock Program
Teaches all levels ages five and up.
Peter Behlmer – Drums & Percussion: Peter Behlmer got his start on the drums at the age of 10. Throughout his teenage years, he played in his schools symphonic, concert, and jazz bands. During this time, Peter was awarded the Woodie Herman Jazz Award to recognize his proficiency on the drum set. Over the next couple of years, Peter played around the Milwaukee area in various jazz combos. After being accepted into the Berklee College of Music, Peter moved to Boston to further enhance his skills. While at Berklee, Peter studied with world-renowned instructors including, Dave DiCenso, James Murphy, Rod Morgenstein, Henrique de Almeida, Casey Scheuerell, and many others. After 4 years of study, Peter graduated from Berklee Summa Cum Laude. All of these instructors gave Peter many incredible concepts to give to students. He has molded all of them into a unique and effective system which leads to incredible results for students. Peter is comfortable in all contemporary styles of drumming and teachers students of all skill levels.
Stop in or contact us today! (262) 338-0770 (call or text)
