Lisa Kitzke,
Instructor
I am a violin/viola instructor from Jackson where I run Heartstrings Studio; a violin and viola lesson studio from my home. I've offered violin and viola lessons for 20+ years after attending UW-Milwaukee where I received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts-Music Performance (violin). After moving to Jackson 14+ years ago and setting up the lesson studio, I coached the Washington County Youth Orchestra based out of UWWC in West Bend. In 2012, I joined Kettle Moraine Symphony (KMS) as a first violinist and am presently a member. 2013 brought an additional opportunity when a position for string instructor was created at Hartford Union High School. I taught individual and group lessons as well as assisted in leading sectional rehearsals. The summer of 2015 I was offered the position of Director of the Schauer Youth String Orchestra in Hartford which provides all area string students the opportunity to "fine tune" their string skills as well as provide them with a social outlet to connect with other ambitious, young musicians. The summer of 2016 I accepted a string instructor position with the West Bend District where I lead small group instruction at Silverbrook Intermediate and support the orchestra teacher at West Bend High Schools.
​
In addition to teaching, I am available to play for weddings as a soloist or with my quartet--The Mosaic Quartet. Whether it is simply for prelude music, processional/recessional or if you are having pre-reception/cocktail music for your guests as they gather, your needs can be met.
​
As for the lessons; each lesson takes into account each students' goals, abilities, experience, strengths and weaknesses. Every child has talent--but to grow or cultivate it is a beautiful process. I also structure the lesson around each individual student; something you can only get in private lessons. My teaching style is open and honest, fun and encouraging. For young beginners, I typically will incorporate games, music listening, charts, toys, even illustrations to provide motivation and to keep learning fun and exciting.
I truly feel it is far more important to teach the basic concepts of violin playing rather than simply teaching notation and tune playing.
Teaching the "fundies" is, well; fundamental. Private lessons include music theory as a musical notation of rhythm, melody and sight reading. The students will have the opportunity to explore and become familiar with music of different periods and genres for the age- appropriate repertoire. To encourage my students to apply what they are being taught and to teach them to think for themselves -I will quiz my students on occasion. Questions may range from how to hold the instrument in a sitting position versus a standing position-and ask for a demonstration to asking my students to explain the "circle of fifths". It just puts their minds in motion!
"Brushing your teeth every day isn't optional, neither is practicing"
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
​
​
​
​
​