My name is Jake A., I've lived in Madison for eight years and have been teaching here for the past four. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with degrees in Music and Theatre and have been working as a professional pianist, vocal coach, composer and conductor since. As a pianist I have played everything from classical concerts to rock shows to live musical theatre. As a vocal coach I have worked for several area theatres including: University Theatre, Children's Theatre of Madison, Music Theatre of Madison, Four Seasons Theatre and many more. I was recently granted a position as Artist in Residence for UW Madison serving as musical director on their summer and fall musicals. I have offered private vocal coaching for four years, and have had many students cast in local productions.

I've studied music for the past 13 years, more than half of my life. In college, I had the pleasure of performing and learning from many great musicians including graduates of Julliard and Berkeley and I've attended many different master classes and music clinics that have had a vast contribution on my music knowledge and understanding. My studies focused on music performance (jazz), music theory (Jazz and Classical) and music improvisation. I've been a member of three Jazz Ensembles (big bands) and many more smaller combo groups in the past 6 years. Together, my students and I develop an approach to learning that is most beneficial to the student's personal needs. We will collaborate to identify repertoire and personal goals for achieving a high level of musical ability and understanding. Our lessons together will have a focus on all musical elements including: chord and melodic structure, theory analysis (to have a better understanding of the material we are playing), rhythm,...

- Degree in Music Theory / History from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.
- 20 years' teaching and performing experience.
- Fluent in all electric styles, plus acoustic and classical.