Milwaukee, WI – April 24, 2025 — Classical music education faces growing criticism for being too rigid and outdated. In response, the Fulton Music Conservatory is setting a new example. It combines strong technical training with cultural awareness, emotional growth, and career skills needed today.
The Conservatory was founded by concert violinist Addison Teng. It has operated in Milwaukee since the beginning and now has a dedicated campus there. Students at this campus take private lessons, join ensembles, and work closely with teachers. This campus is the center for year-round programs and strengthens the Conservatory’s connection with Milwaukee’s music scene.
All faculty members, including Teng, violist Amy Hess, and violinist Paul Hauer from the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, teach in both Milwaukee and Chicago. This ensures that students in both cities get a consistent and connected experience.
Students in Milwaukee receive more than private lessons. They perform in studio recitals and community events. For example, they recently took part in the Milwaukee Art Museum’s “MAM After Dark: March Masquerade” event in March 2025. Among past students is Ryan Tani, Assistant Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, who studied violin under Teng.
A key part of the Conservatory is the Fulton Summer Music Academy. This is a four-week immersive program with a small, international group of students. The program includes performances, chamber music, and practical workshops, such as instrument repair and music business. It also focuses on personal growth through daily journaling, group reflections, and public speaking.
Students who excel may be invited to join Fulton In Residence. This program takes concerts on tour to unusual places around the world, such as orphanages in Korea or brewery lawns in Rhode Island. Teng says, “Give me four walls, a ceiling, and a floor—and I’ll make it a concert hall.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conservatory quickly launched a fully online academy in just 12 weeks. This showed that music education can succeed even under difficult conditions. Teng recalls, “When institutions shut down, we asked, ‘What’s the plan?’ and no one had one. So we created our own.”
The Fulton Music Conservatory aims not just to create talented musicians but well-rounded artists ready for today’s complex careers. Teng explains, “We teach students how to manage gigs, understand contracts, market themselves—even how to file taxes. Music is about discipline and precision, but it’s also about life.”
As classical music changes, the Fulton Music Conservatory is proving that Milwaukee is more than a participant. It is a key player in a global, innovative model for musical excellence.
Related Topics
