About
Wausau Conservatory of Music offers group classes, ensembles, Musical Storytime, private lessons, and free community programs. The program also presents free concerts, programs, and events each year.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Price: $50k provided in tuition assistance and aid annually
Musical Storytime is led by Wausau Conservatory of Music voice instructor Dr. Dana Carlson-Kottke. The leadership team includes Susan Bender, Executive Director; Kristina Stroede, Registration Coordinator; Jenn Williams, Administration & Operations Assistant; Brenton Kniess, Marketing Coordinator; and Dr. Dana Carlson-Kottke, Voice instructor. The mission of the Wausau Conservatory of Music is to provide exceptional music education and performances that enrich the lives of students, families, faculty, and the community. Wausau Conservatory of Music is described as the premier regional school of musical studies and performance in Central Wisconsin, with educational programming described as unparalleled in size and scope among other central Wisconsin music institutions and inviting students of all ages and abilities, including early learners, preschoolers, school children, and life-long learners.
In 2025, Wausau Conservatory of Music celebrated the fifth anniversary of its partnership with Marathon County HeadStart, which brings Musical Storytime to all children in the program. The Conservatory has expanded community partnerships with Marathon County Head Start, Wausau School District’s Community Connections program, and both the Wausau School District and DC Everest Orchestra programs. It provides over $50,000 in tuition assistance to support students in 2024–25 and fulfilled 100% of tuition assistance requests in 2024–25. The organization reports over 5,000+ contact hours given through free community programs and offers 30+ free concerts, programs, and events each year, and it reports an economic impact of over $1,000,000 based on the Americans for the Arts, Arts and Economic Prosperity Calculator.
Last updated June 23, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Price: $50k provided in tuition assistance and aid annually
Musical Storytime is led by Wausau Conservatory of Music voice instructor Dr. Dana Carlson-Kottke. The leadership team includes Susan Bender, Executive Director; Kristina Stroede, Registration Coordinator; Jenn Williams, Administration & Operations Assistant; Brenton Kniess, Marketing Coordinator; and Dr. Dana Carlson-Kottke, Voice instructor. The mission of the Wausau Conservatory of Music is to provide exceptional music education and performances that enrich the lives of students, families, faculty, and the community. Wausau Conservatory of Music is described as the premier regional school of musical studies and performance in Central Wisconsin, with educational programming described as unparalleled in size and scope among other central Wisconsin music institutions and inviting students of all ages and abilities, including early learners, preschoolers, school children, and life-long learners.
In 2025, Wausau Conservatory of Music celebrated the fifth anniversary of its partnership with Marathon County HeadStart, which brings Musical Storytime to all children in the program. The Conservatory has expanded community partnerships with Marathon County Head Start, Wausau School District’s Community Connections program, and both the Wausau School District and DC Everest Orchestra programs. It provides over $50,000 in tuition assistance to support students in 2024–25 and fulfilled 100% of tuition assistance requests in 2024–25. The organization reports over 5,000+ contact hours given through free community programs and offers 30+ free concerts, programs, and events each year, and it reports an economic impact of over $1,000,000 based on the Americans for the Arts, Arts and Economic Prosperity Calculator.
Last updated June 23, 2026.
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