About
Independent String Teachers of Madison (IST) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of stringed instrument teaching and playing within the greater Madison area. Our mission is to provide unique educational opportunities for string students that go beyond what a single teacher can offer, while fostering a supportive community for educators. We are committed to the professional development of our members, providing platforms for interaction, and upholding the highest ethical standards in teaching and professional conduct to ensure the continued growth and excellence of our local music community.
Board of Directors
Cornelia (Corky) Watkins
President
Cornelia (Corky) Watkins, has taught cello lessons most of her life. She received a bachelor’s degree in performance at the Hartt School of Music.She also teaches pedagogy and preparatory cello at the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University, and has written two books about the intersection of teaching, learning, and performing.
Amy Harr
Vice President
Amy Harr is a native Madisonian cellist from a musical family who has performed and taught for nearly 40 years. Amy is the cellist of the Camerata String Quartet and Madison New Music Ensemble, has played with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, LunART Festival, Capitol City Theatre and Fresco Opera companies.
George Teague
Secretary
George Teague is a cellist and teacher in the Madison area. He currently sits principal cello for the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra, and has held principal seats in the CCPA Symphony and NAU Symphony Orchestras. As an active performer, he has performed with groups such as the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra, Lake County Symphony Orchestra, and Metropolitan Chamber Players.
Benjamin Whitcomb
Treasurer
Benjamin Whitcomb is a Professor of Cello and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he has received awards for his teaching, research, and service. An active recitalist and chamber musician, he performs frequently throughout the country and abroad.
He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma State University, and he has studied with Phyllis Young, George Neikrug, and Evan Tonsing.
Charlene Adzima
Webmaster
Charlene maintains a full studio in the Madison, Wisconsin area and has successfully applied Suzuki pedagogy to the teaching of authentic traditional folk styles. She is certified with the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach violin books 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, Charlene teaches in MadFiddle, a youth fiddle performing group directed by Shauncey Ali.
Become a Member of IST!
Join this unique network of private string teachers in the Madison, WI area with only a $25 annual membership, which provides:
Website Listing for Your Private Studio
Searchable by instrument and location, you provide a photo, bio and details for prospective students, quickly adjusted by request through our in-house Webmaster
Professional Development Sessions
From learning new teaching strategies, to understanding best business practices, to dancing (!) with your instrument, these sessions are open to the public, but members attend free!
Expertise and Innovation Sharing
Do you have a great idea or a specialty you’d be willing to share? Then apply to be a presenter at one of our PD sessions (which includes a venue, advertising, and an honorarium), or suggest a clinician you’d like to invite and we’ll follow up!
Semi-annual Student Recitals
IST takes care of organizational details for November and April recitals and covers the cost of the venue and printed programs. Just add your students!
A Platform for Sharing Special Events
If you submit information for your special studio event, we’ll send an email to members and post it on our website calendar
Become a Member of IST!
Join this unique network of private string teachers in the Madison, WI area with only a $25 annual membership, which provides:
Website Listing for Your Private Studio
Searchable by instrument and location, you provide a photo, bio and details for prospective students, quickly adjusted by request through our in-house Webmaster
Professional Development Sessions
From learning new teaching strategies, to understanding best business practices, to dancing (!) with your instrument, these sessions are open to the public, but members attend free!
Expertise and Innovation Sharing
Do you have a great idea or a specialty you’d be willing to share? Then apply to be a presenter at one of our PD sessions (which includes a venue, advertising, and an honorarium), or suggest a clinician you’d like to invite and we’ll follow up!
Semi-annual Student Recitals
IST takes care of organizational details for November and April recitals and covers the cost of the venue and printed programs. Just add your students!
A Platform for Sharing Special Events
If you submit information for your special studio event, we’ll send an email to members and post it on our website calendar
IST Member Dues
Membership requires an annual payment of $25, due annually on January 1.
Check
Benjamin Whitcomb
1408 Stacy Ln.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Venmo
IST Bylaws
IST Policies and Ethics
IST Member Dues
Membership requires an annual payment of $25, due annually on January 1.
Check
Benjamin Whitcomb
1408 Stacy Ln.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Venmo
Contact Independent String Teachers of Madison