Joseph Ketchum, Violinist
About
Joseph Ketchum was born and raised in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. He developed a love for the violin almost immediately and began his studies at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music at age 4 with Ronald Melby. He continued his studies with Mimi Zweig, winning the Conservatory’s Merit Scholarship Competition 8 consecutive years from 1982 to 1989. In 1983, he attended the Meadowmount Summer Institute of Music as a student of Linda Cerone. He was selected by nationwide audition and represented the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in the National Guild of Community Schools of Art celebration orchestra performing in Carnegie Hall in November of 1987. While in High School, Mr. Ketchum was invited to perform as a featured soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In high school, Mr. Ketchum was also an All Conference linebacker and fullback for the University School of Milwaukee.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from Northwestern University under the tutelage of Dr. Myron Kartman where he served as Assistant Concertmaster of the Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra.
Currently, Mr. Ketchum is active as a soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue in both the classical and pop realms. He served as the String Department Chair at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music for 4 years before leaving the Conservatory to start a private studio in 2012. He performs regularly as Concertmaster of the Skylight Opera Theatre Orchestra and the Beloit Janesville Symphony. He has been featured on the UWM concert series “Music from Almost Yesterday” and is also active in the performance of various styles of music, from Jazz, to Bluegrass, to Rock n Roll. He is the principal violinist and string arranger for Mid-Coast Music Publishing, a producer of soundtracks for the worldwide radio, tv, and film industries.
Mr. Ketchum is the founder, principal composer, arranger, and bandleader for "JOE 2.0" a rock sextet comprised of an electrified string quartet, drums, and vocals.
Mr. Ketchum performs on a 1927 Carl Becker violin, which he has played since 1985.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Assess performance level of student and work with students to develop goals for their musical growth.
Develop a personalized plan of study for the individual student to help them attain their goals and get the most enjoyment possible out of their instrument.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.A.- Violin Performance, Northwestern University.
Concertmaster, Skylight Opera Theatre Orchestra, Milwaukee.
Concertmaster, Beloit Janeville Symphony
Former Chair of String Department at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Founder, Joe 2.0 Band
Wisconsin Area Music Industry Nominee (Strings) over 8 times.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Half hour- 30$
Hour-60$
How did you get started teaching?
Started teaching younger children while still a student in High School. Continued while in University and after.
Hired by Wisconsin Conservatory of Music shortly after graduation from Northwestern University.
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 3-83
Classical, fiddle, rock. Female, male.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The more you practice, the better you will get and the more enjoyment you will have. The teacher is your guide, your effort and determination will be the most important part of your musical journey.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to accomplish with lessons?
Do I have time to devote to musical study on a regular basis?