Our History

In 1953, Bruce White started our first store. Waukesha House of Music in downtown Waukesha on Clinton St. Bruce had been a band director for years and started the business with Bob Sommers. Two years later Bruce became sole owner. After 8 years with the company Bruce approached Jerry White, a cousin, to leave his orchestra director position and join Bruce in retail. In 1961, Jerry joined the business and in 1963 bought out Bruce’s portion enabling Bruce to return to full time teaching.

Once Jerry took over, he changed the name of the business to White House of Music, Inc. Jerry White spent the next 23 years gradually building and improving the business each year.In 1967, Roger White joined the staff as an outside salesperson with the responsibility to develop the school music business. The added sales and lesson precipitated a need for more space and two storefronts were added in 1971. The complete corner of Clinton and South Street housed the White House of Music. Six more years of growth caused Jerry to look for a larger facility. The Dr. David Roberts building was purchased by Jerry in 1976 and the operation was moved to 726 N. Grand Ave. White House of Music, Inc. initially occupied two thirds of the property but grew into the complete building within five years. After 25 years of service to the company, Jerry White decided to retire at which time Roger purchased his portion of the business. Shortly after Roger became President, the White House of Music, Inc. merged with its long-time friendly competitor Harlow Kneser and The Waukesha Music Center. Harlow had been in the business for 38 years and was ready to semi-retire and thus approached Roger White in order to facilitate his retirement.

The fall of 1987 White House of Music, Inc. and The Waukesha Music Center merged and moved the inventory to the Grand Avenue location.In November of 1992, White House of Music, Inc. made a larger commitment to the future by moving into a new 20,000 square foot, custom-designed building on Springdale Road near the Interstate.In July of 1993, White House of Music, Inc. was named to the All-Star Team of the Top 20 music stores in the USA by Music, Inc. Magazine. The company was one of the three honored in the category of band and Orchestra sales and services. 1994 brought another Music, Inc. Excellence Award in the category of store design. In the same year Music Trades Magazine listed White House of Music, Inc. among the Top 200 of 6,000 music stores in the U.S.A in total sales and eighth nationwide in total growth. The Company has rated in the Top 200 every year since.

Christopher White joined the staff as a full time employee in September 1993. A third generation family member, a talented and dedicated staff, plus a new location provided a positive step into the twenty-first century for the White House of Music, Inc.Christopher White became a minority owner of White House of Music in February of 1997. He became Vice President of the Corporation and, through his leadership, moved the company in a positive direction by joining the Alliance of Independent Music Merchants in the summer of 1998. AIMM is an alliance of leading independent music instrument retailers and manufacturers whose mission is to help develop and grow the music products industry. By focusing on quality products, educational programs and exceptional customer service, the group has set out to create stronger relationships with our preferred vendors, and empower AIMM stores to provide better value and service to our customers.

White House added a second location in Watertown in August of 1998. This 4,000 square foot store in the Riverplace Center Shopping Mall contains 10 studios and a sizable retail show floor. The purpose of the added location was to maintain a strong-hold in the band and orchestra portion of our business in that market as well as to capitalize on the growing community and their needs for other musical products and services. White House of Music, Inc. has had a presence the Watertown area since 1968 through its service to the area schools.

On July 1, 2001, Christopher White acquired the remaining shares of White House of Music, Inc. and was named its President and CEO. Tracy White was named Secretary and Roger and Lynn White remained on the Board of Directors. Within a month, the Company purchased GW Music, Inc. of West Bend. GW Music was a 24-year old business, founded and operated by Gary and Linda Wiesner. The merger enabled each of them to semi-retire from the music products business and pursue other outside interests. The store name was changed to White House of Music, Inc. and it continues to offer a full selection of music products, repair, and lessons.

With six strategically placed locations, White House of Music, Inc. will strive to provide “Music for Life” for the people of Southeastern Wisconsin.

Mission Statement

The mission of White House of Music, Inc. is to enrich and enhance the lives of individuals and families through involvement in music by providing related products and services. Our challenge is to maintain a position of integrity, quality and customer confidence far superior to our competitors.

Our goals are to:

· Create lifetime customers.

· Enrich the quality of life for its customers and community.

· Provide exemplary service to each customer.

· Promote a corporate image of professionalism and knowledge.

· Encourage the study and enjoyment of music at our store and in the community.

· Maintain a positive and rewarding work environment.

· Constantly study the past, evaluate the present and prepare for the future!

We believe that to be an effective corporation in the future we must exceed these principles on a daily basis.