Hi there, I'm John Bushman, a Milwaukee-based composer and pianist pursuing a BFA in Music Composition at UW-Milwaukee. I love crafting original scores, collaborating with fellow artists, and growing a nonprofit to support new music through Input/Output, which I founded and lead as President.\n\nAs a performer and educator, I’ve accompanied Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, interned with Marcus Performing Arts Center, and worked as a gig pianist and teacher. I enjoy blending composition, improvisation, and collaborative rehearsal to create engaging music experiences for diverse audiences.

John Bushman

Hi there, I'm John Bushman, a Milwaukee-based composer and pianist pursuing a BFA in Music Composition at UW-Milwaukee. I love crafting original scores, collaborating with fellow artists, and growing a nonprofit to support new music through Input/Output, which I founded and lead as President.\n\nAs a performer and educator, I’ve accompanied Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, interned with Marcus Performing Arts Center, and worked as a gig pianist and teacher. I enjoy blending composition, improvisation, and collaborative rehearsal to create engaging music experiences for diverse audiences.

Available to hire

Hi there, I’m John Bushman, a Milwaukee-based composer and pianist pursuing a BFA in Music Composition at UW-Milwaukee. I love crafting original scores, collaborating with fellow artists, and growing a nonprofit to support new music through Input/Output, which I founded and lead as President.\n\nAs a performer and educator, I’ve accompanied Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy, interned with Marcus Performing Arts Center, and worked as a gig pianist and teacher. I enjoy blending composition, improvisation, and collaborative rehearsal to create engaging music experiences for diverse audiences.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Server at Bavarian Bierhaus
May 1, 2023 - Present
Handled multiple large parties, provided attentive service, bussed tables, processed payments, and maintained a clean, safe dining environment. Developed strong time management, customer service, and organizational skills.
Development Internship at Marcus Performing Arts Center
January 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Tracked donor information and donations in Blackbaud and Raiser's Edge; attended weekly planning meetings; supported donor events and galas; fostered positive patron relations and streamlined donation initiatives.
Piano Accompanist and Composer at Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy
January 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
Piano accompaniment for weekly ballet classes (ages 5-18) across levels; performed repertoire and provided original music weekly; taught, instructed, and conducted sessions; cultivated improvisation and steady tempo; studied ballet-specific piano writing.
Resident Assistant (RA) – Performing Arts LLC at UW-Milwaukee University Housing
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Served as a friendly role model and guide for students; led weekly staff meetings; managed room transfers and incident reports; organized educational and social programs; enforced policies and provided emergency support per crisis protocol.
Gig Pianist and Teacher at Self-Employed
June 1, 2019 - January 1, 2025
Developed curricula for students aged 5-15; taught piano fundamentals, music theory, jazz history, and improvisation; organized small recitals; traveled to multiple locations; performed sets and composed/arranged music for events.
President and Founder at Stillroom Music Inc.
August 1, 2025 - Present
Managed and directed a small team to start, run, and grow a nonprofit; organized quality events; worked in company development, marketing, operations and legal; led a team of 35 people.
Resident Assistant (RA) at UW-Milwaukee University Housing - Performing Arts LLC
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Acted as a friendly role model and guide for incoming students; attended and contributed to weekly staff meetings; assisted with housing needs; promoted a community atmosphere; enforced policies and safety standards; responded to incidents; provided emergency support per crisis protocol; facilitated floor meetings to discuss concerns and complaints.
Resident Assistant (RA) at UW-Milwaukee University Housing
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Supported residents, led educational and social programs, enforced safety standards, and maintained a safe, inclusive community.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts: Music Composition at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2026
High School Diploma at Nicolet High School
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2026
High School Diploma at Nicolet High School
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2021
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Music Composition at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 2026
High School Diploma at Nicolet High School
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2021

Qualifications

Wisconsin Grant recipient
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
Panther Grant recipient
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
A. Hankwitz-Kastner Music Scholarship recipient
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
WSMA State Solo & Ensemble award winner
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
Tri-M Music Honor Society Member
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026
International Thespian Society Member
January 11, 2030 - May 12, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Other