Musikhaus began as a private music studio in 1998 by Dr. James D. Feiszli, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was fortunate to be joined by his wife Michelle in 2000.

Michelle, an accomplished keyboardist and professional vocalist,  became the primary instructor/owner of the studio, developing it into one of the largest and most successful music studios in South Dakota with students winning scholarships to prestigious conservatories across the U.S. and in competitions such as Miss South Dakota. Meanwhile Jim focused on ChoralNet – an online forum for choral music which he eventually donated to the American Choral Directors Association; Dakota Voices – a semi-professional vocal ensemble; and transcribing/ editing/arranging music for ensembles in the USA and abroad.

Jim retired from SDSMT in 2016 and spend two very satisfying years as the Director of Choirs at the First United Methodist Church in Rapid City.  Michelle earned a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2018. She then accepted a position at the Florida Civil Commitment Center.

We relocated to Florida. Musikhaus ended as a teaching studio. Jim spent two semesters teaching choral conducting and graduate choral literature at the University of Miami and then retired from choral activity. 

Michelle has developed her career as a mental health professional. Besides her private practice – Shell Coast Counseling – she is a highly-respected adminstrator of mental health facilities in southwest Florida. Her online professional presence can be found elsewhere.

In 2019, Jim entered part-time employment at Total Wine and More – the largest retailer of wine and spirits in the USA. Having undergone specialized training, he is now certified in wine, spirits, and beer by Total Wine and Cicerone. He shares that knowledge on this website, to his customers, and to local entities such as Babcock Ranch HOAs.