June Schmidt has been an integral part of the Melody Mart team for the past 8 years, bringing her extensive 52 years of musical experience to students of all ages. She began her musical journey at the age of 10, playing the piano and organ, and has since cultivated a deep love for music that she now shares with her students. With a Bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master's degree from Olivet Nazarene University, June combines a strong educational foundation with decades of practical experience.
June teaches students ranging in age from 6 years old to adults, offering instruction in a variety of musical styles, including classical, jazz, musicals, and pop. While she encourages students to explore different genres, June strongly believes that classical music forms the essential foundation for developing solid piano skills. Her approach is to create well-rounded musicians who not only know how to play pieces but also understand the underlying theory behind them.
Her teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that anyone can learn to play music if they are willing to grasp basic concepts and dedicate themselves to practice. June often tells her students, "Practice, practice, practice!" because she knows that consistent effort is the key to musical progress. She incorporates scales, chord progressions, and interval training into her lessons, alongside encouraging memorization of pieces. This approach helps students not just learn how to play the piano but also develop a deep understanding of music theory. For her more dedicated students, she uses the AIM (Achievement in Music) program, which emphasizes theory and performance. Her favorite method books are Faber and Bastien, which she finds highly effective for both beginner and intermediate students.
June’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing the growth and development of her students over time. Whether it’s a beginner mastering their first song or a more advanced student working through a complex piece, she finds immense satisfaction in seeing her students' progress. She loves building personal relationships with each student, making them feel comfortable and confident enough to take on new musical challenges. Reward stickers are a fun addition that she uses to motivate younger students to keep going, even when the material becomes difficult!
One of June’s most cherished memories at Melody Mart is the Christmas mini-recitals, where her students would perform their favorite Christmas songs. The joy and excitement on their faces as they played for an audience was a rewarding experience for both her and her students.
Outside of teaching, June has had a rich performance career. She has played in a variety of ensembles, including a swing band, a rock band, and an easy listening trio, as well as a Jimmy Buffett cover band. Her versatility as a musician extends beyond performance, as she has also served as a rehearsal accompanist for numerous musical plays, playing in the pit orchestra. Additionally, she has lent her talents to church and community choirs as both a singer and accompanist. Early in her career, she was inspired by the piano duo Ferrante & Teicher, and she continues to enjoy the light pop stylings of Jim Brickman and the beauty of ballads.
June defines student success not solely by those who pursue music as a career—although she has had a few students go on to professional music careers—but by any student who continues to enjoy playing piano after their lessons end. For her, the most important outcome is that her students find lasting joy in making music. Many of her students have achieved advanced levels of proficiency, continuing to study with her from childhood through high school.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pianist, you’ll find that June’s patient, theory-focused, and personalized approach will help you reach your musical goals.
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