Berry Music STL

MEET JULIE BERRY





My name is Julie Berry, owner and educator of BERRY MUSIC STL.

  I was born and raised in Minnesota, which is where my musical journey began.  This also explains why you may hear me say things such as: "Ya sure, you betcha!" and "Holy buckets!". I relocated to St. Louis in 2016.

 I consider it such a blessing to be  living out my dream everyday!  It is such a great honor to know so many beautiful families and to be able to work with them each day as they discover the joy of music!

 It is an honor as a music educator for over 30 years to bring music education to life for my students!

The foundation of my teaching philosophy is rooted and grounded in the following statement: My mission is to help individuals of all ages and abilities become life-long musicians! 

To read more about my teaching philosophy or class format, please view the link below:

https://berrymusicstl.mymusicstaff.com/TEACHING-PHILOSOPHY--CLASS-FORMAT



  

I have been teaching the joy of music since 1993 and it blesses me to tell you that I have had the honor to teach music to THOUSANDS of students! 

Through 30 years of this beautiful life calling, I can tell you that no matter the age or ability of my students, I have NEVER met anyone who is incapable of learning and enjoying music! 

 MY ULTIMATE HOPE FOR EACH STUDENT IS THAT THEY WOULD BE LIFE-LONG MUSICICANS. That they would be able to enjoy the joy as well as the healing and  therapeutic effect  of music for the rest of their lives, not only just a fleeting moment on a concert stage.

 Music has the ability to soothe our mind, body, and spirit.  It has the ability to become our closest friend.


ABOUT MY MUSIC EDUCATION

I began playing the piano by ear when I was 2 years old and started formal lessons at the age of 6 with much persuasion from my beloved Grandpa. I often reflect upon a sweet memory of years later, when he would often sit in a chair near the piano in his living room and peacefully listen to me play. He always enjoyed listening to music and taught me the value of the lost art of listening.

 As the most highly regarded paternal figure in my life, I thank him from the bottom of my heart for seeing to it that I had lessons. As an entrepreneur and business owner himself, my Grandpa instilled in me an unshakable work ethic as well as a belief that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WORK HARD. I would not be the person I am today without his unconditional love and his belief in me.  I know he is proud and still listening from Heaven! 

I share more of an in-depth, personal testimony of how music has changed my life in the  "Benefits of music" page. Scroll to the end:

https://berrymusicstl.mymusicstaff.com/BENEFITS-OF-MUSIC


I was blessed to have studied classical piano for 23 years of training under some of the most amazing instructors, and performers including Kenneth Huber who performed at Carnegie Hall and studied under two piano legends: Tobias Matthay and Frank Mannheimer. 

I was also blessed as a young person to have had the opportunity to attend The Duluth, Minnesota Mannheimer Piano Festival in the early 90's (now called "American Matthay Festival").

Apart from studying and teaching piano, I have enjoyed singing(my other love!) in some very excellent choral groups for 26 years of my life. From junior high, senior high concert choir and smaller select vocal ensembles under the directorship of Steven Boehlke. During those young years I had the rare opportunity to sing in a choral festival in the early 90's under the directorship of the famous Weston Noble of Luther College.

 I also performed in the University of St. Thomas Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Lastly, I had the honor to sing in the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Chorale under the directorship of Dennis Jewett. 

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had these incredibly priceless learning opportunities that have helped to shape me into the the musician and music educator that I am today. 

 

The learning never ceases!

 A teacher must always be a student for LIFE! 

 My continuing education includes playing/practicing/enjoying my instrument, an in-depth certification course in advanced music theory, membership to many professional teaching organizations, ongoing study of piano pedagogy, music history, child psychology, and special needs. 

 I run a packed and busy studio in St. Louis, Missouri. 

 It’s such a thrill and daily adventure to help my students discover the gifts they have within themselves, to give them opportunities to believe in themselves,  and to equip them to share those gifts with others! My students and their families have become like family to me. I am filled with gratitude everyday as I enjoy doing what I was called to do in this life: Help people discover their musical journey! I believe in cultivating a warm environment full of  accountability, honesty, positivity, love, and encouragement.


Personal Life

I am the proud mother of two amazing young adults, Bri Rose and Nate.        



  



I moved to St. Louis in 2016 to marry my childhood best friend and sweetheart! Trust me, there's a book being written about that story! 

 Luke has 4 adult sons.  My husband and I have developed a unique décor style to our home; It’s called, “Instruments Everywhere.”  We write songs together, play at senior homes, share our music at churches, and Jam with our family when we all get together! All 6 of our kids are musicians and enjoy music to the fullest!

God, music, and family are the center of our lives!




Music Career

  Over the years I have been an accompanist for choral groups, musicals, weddings, and church events.  

I was the worship director and leader for various churches and youth group music ministries in the Minneapolis area for over two decades and have been heavily involved in music ministry and community outreaches such as:

  • Homeless shelters
  • Mission trips to Guatemala and Mexico 
  • Addiction recovery centers for teens
  • Battered women groups
  • Senior community homes (one of my greatest passions)
  • Food pantries 
  • TO SEE MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES THAT I STAY INVOLVED WITH AND HELP OTHERS GET INVOLVED WITH, PLEASE VIEW THE LINK BELOW:
  • https://berrymusicstl.mymusicstaff.com/COMMUNITY-OUTREACH--CHARITIES

The core of my being is all about worshipping my creator, creating music, and serving others.


 I am a singer/songwriter/composer and have performed my songs in different concerts over the years. I was honored to have  professionally recorded an album at WINTERLAND STUDIOS, Minneapolis, MN in addition to having recorded two other projects. 


Personal Interests

I believe in  living life to it's healthiest and fullest! I enjoying long- distance running (half marathons), weight-lifting, cross-training, bicycling, kayaking, canoeing,  equestrian sport(English riding/jumping), ice-skating, roller- blading, nutrition, meal planning, reading, crocheting, studying and speaking Spanish, daydreaming about traveling the world someday, composing, studying jazz, and playing various instruments.

We have 8 pets that keep us very busy! 5 cockatiels who are all hand-raised and tamed, our cat named Walter(very spoiled!), and our newest member, Paddy (Australian Cattle/Blue Heeler Mix) who was a St. Paddy's day rescue and  has stolen our hearts!




  

Professional Organizations

I am a member of the following:

CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC EDUCATION!

  • Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) 
  • Ultimate Music Theory Elite Educators (UMT) 
  • Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
  • St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association (SLAMTA)
  • National Guild of Piano Teachers (NGPT)
  • National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC)
  • Missouri Federation of Music Clubs (Virtuoso Club)
  • Formerly a member of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum, and West Suburban Music Teachers Association.