Berry Music STL
MEET MRS. 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 learn more about my personal teaching philosophy please view the link:https://berrymusicstl.mymusicstaff.com/TEACHING-PHILOSOPHY
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!
Throughout 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!
I specialize in teaching both Neurotypical and Neurodivergent students of all ages with learning disabilities, and special needs.
MY ULTIMATE HOPE FOR EACH STUDENT IS THAT THEY WOULD BE LIFE-LONG MUSICICANS!
I also hope that they would be able to find 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.
ABOUT MY MUSIC EDUCATION
I began playing the piano by ear around the age of 2. My mother has journal entries about me walking up to the piano as a toddler, reaching up to gently play the keys while I hummed along. I was hooked from the start! I loved singing and making up my own songs as a small child and that has never changed!
I started formal piano lessons at the age of 6 with much persuasion from my beloved Grandpa. Years later, he would enjoy sitting by the piano in his living room as I played my advanced classical repertoire for him before heading off to my lessons with my college piano instructors. His investment and encouragement paid off!
As the most highly regarded paternal figure and influence in my life, I thank him from the depth of my heart for seeing to it that I received lessons when my parents were unable to make that a possibility for me. As an entrepreneur and succesful business owner of over 50 years himself, my Grandpa paved the way and instilled in me an unshakable work ethic.
He also influenced the belief in my heart that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WHO WORK HARD. I would not be the person I am today without his unconditional love, his example, and his belief in me during periods of my life when I had a difficult time believing in myself.
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 amazing instructors and performers including Kenneth Huber who performed at Carnegie Hall (whom also studied under two great piano greats!: 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/masterclasses in the early 90's, now called "American Matthay Festival".
Apart from my classical piano studies and teaching, I am a singer! Both a soloist and I have loved singing in some very excellent choral groups and ensembles over that last 28 years(AND CONTINUE TO!).
Choral singing is an experience that can only be described as MIRACULOUS.
There is a special moment that can happen within a passage of a song when all of members are listening to one another and the voices blend perfectly to create a musical experience that causes the hairs to stand up on your arm or tears to roll down your face! It is the only way to describe it. To me, it is miraculous!
The gathering of many different individuals with different life experiences, with their own struggles and victories, with their own own unique voices (in their textures and timbres), coming together in unity to create music in beautiful melodies and harmonies! It is an extraordinary experience!
To be a part of a choral group is to be a part of a family. There is a sense of belonging, accountability, and acceptance that comes with this.
Relationships are formed that sometimes last a lifetime, all because of the blending of voices!
I can tell you that some of people closest to my heart have been my Sisters and Brothers in my singing communities!
We have laughed, cried, and prayed together. We have shared joys and sorrows, and have walked along side one another through it all. These individuals are my family and I am theirs.
There is just no other experience like it.
I highly recommend choral singing to everyone!
As a young person, I started my choral journey in Junior Highschool choir, and then Senior Highschool Choir at Rosemount Highschool.
I was honored to sing in RHS Concert Choir and several smaller vocal ensembles under the direction of Steven Boehlke, who is now the Artistic director of the Minnesota Valley Men's Chorale. During those young years I had the rare opportunity to sing in choral festivals(in the early 90's) under the direction of the famous Weston Noble of Luther College.
During my College Years I was a proud member of the University of St. Thomas Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.(St. Paul, MN).
Choral singing in my adult life started when my first child was an infant. I enjoyed singing in the Good Samaritan United Methodist Church Chorale under the direction of Dennis Jewett(Edina, MN).
I am now honored, present day, to be singing in the Saint Louis Concert Choir, SLCC Vocal Ensemble, and Grace Church Choir under the Direction of legendary, Bob Pickett.
In addition to this, I am also honored sing/ lead worship on the worship arts team of Grace Church St. Louis
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 instruments, and continuing to study an in-depth certification course in advanced music theory.
Membership in professional teaching organizations such as National Guild of Piano Teachers(American College of Musicians), The National Federation of Music Clubs, and Missouri Federation of Music Clubs(Virtuosos Club).
Ongoing study of piano pedagogy, music history, child psychology, and special needs.
I run a packed and busy studio in St. Louis, Missouri that never ceases to have a waiting list!
I also make coaching videos for students of all ages for: Piano, Keyboard skills, Voice, Music Theory, Ukulele, Guitar, Choral Music SATB Parts
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 my beautiful Daughter, BriAnna Rose(age 24), my amazing Son, Nathaniael(age 20), and my 4 wonderful Step-Sons, Ethan(age 27), Gavin(age 25), Caden(age 21), and Logan( age 18)
Bri is a talented artist, loves to sing, and is pursuing a degree in Psychology and social-work. Nate is pursing a career in baking(just like his great-grandpa!), loves to sing, and is working full-time in retail customer service. I am so proud of their accomplishments and their love for life!
My 4 Step-Sons are all very involved with their church in areas of youth, community service, ministry, music, and theatre.
They are all working full- time and make us very proud!
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 is also a musician! He is a skilled guitarist, loves to sing all the time, and enjoys dabbling with bass and percussion as well.
My husband and I have developed a unique décor style to our home; It’s called, “Instruments Everywhere!”
We enjoy playing and singing worship music together in our home, writing songs together, playing at senior homes, sharing our music at churches from time to time, and singing in the church choir together. It is an all-out Jam session with our family when we all get together!
Jesus, family, and music are the center of our lives!
My Husband and I are on a kidney transplant/donation journey together(since January 2024.
We recently discovered in January of 2024 that my Husband is in end-stage renal failure(stage 5). He is currently on the transplant list and I am praying that I will be a match in order to donate my kidney to him directly. If I am not a match, I will be donating to the paired kidney exchange program in order to expedite the process for him to receive a living donated kidney from a direct match.
We have been held up by many prayers and will continue to receive as many prayers as possible as this journey continues.
Music Ministry
Over the years I have been a piano accompanist/ keyboardist for solo musicians, bands, church praise teams, choral groups, musicals, weddings, and church events.
I currently am honored to be a part of a world-renowned production in its 28th year of touring called " Christmas Is..."https://christmasis.us/
Produced and directed by: Bob Pickett, Kathey and Thurlow Spurr
As mentioned previously, I am also currently a member of the Saint Louis Concert Choir, SLCC Vocal Ensemble, and Grace Church Choir/ Worship Arts Team
I was formerly 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
My life's mission is all about worshipping my creator, creating music, and serving others in love and respect.
I am a singer/songwriter/composer/recording artist and have performed my songs in different venues and 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.
I am working on new recording projects and will be featuring my music in an upcoming concert in 2025!
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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 plant-based/whole foods meals, reading, crocheting, studying and speaking Spanish, and daydreaming about traveling the world someday!
We have 7 pets that keep us very busy! 5 cockatiels who are all hand-raised and tamed, our cat named Walter(very spoiled!), and Paddy-A.K.A " Paddy Cake" (Australian Cattle/Blue Heeler Mix) who was a St. Paddy's day rescue and has stolen our hearts!
Professional Organizations
CELEBRATING 30+ YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC EDUCATION!
ACTIVE MEMBER:
Ultimate Music Theory Elite Educators
Music Teachers National Association
Missouri MusicTeachers Association
St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association National Guild of Piano Teachers
National Federation Of Music Clubs
Virtuoso Club
Past Member:
Minnesota Music Teachers Association
Minneapolis Music Teachers Forum
West Suburban Music Teachers Association
