Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Stroth.
Hi Melody, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma. There was nothing in the nature of cultural enhancement available but I distinctly remember my mother asking if I’d like to learn to play the piano. We didn’t have a piano, but after I answered, “yes,” my parents purchased a used piano from down the street and off I started with my journey! I continued to learn and ended up playing for lots of church services, school choral classes, weddings and funerals. When it came time to choose a college and a major, I chose Oklahoma Baptist University because they offered the most scholarship money. I chose piano performance and was lucky enough to study with a concert artist by the name of Charlotte Martin. With her, I was able to travel to Mexico and later Europe (for six weeks), broadening my horizons in a big way.
After college graduation, I was extremely lucky to study with Richard Cass, a Columbia Artist and amazing teacher at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. I received a masters degree and wondered what to do next. I knew I didn’t want to pursue a doctorate (many students took seven years to complete a doctoral degree in piano), so I contemplated the future. I could either decide to (A) teach piano privately, or (B) pursue another avenue. Many music students transfer their hard work and ethics into another, unrelated career. I decided to go with Plan A with one caveat: I would need to be the best darn teacher possible. That’s what I’ve tried to do since 1981.
Since beginning my studio, I moved further south in Overland Park in 1995. Luckily, it was a thriving neighborhood with lots of small children. Since then I’ve added adult students to the mix and been very involved in piano teacher organizations. Through KCMTA and Federated Teachers, I’ve been able to meet some of my best friends, both locally, and internationally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having your own private studio has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s not always been easy, but teachers learn from each other and eventually we learn how to have a business from which you can profit. I always say that a musician needs to have at least five jobs, and teaching is one of those jobs. My other jobs involve music: I play for a church, I accompany high school instrumentalists for contest, I play weddings and funerals, and I play in a duo with a cellist. If you’re going to be a provider for your family, you need to value yourself and your abilities enough to charge what you’re worth. For some reason, this is difficult for musicians. But, we’re learning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned, this musician has at least five jobs. In my teaching career, I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing students that have won national, state and local awards. I think colleagues might see me as a teacher who gets good results, but also has fun while doing it! In 2004 I was the very first winner of the Ouida Keck Award from the National Federation of Music Clubs. This award is given to a teacher “who demonstrates superior teaching in the private studio and wishes to further enhance teaching skills.” This award comes with a monetary gift that I used to attend out-of-state workshops and provide equipment for my studio. Since then I’ve also been named Kansas Teacher of the Year from the Kansas Music Teachers Association and Church Musician of the Year from the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs. In 2021 I was named a Steinway Top Teacher and a Kawai Medallion Teacher. The Kawai designation comes with the use of a grand piano to teach on! This piano enabled me to have two grands in my studio. I quickly became spoiled and now can’t imagine not having two grands to teach on! It’s such a luxury to be able to play with students, demonstrate (without kicking them off the bench!) and play concertos with students. It’s so great!
In addition to teaching, I’ve loved making music with others, both at my church job (I play at Prairie Baptist Church), and in my duo. I’ve been playing about ten years with cellist Eman Chalshotori. We started playing Christmas music and doing concerts around 2020. That’s the year we made our CD entitled Winterlude (available on all streaming platforms). Since then, we’ve acquired a new name (we’re the Ad Astra Duo), done yearly Christmas concerts (our next one is December 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Prairie Baptist Church in Prairie Village!) and summer concerts. We’ve played live on Kansas Public Radio and done concerts in Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. I love making music with others and feel privileged that composer/arrangers write for us. We are so lucky!
For the last several years I’ve also played with a group entitled Vivant! This group has evolved over the years with lots of different instrumentation. Founded by world-champion accordion player Karen Fremar, the group has had accordion, bass. flute, cello, percussion, violin, piano (that’s me!) and singers! The primary goal (besides having fun making music with your friends) behind this group is raising money for student scholarships in the arts. Our next free concert is Sunday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Leawood United Methodist Church (donations accepted).
Also in the category of making music with others, in 2019 I was very privileged to play for composer Mark Hayes in his Christmas concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City! It was such a thrill to play on that stage with him conducting his music. There was a 250-voice choir and orchestra as well! It’s a memory I’ll always cherish. Ask me about getting my own dressing room!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In the last year I’ve had a surge in adult students who are learning piano as beginners. It’s been so fun to see their excitement at making music! One particular adult student was so thrilled at improvising during our first lesson – you’d think I’d given her a million dollars! When practicing at home, she found herself applauding after every piece she played. Her husband was in another room and asked who was clapping. She had to admit that she just spontaneously clapped for herself! Having a good time and there’s no doubt that learning something new is good for your brain. Win, win!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melodystroth.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MelodyStrothPianoStudio
