Teacher of the Month: Julie Chambers
This month, we’re excited to recognize Julie Chambers as our Teacher of the Month!
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julie discovered just how important music was to her while attending a music retreat in high school. Being surrounded by people who shared her love of music and experiencing what it felt like to make music together helped her realize that music was more than something she enjoyed.
“It was something I wanted to dedicate my life to,” Julie says.
That experience also shaped the way she thinks about music education today. Julie wanted to help create that same sense of joy, belonging, and community for other musicians — something that continues to guide her work with students, families, and teachers.
A Musician Who Loves a Little Bit of Everything
It’s hard for Julie to choose just one favorite instrument. She enjoys playing piano and organ, as well as singing, and appreciates each for something different.
When she’s listening to music, though, she is especially drawn to the sound of string instruments.
Her favorite pieces to perform are just as varied. She enjoys singing “’S Wonderful,” playing Chopin’s Nocturne in E minor, Op. 72, No. 1 on piano, and performing “Beautiful Savior” by Nate Terry on organ.
Julie especially loves the possibilities of the organ — from different registrations and colors to dramatic changes in sound. She says “Beautiful Savior” is especially fun because it begins with a solo chime and builds to a big, powerful finish.
For Julie, one of the joys of making music is being able to explore the unique personality of each instrument.
What Inspires Her
Julie is most inspired by seeing the impact music can have on someone’s life.
She loves watching students discover something new, build confidence, and accomplish something they once thought was out of reach.
“Those little moments of growth are incredibly rewarding,” she says.
She is also inspired by the way music can bring people together. Creating a community where students, families, and teachers can grow and thrive together is a major part of what continues to drive her passion for music education.
Finding the Moment When It Clicks
One of Julie’s favorite parts of teaching is figuring out how each individual student learns best.
Every student is different, and Julie enjoys the challenge of finding a new explanation, demonstration, or approach when a concept isn’t clicking right away.
“That moment when you see the lightbulb go on and a student realizes they can do something they couldn’t do before is incredibly rewarding!”
For Julie, teaching music is about much more than helping a student learn the right notes.
She sees music education as a way to help students develop confidence, creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills that can continue serving them far beyond the studio.
She also loves watching students grow as people and helping each musician discover their own connection to music.
Always Learning, Too
Even after years of making and teaching music, Julie still has musical goals of her own.
She would love to continue developing her jazz piano skills, particularly improvisation, jazz harmony, and different styles.
Julie already has a basic foundation in jazz, but she is drawn to the creativity and freedom that comes with the style and sees it as a fun new challenge in her own musicianship.
That desire to keep learning reflects something she encourages in students as well: musicianship is never really “finished.” There is always another skill, style, idea, or way of creating to explore.
Get to Know Julie
Outside of music, Julie’s favorite pastime is spending time with her kids. She loves finding fun things for them to do together, especially visiting places like Franklin Park Conservatory and Inniswood Metro Gardens.
She also enjoys home improvement projects and the satisfaction of taking an idea, getting creative, and seeing the finished result.
When it comes to travel, Europe is Julie’s favorite place to visit. She loves the history, architecture, culture, and rich musical traditions — especially getting to experience places connected to music she loves.
And, of course, she is also very happy to enjoy as many fresh, buttery croissants as possible along the way.
Julie’s passion for music education is rooted in connection: helping students understand something new, helping families feel part of a musical community, and helping young musicians discover what they are capable of.
We’re excited to recognize Julie Chambers as our Teacher of the Month and celebrate the passion, creativity, and care she brings to music education every day.
Congratulations, Julie!
