Justin Schrum

Piano & Piano/Voice Combo Lessons

Children (ages 6 & up)

Adults - Piano (beginners-advanced), Voice (beginners)

Justin Schrum is a pianist, composer and recording artist with over 10 years of teaching experience and 20 years of performing exposure. Justin began learning piano in 4th grade and never looked back. Music was always a part of his life. He started accompanying choirs in high school and playing for the high school musicals. At Ithaca College where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance, he grew on his affinity for collaboration with singers and instrumentalists, something he still does to this day. Performing with a group is one of his great joys because of the back and forth sense of play it allows. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Therapy and once again shared his love of playing with others, but in this role he helped his clients achieve non-musical goals. Justin credits his incredible level of empathy and patience from his experience as a music therapist. 

Upon moving to California in 2012, Justin began teaching piano professionally to students ages 6-56. Here he developed a passion for teaching piano technique, music theory, music history, and accompanying. In his most recent efforts at a music school in the South Bay, he accompanied several students in an Honors Recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He also performed two solos, an experience he will never forget. 

His most memorable performance was in 2016 when he collaborated with his colleague Hazel Keelan, a violinist. Together they constructed a recital program almost unheard of in the music world. Performing the emotional and sensitive music of John Ireland, Justin and Hazel sought to merge together the classical music world with the tech world. With the help of friends, colleagues, and other professionals, they created a technology that allowed audience goers to record in real-time their emotional reaction to the music they were hearing by using an app on their phone. Those emotions were then displayed on a screen during the performance so others could see the range of emotions that were being felt by others in the audience.

Justin teaches a wide range of students from those wishing to learn classical, blues, jazz, contemporary, and he has a special place in his heart for teaching improvisation. Justin believes that music should be accessible to all and loves helping others tap into the power of music in order to nurture and encourage the soul.

Justin is very excited to share his skills, expertise, and passion with the students of MMS!