Getting to Know Mr. Steven Schmidt, Balboa's Vocal Music Instructor
Mr. Schmidt is responsible for the choir programs we all love so much. There is nothing more uplifting that the joining of our students' singing voices accompanied by a deftly played piano. But so much goes on behind the scenes. learning about harmony and composition. How to be part of a team by playing your own individual role. Certainly all lessons our students can carry with them far beyond a single performance.
The Balboa Spirit Club is proud to make Vocal Music available through your generous donations to the COMPASS Fund. We would like to provide a glimpse into the professional philosophy of the teaching professional providing us (and our students) with all that beautiful music.
What is your background and training?
I have a Bachelors of Music in Arranging and Composition from Azusa Pacific University. I teach at the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus but spend most of my time writing music for theatre (i.e. musicals, underscore for plays, etc.).
What made you decide to pursue a career in Music?
I was fortunate enough to have a diversity of musical experiences in high school that opened my eyes in so many different ways. It was these creative and collaborative opportunities, as well as the example set forth by my father (a freelance composer for film and television) that inspired me to pursue music as a career.
What do you hope to impart to your students?
Personally, music began to click for me when I realized how intricately it is interwoven with history, tradition, psychology, spirituality, science, development, and all other art forms. It is my goal with every lesson to lead them closer to discoveries like this. I think music is capable of teaching so much about being a human being, and if they leave having discovered something new that inspires curiosity, then I will have done my job.
Why is Music important to an elementary school curriculum?
Music can simplify the complex or express the inexpressible, particularly when combined with words. I am humbled and honored to teach such an important subject, because if its done well, I believe music can enrich every child’s development in every discipline and at every age.
If you were to see a student ten years from now, what one thing would you want them to remember about you and your class?
I hope each student remembers feeling seen, heard, and respected, and that their discoveries in music class inspired curiosity, enthusiasm, and empathy in other parts of their lives.
The Balboa Spirit Club is proud to make Vocal Music available through your generous donations to the COMPASS Fund. We would like to provide a glimpse into the professional philosophy of the teaching professional providing us (and our students) with all that beautiful music.
What is your background and training?
I have a Bachelors of Music in Arranging and Composition from Azusa Pacific University. I teach at the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus but spend most of my time writing music for theatre (i.e. musicals, underscore for plays, etc.).
What made you decide to pursue a career in Music?
I was fortunate enough to have a diversity of musical experiences in high school that opened my eyes in so many different ways. It was these creative and collaborative opportunities, as well as the example set forth by my father (a freelance composer for film and television) that inspired me to pursue music as a career.
What do you hope to impart to your students?
Personally, music began to click for me when I realized how intricately it is interwoven with history, tradition, psychology, spirituality, science, development, and all other art forms. It is my goal with every lesson to lead them closer to discoveries like this. I think music is capable of teaching so much about being a human being, and if they leave having discovered something new that inspires curiosity, then I will have done my job.
Why is Music important to an elementary school curriculum?
Music can simplify the complex or express the inexpressible, particularly when combined with words. I am humbled and honored to teach such an important subject, because if its done well, I believe music can enrich every child’s development in every discipline and at every age.
If you were to see a student ten years from now, what one thing would you want them to remember about you and your class?
I hope each student remembers feeling seen, heard, and respected, and that their discoveries in music class inspired curiosity, enthusiasm, and empathy in other parts of their lives.
