Kindermusik of Clayton

Kindermusik® of Clayton provides music instruction to children, from birth to 8 years of age, through a variety of classes in Clayton, North Carolina. The Kindermusik® curriculum teaches an integrated, whole child approach to music education focusing on process rather than performance. It is a unique program of music learning and enjoyment that nurtures the total development of the young child. An integral part of each child’s experience is the focus on family interaction during class and the encouragement to continue the learning experience during the week, at home, so that music becomes a natural and important part of family life.

Kindermusik® of Clayton believes the parent to be the ultimate teacher and provides appropriate instruction and guidance for the parent to be successful in a musical environment. Kindermusik® of Clayton will provide each participant quality instruments and materials that are recommended by Kindermusik® International as a part of the Kindermusik® requirement.

Julie Stewart is the owner of Kindermusik of Clayton & Voice of Clayton in Clayton, North Carolina. She has 40+ years of vocal training and performance experience. She is a graduate of Kent State University with a degree in Gifted and Elementary Education and a minor in vocal performance. In 1979 she moved from Ohio to North Carolina where she met her husband of 28 years, Ken. Julie is recognized as a Maestro Educator by Kindermusik International which places her Kindermusik Studio in the top Kindermusik Programs worldwide. For the 2009-2010 year Julie has received the prestigious Maestro in Outreach award which was awarded to 17 educators throughout the world for providing Kindermusik to under-privileged, at-risk, or under-served populations in her area.

Julie has studied with renowned vocal coach, Fran Shafter, and continued her study of vocal and choral music through a variety of continuing education avenues. It was Fran who encouraged Julie to teach voice herself. In the spring of 1992 she began teaching voice to three students and in 1993 completed her first Kindermusik Workshop from Linda Swears in Winston-Salem, NC. She has been teaching Kindermusik for twelve years and is licensed in all Kindermusik core curricula, Family Time, Sign and Sing and other specialty courses. Her studio, Kindermusik of Clayton & Voice of Clayton teaches a full program of classes. She continues to teach private voice to children 8 years old through adults and directs the Johnston County Home Educators Junior and Senior Choruses.

Julie is active in her community as a member of the Johnston County Arts Council, the Johnston County Chorale, and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and as a member of First Baptist Church, Clayton where she directed the children’s choirs for 14 years and an Orff choir for 3 years. She also is active in the Chancel Choir. Julie sings solos in the community whenever possible.

Julie and Ken are the proud parents of Rosalie, 27, recently married and who graduated from Appalachian State University, Magna Cum Laude, in May of 2005 and Kendra, 24, who is excelling in her career as a hairstylist and makeup artist. In addition they have two Siamese cats, Keishi and Grizzabella, and one solid black cat, Ozzie. Julie resides in Zebulon, North Carolina, out in the rural part of Johnston County, or as she puts it “In the County”.