Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Moore Schumann.
Hi Annie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After I attended The Juilliard School in its evening division as a vocalist and after I worked as a German nanny and private music teacher for a diplomatic family in New York City I felt called to share my gift with all.
The idea of The Schumann Conservatory was born in August of 2018. A structured Music Program discussing classical and contemporary music and poetry gives children the opportunity to explore their artistic sills in a unique way.
All of my Music Classes at The Schumann Conservatory are held in a judgement free, inclusive and caring musical environment where all, of every race, color, religion and background are welcome. Children with disabilities such as Autism, ADHD and other conditions are part of our Schumann Conservatory Family and are invited to join our music classes.
At The Schumann Conservatory, I envision a world where every student has access to receive a high-quality music education that empowers them to achieve their full artistic and emotional potential. I am committed to making this vision a reality through the “Clara Wieck Fund” and my dedication to all of my students. Music speaks where words may fail and to some it is therapy. More info can be found on our website: schumannconservatory.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has NOT! We started the idea of founding “The Schumann Conservatory” back in 2018 in New York City. I was working as a nanny during the day and as a full time Performer at night. I took my nanny kids to the MET Museum’s Children’s Library (the Nolen Library under Leah High) and there a German speaking young woman came up to me. She asked me if I would be able to take over her German Class at a language school named “Carousel of Languages” on Madison Avenue in New York City. I said yes and soon I would meet my first 2 clients. Back then Balthazar and Olympia were 1 and 10 months old. I thought, how can I teach a language when the children can’t even speak yet? And so the idea of combining Music with language learning was born. Balthazar’s mom, loved the idea so much, that soon after our first encounter she invited me to host Music Classes first at her apartment on the Upper West Side and then on Park Avenue after their move. Their place on Park Avenue – as you can imagine- was one of the most stunning places I have ever seen in my entire life. Alexandra, Balthazar’s mother shared my German Music Program with her friends and our first class was put together. In addition to that I have to say that I am related to the famous composers Robert and Clara Schumann, but up until that day I never knew what to do with this fact. Lexi, Balthazar’s mom encouraged me to name the program after my heritage which is also my birth name “Schumann”. She was the one that came up with “The Schumann Conservatory” and I am forever thankful for that.
Obstacles:
COVID 19: With Covid 19, ALL of my in person classes had to be cancelled. The Idea back then was to travel between L.A and New York to keep expanding our music teaching business idea. With the lockdown all of that was not possible anymore, yet the idea of Zoom classes came to a rise. However, since my program back then was only focused on the ages from 0-7 I had very little chance of keeping the kids engaged over a screen. Only 1 child, Elisabeth Whipple stayed in the loop and continued to take zoom classes for years to come. Elisabeth was such a very gifted and talented toddler who naturally took to learning German and she helped me grow so much. Since New York City had been hit hard by the Pandemic I had to rethink the idea of my music conservatory and so I decided to move to Nashville to bring my profound knowledge of classical and contemporary music to the market. I was able to connect with a Harvard family, where the father had its roots in Nashville and they had just moved from the Big Apple to back to Music City.
They could appreciate the gift I have and we spend years raising their daughter Lula and inviting their friends to host German Music Classes at their Home in 12 South. More group and private classes have come from that and so many beautiful memories have been created.
In the meantime I had my own child, Milo Amadeo Julien Schumann. Soon after he turned 2, Milo specifically kept requesting classical music. It helps him calm his body, mind and spirit. Since we have a case with autism in our family i felt inspired to open up my curriculum and our doors at The Schumann Conservatory to all, children, adults, with and without special needs, in addition to humans of all colors and races. Just all are welcome here. We’ve got that New York attitude, all in one melting pot – eske class, connecting through music.
I think the biggest obstacle at this point is the real estate and I understand that I have to continue leaning into partnerships with schools that are already in an existing building and that that might be the route to choose for my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in combining language learning with music. I grew up not being allowed to listen to Brahms, because my father was against it. Clara Schumann had been somewhat casted out of the family as her 8th child is suspected to be Brahm’s child. I grew up with my parents between Germany and France and during school breaks I spent a lot of time in Leipzig with all of my grandparents. Classical Music in Leipzig is like Country Music in Nashville, it’s like “part of the deal” and “you can’t really get around it”. When I am not spending time on improving The Schumann Conservatory, I am a full time Vocalist and Voiceover Artist. Since I am trilingual and I record a lot of Voiceovers in German and then I perform at night. During my lessons I offer songs in German, French, English and in Spanish, though my Spanish certainly needs some improvement. I am a grateful Co- Songwriter of the Song Garden at Delgado Guitars. I am a member at NSAI and I am involved in other freelance projects and am always doing co writes.
I am also working on my first book named “The Elephant and The Turtle” on the topic of Xenophobia. This book is dedicated to adults and children who feel different or were seen as different; for those trying to find identity and the ultimate healing: in connection, through music.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Always have a card on you and always enhance your website. Be open, smile and be ready for when the opportunity comes 🙂
Pricing:
- starting at 75 per 45 minute class in Nashville, Tennessee
Contact Info:
- Website: https://schumannconservatory.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theschumannconservatory
