Stages Student Spotlight: June & Susan Keatley

Next up for Stages‘ Student Spotlight Series is a mother-daughter duo – June & Susan Keatley!

June was nominated by her teacher, Molly Garrett, because she has a bigger passion for singing than “any 8 year old I have ever seen!” She’s always pushing herself to learn more, including memorizing all forty-five songs on the Hamilton soundtrack. June’s motivation and love for music will always allow her to “achieve whatever musical goals she sets for herself!”

Susan was nominated by her teacher, Shannon Czapla, because out of all her adult students, Susan “gives the most of herself to her music.” This wonder-mom started taking lessons to accompany her kids and went on to find a piece of herself in the music too. Susan is alway able to find the “joy in the journey” when learning difficult music.

Read on to learn more about June & Susan!

What do you study and why did you pick that instrument?

June – I study voice. I’ve always liked singing.
Susan – I study piano and singing. I learned to play the piano as a kid and I’ve always loved to sing – I was in an A Capella singing group in college.

Who is your teacher and what do you love about them?

June – My teacher is Molly Garrett. She’s encouraging and lets me follow my interests.
Susan – Shannon Czapla is my teacher. She strikes an incredible balance of encouraging creativity and expression while also stressing the importance of foundational things like vocal warm-ups and piano scales, etc. Her performances are so inspiring to me. 

What kind of music do you like to listen to or play? Recent favorite artist?

June – I like to listen to the Hamilton soundtrack. Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Susan – I love oldies . . .Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John, the Beatles, Sondheim. And musicals. Right now our family is on a big Hamilton kick.

What’s your favorite thing about Stages?

June – My favorite things about Stages are the open mics and recitals.
Susan – I love the Open Mics Nights! I can’t think of any other environment where kids and grown-ups can be up on stage performing at the same event. I get so inspired by the talent at the open mics and the community is so supportive.

What are your musical goals? What is one of your non-music related goals?

June – I want to be a good singer. I want to live in London.
Susan – I have a dream of being at a party with 100 people, and I break up the dinner conversation by playing the opening notes of “Piano Man”, and then everyone starts singing along. Non-musical goal: I would like to publish a novel.

Tell us a favorite fun fact about yourself not related to music.

June – I have a pet toad.
Susan – On a recent family trip, we got to see a 2,000 year-old Roman aqueduct!

Check out June and Susan performing at a recent Open Mic Night at Stages Music Arts. Congratulations to June and Susan for being selected and keep up the great work!