The curtain came down on the life of beloved local music teacher Frances Schuchard earlier this month. Schuchard passed away May 1, at the age of 89, after a long career helping local musicians find their voice.
The curtain came down on the life of beloved local music teacher Frances Schuchard earlier this month. Schuchard passed away May 1, at the age of 89, after a long career helping local musicians find their voice.
Originally from the United States, Schuchard moved to the Edmonton area from Oregon in the 1960s as she and her husband wanted to put their teaching degrees to good use.
"There was a shortage of school teachers, so they both came up to teach school and they were just going to stay for a few years, but they decided that they loved it," said Schuchard's daughter Martha Livingstone.
Schuchard was predeceased in 2010 by her husband, Rick, who was as involved in the sports community as she was in music. The couple is credited with being huge influences in the life of Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla, one of their grandchildren whom they helped raise following his parents' separation.
Livingstone said music, helping others and family were at the centre of her mother's life.
Schuchard used music to help others, either through a music program she started at the Bissell Centre, by singing and directing several church choirs or through performances at local seniors' homes.
"I think the whole idea [was] that music is something to be shared with everyone, it really enhances someone's life," Livingstone said.
Schuchard founded Visionary College and taught students there for years in piano and voice.
"She really believed everyone is musical, she could teach anyone how to sing," said Livingstone, who now teaches at the college.
Many of Schuchard's students have gone onto successful careers in music, and they give her a lot of the credit for her success.
"She was the first music teacher I ever had and she made me want to keep singing forever," said Jessy Mossop, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter.
"She told us that performing was the only way you were going to get better."
As a teacher, Schuchard always took the time to make her students better, Mossop said.
"She was really patient too. The more frustrated you would get, the more calm she would get."
The city recognized Schuchard's contribution with a nomination for the Mayor's Gala for the Arts in 2010.
Robyn Taylor worked with Schuchard first as a student and then performed alongside her.
"We worked together for 22 years. She was my music teacher starting when I was about 10," she said. "She was just a huge influence on my life."
Currently pursuing a doctorate in music, Taylor said Schuchard taught her to appreciate music, not just perform it.
"Instead of just teaching people the mechanics of music, she really taught people to have a passion for music and to have an intuitive connection to music."
Schuchard's deep love for music rubbed off on her students.
"She was always absolutely fully connected to everything we would do with music," said Taylor. "I think she has given so many of us such a huge gift in our lives."
Livingstone said her mother's love of music was eclipsed only by her love for her family. She had eight children, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Schuchard was laid to rest Friday and in lieu of flowers her family is asking for donations to the Edmonton Humane Society.
