Salem United Methodist Church
Music instruction through the Third Viennese School of Music for the Salem Community
The Music center of St. Louis
Making Salem the music center of St. Louis and growing our faith community through the power of music
Study Music at Salem
We are bringing classical values into the modern era to train the next generation of creative artists. We believe the best place for young musicians to grow is in the church where they can thrive in a meaningful culture and use their skills to glorify God.
The church has been a home for classical music throughout history; we are revitalizing this beautiful art in the church by offering classical music instruction at Salem United Methodist in Ladue.
Affordable Tuition
We offer a high standard of instruction at an affordable price to make classical music education more accessible. The following programs are currently available:
- Piano ~ students age 5 through adult
- Violin ~ students age 7 through adult
- Voice ~students age 14 through adult
Registration is open for private lessons with tuition rates starting at $150 a month. Visit https://www.3vsm.org/registration to register for lessons.
High Quality Education
Our experienced faculty guide students to develop healthy technique, professional practice strategies, and mature musicianship. All teachers are professional musicians and actively perform in the St. Louis area. Each member of our team is also Safe Gatherings certified by the Salem United Methodist Church. Our teachers introduce young creative minds to the best music from the classical repertoire and prepare them to become independent artists.
More information about our programs and instruments available for study can be found at https://www.3vsm.org/programs.
Meet the Founders
The Third Viennese School of Music® is a project started by two Salem members who are passionate about Classical music performance and education.
Thomas Edler, Co-Founder
I have always enjoyed listening to music, but there is something uniquely special about being able to perform it. The voice in particular has interested me since a young age -- it is an instrument completely designed by God. Through training the voice, one learns healthy techinque, inspiring repertoire, and performance practices; one also learn practical life skills like critical thinking and discipline as well as how to appreciate beauty and truth on a deeper level.
Singing in the classical style is incredibly satisfying: using the voice in the way God designed to convey meaningful messages to diverse audiences has a transformative power. I founded this school with my wife to share that experience with others.
"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." ~ J. S. Bach
Marta Edler, Co-Founder
I was captivated by beauty, music, and art ever since going through chemotherapy for Leukemia as a child. In a time of darkness, God's gift of music brought a renewed sense of light and life to my soul. After being declared cured from cancer, I was determined to study music and share this beautiful craft with others.
Seeing God transform the lives of so many through the power of music is the best part of being a musician. Being able to train the next generation of musicians and guiding them toward the same gift of music that renewed my hope and joy is the most humbling and fulfilling experience imaginable. I founded this school with my husband to create a space for others to grow as musicians and be transformed by God's gift of music.
"I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music." ~ J. S. Bach
