Meet Jim Schutters

Jim Schutters is a pianist, composer, and educator with 45+ years at the keyboard.

His start to music traces back to taking lessons right here at Melody Mart. A versatile performer, Jim has brought his lyrical, audience-friendly style to high-school jazz bands and collegiate choirs, to praise & worship teams, and to elegant solo sets in country-club and fine-dining settings. His playing blends the clarity of classical training with the vitality of jazz and stride, shaped by inspirations like David Foster, George Winston, Jim Brickman, and traditional works like Chopin, Mozart, and Bach.

Jim’s studio is guided by a simple motto: “Challenging music can be simplified into clear, manageable steps.” He builds strong readers and confident performers by pairing technique and music theory with carefully chosen repertoire that students are proud to share with family and friends. Lessons emphasize a growth mindset—progress over perfection—while exploring new genres and composers to keep curiosity high and practice consistent.

A favorite career moment came when Jim returned to HF High School to hear the Viking Choir perform a piece he composed as a senior—an experience that affirmed the joy of seeing music live on in the voices and hands of a new generation. At Melody Mart, Jim strives to make every lesson encouraging, organized, and practical: students leave knowing exactly what to practice and how to practice it.

Education

• Piano Study at Melody Mart

• B.A., Economics at Northwestern University

• Training through private study and ensemble work at Northwestern University

His Educators & Influences

• Influences: David Foster, George Winston, Jim Brickman, Mark Hayes (praise & worship arrangements), and classical masters Chopin, Mozart, Bach

• Style passions: Stride piano (the “whole jazz band at your fingertips”) and hymn-based romantic arrangements

Awards & Highlights

• Early original composition contest recognition as a young Melody Mart student

• HF Viking Choir performance of Jim’s student composition (return engagement as an alum)

See Jim’s Performances

A performance video is available and may be featured on Melody Mart channels or upon request.

Find Jim Here

• (Professional links coming)