Julie Smith

After finishing two degrees at Converse, Julie Madsen Smith remained in Spartanburg where she has enjoyed being active in the local music community through work at various churches, private piano teaching, and working with various vocal groups. Currently, she is the Organist/Pianist/Handbell Director at Saint Paul UMC in Spartanburg (1972-Present); accompanist for Spartanburg Festival Chorus (1997-Present); and staff accompanist for the Petrie School of Music (1985-Present). Her work and dedication to Converse has provided the opportunity to collaborate with many talented students who have gone on to their own careers in music, as well as working with guest artists.

Julie is the 2021 winner of the Fran Pinson Collaborative Piano Award for her performance of “The Light in the Piazza” at the Fall SCNATS Musical Theatre and Contemporary Music Auditions. She was also a 2021 recipient of the CONVERSE 100 Alumni Achievement Award. Julie has two adult children with her husband Roland (also a Converse graduate) and two teenage grandsons with whom they share the joys of music. Music is a big part of all their lives.