Whitewater Times

June Brus, a prominent piano educator, has dedicated her life to nurturing musical talent. Her journey began in childhood, inspired by playing her neighbor's piano. Brus pursued a career in music, earning degrees in Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She attended concerts by renowned pianists and participated in master classes, which left a lasting impression on her development as a musician.

Brus taught both at home and at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she chaired the piano department. Since 2003, she has been giving piano lessons at Maranatha Baptist University (MBU), supporting students in various music disciplines and ensembles. Her mission is “to nurture the talent that the Lord has given these people… to help each student become the best.” She describes teaching as “the best job in the world.”

Former student Raeanna Eastwood reflects, "Mrs. Brus introduced me to some of my favorite pieces of classical music, consistently pushed me to learn new and more difficult things, and taught with the perfect blend of emphasis on technique and emphasis on musicality—something I am trying to emulate with my students.” Brus emphasizes growth, encouraging her students to “keep growing every day” and to “have a vision for how they want the piece to sound.”

Over her 22-year tenure at MBU, Brus has had a profound influence on many students. The bond between music teachers and their students is unique, and her impact is fondly remembered. Former student Lorraine Yant Alner notes, “Having graduated from MBU nearly four years ago, perhaps this statement best expresses how I remember Mrs. Brus. While grateful for her wealth of feedback, technical skills, and interpretative insights, my most cherished and outlasting memory is indeed how she made me feel–supported, capable, and genuinely cared for.”

Colleague and former Music Department Chair Dr. David Ledgerwood remarks, “We are blessed to have June Brus teaching for us. She is an incredibly gifted performer who brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to her lessons. Two of my children studied with her. Some of Maranatha’s most skilled pianists have been honed under her careful pedagogy. She has left her mark on the quality of our program!”

MBU faculty member Janet Tschida describes Brus as “personable, professional, and passionate,” noting that her passion for teaching and performing classical music inspires her students.

June Brus's life extends beyond music. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoys hobbies such as hiking, reading, and knitting. She also works as a dog instructor and teaches classes at dog shows. Brus's contribution to MBU and her students leaves a lasting legacy.