About Grace Music School – Charleston
How It All Started…
In December 2011, John and Geri Heaphy and their eldest daughter Grace opened their first music school in their hometown of Fort Salonga, NY. This was the perfect family business for the Heaphy family. Grace started teaching at the age of 16 from their home and shortly later at a local community music school. It was evident early on that not only was she a talented musician, but she also had a gift for teaching. For John, this was the perfect marriage between his business and managerial experience and his love for music. And for Geri, her love of people and children coupled with nearly 20 years in the customer service industry made this new venture the ideal match.
The school rapidly grew to 400 students and was noticed by Steinway & Sons Piano. They were looking to have a music school operate in the same building as their showroom and selected Grace Music school from among all the schools on Long Island to share their building with. What is also noteworthy is that they are the first and only school in the history of Steinway & Sons (founded in 1853) to have the privilege of operating a music school in a company owned showroom.
By 2021, the schools had a combined enrollment of about 900 students, 45 teachers and 8 staff members. The school also achieved the highest rating of all the music schools on Long Island. In that same year, the family moved from Long Island to Charleston, SC while continuing to own and operate the schools remotely. However, in 2022 the family made the difficult decision to sell their schools.
A New Start In Charleston
While the family had passed the torch in New York, their vision was far from complete. It was always their desire to open a music school in the Charleston area and in January 2025, that dream began to take shape after discovering what felt like the perfect location in North Mount Pleasant. They considered launching the school independently, however, Impressed by Ensemble’s commitment, values, and proven track record, the family chose to partner with Ensemble Performing Arts on its very first Grace Music School in Charleston. The mission that began on Long Island—to be the premier music school and enrich lives through the gift of music—now proudly extends to the Lowcountry.
Our Music Director
Grace Casey is a piano teacher and accomplished performer whose career has been defined by both artistic excellence and a passion for teaching. Since beginning her professional journey in 2006, Grace has brought her expertise to the collegiate level as an Adjunct Professor at NYU and a Teaching Artist at the Manhattan School of Music—two of the nation’s most respected institutions.
Grace holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from New York University, studying under the guidance of Eduardus Halim, a distinguished concert pianist and former student of Vladimir Horowitz. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, training with Philip Kawin.
As a performer, she has appeared at renowned venues such as Merkin Hall, Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, the Staller Center, the Cell, and the Bowery Poetry Club, among others across New York City and Long Island.
Grace is deeply engaged in the musical community in South Carolina. She is an active member of the Charleston Music Teachers Association (currently serving as Vice President), the South Carolina Music Teachers Association, the Music Teachers National Association, and the New York State School Music Association. She is also proud to be a Steinway Educational Partner.
The Grace Music School Difference
What follows is some of what sets Grace Music School apart from other schools. Something they are hoping to bring to the Charleston area. Among these are outstanding performance opportunities, community involvement and giving, piano competitions and other unique programs.
Outstanding Performance Opportunities
At Grace Music School, we believe that music is meant to be shared. Students who desire to perform deserve exciting, meaningful opportunities to do so. That’s why we’ve made performance an integral part of the learning experience, offering a variety of events that inspire confidence, celebrate progress, and create unforgettable moments. We hope to bring this same passion for performance to Charleston, where students will have the chance to shine and share their music with the community in dynamic and memorable ways.
Carnegie Hall Performances in 2016, 2017, and 2019!
Community Involvement and Giving
In April 2019, Grace Music School teamed up with Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County, NY, a 501 non-profit organization that helps makes wishes come true for children diagnosed with critical illnesses, to present a special fundraising event, “Concert for a Wish,” at John W. Engeman Theater in Northport Village. One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the event benefited Christian, a five-year-old boy from North Babylon who is suffering from a brain tumor. His “wish” was to go to Walt Disney World.
Other Benefit Concerts
- Super Storm Sandy Fundraiser
- Fort Salonga Association Spring Brunch
- Long Island Youth Mentoring Annual Fundraiser
Support of Local School Districts and Students
- $2,000 grants given to Kings Park/Huntington/Half Hallow Hills /Smithtown Christian School Music Departments
- $500 scholarships to students at Kings Park and Northport High Schools
- Purchase of $2,000 worth of music equipment for Northport High School
Support of Local PTA/PTO Organizations
- The school offers free lesson gift certificates for school fundraisers
- The school has a generous matching gift and bonus program that provides the following benefits:
- 20% discount for the first month’s lessons for students enrolled at the school that come by way of the PTA/PTO Organization
- The school will match the value of this discount and provide this to the PTA/PTO organization
- For every 10 students that enroll, and an additional bonus is given
Unique Programs
Piano Competition Featuring Classical Piano Music by Billy Joel
- First-of-a-kind piano competition featuring piano music from Billy Joel’s Classical Fantasy and Delusions album
- Awarded prizes of $1,000, $500, $250 to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners
- 1st prize winner given opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall
Press Releases
Performance Videos
