Camille Scheidemann

Video

Oral History Information

Interview Date
Job Title
President
Company Name
Frank & Camille's Pianos

Camille Scheidemann is the current owner of Frank and Camille’s Piano Store on Long Island, New York. For her, it all started when Dennis Awe, the young, amazingly talented organist/store owner told Camille’s father he would teach her to play if they purchased the Lowrey Heritage organ. That clinched the sale, and started Camille’s musical journey. Camille was eager to learn, and playing the organ came so easy to her. At 10 years old, Camille would be found every weekend at the Mall playing the organ in the front of the store, entertaining shoppers and encouraging new organ sales. At 12 years old, she was concertizing, teaching and was accepted to Julliard Prep School. At that juncture in time, Camille realized her true passion was connecting with people and sharing her knowledge of the instrument. Combining her love for music and people made Camille a natural for selling pianos. In 1976 Camille co-created a retail store that became one of the largest piano and organ chains in the country. Owning a retail organ and piano business fulfilled her dreams. The rest is history. After 40 years in business, dealing with almost every brand and every manufacturer, Camille says she still enjoys the thrill of finding the perfect piano to suit her customers’ needs. And, the psychology of the sale presents a new and inspiring challenge every day!