Today, we get to meet Joseph Glarner of the Warren Music Conservatory and music teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

For Joseph Glarner, music has never been just a pastime – it’s a calling, a lifeline, and a gift he has dedicated his life to sharing with others. Born and raised in Warren, Glarner is deeply woven into the fabric of the community, where his musical talents and passion for teaching have touched countless lives.

Glarner serves as the elementary music teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School, where he introduces students to the joy of music in all its forms. He is also the proud owner and operator of the Warren Music Conservatory, a space where both beginners and seasoned artists come to learn, create, and bring their music to life.

“I spend my days helping kids discover music in a variety of ways and spend as much time in my recording studio as possible helping artists bring their music to life,” Glarner said.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Glarner working on his music at his recording studio.

Before launching his own music conservatory, Glarner spent 12 years as the music director for The Episcopal Church in Warren, a role that connected him to the community’s spiritual and musical life.

Through each of these positions, Glarners’ mission has remained constant: to inspire, uplift, and provide opportunities for others to experience the healing and enriching power of music.

Among Glarner’s proudest achievements is the formation of the Warren Music Conservatory Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps ensure children who cannot afford music lessons still have the chance to pursue their musical dreams.

“Forming the nonprofit Warren Music Conservatory Foundation has been the biggest milestone in my life so far,” Glarner said. “It will live beyond my lifetime and impact the lives of countless children trying to enrich their lives with music.”

The conservatory has a rich history dating back to 1904, when the original school first opened its doors in Warren. The school closed in the 1970s, but Glarners’ vision has revived its legacy, creating a path for it to continue serving the community long after his own career comes to a close.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Joseph Glarner playing music at church.

“This was my way of getting it back into the community’s hands when I decide to retire,” he said.

Glarner’s nonprofit work is extensive. He is actively involved in helping as many children as possible access affordable music instruction. His volunteerism and philanthropy stretch across many local groups and individuals, as he consistently donates time, resources, and his musical gifts wherever they are needed.

Glarner’s passion for music is rooted in personal experience.

“When I was a child, I struggled like many children do,” he shared. “I used music as a coping tool to help me get through life. Now I’ve harnessed that gift and use it to help kids in different capacities.”

Glarner is also realistic about the future of his students.

Pictured is Joe Glarner

“Most of the kids I teach are not going to become professional musicians like myself, but music helps them feel better, and it enriches their lives,” he said.

Glarner said his greatest joy comes from seeing the lasting impact of his mentorship. Many of the teachers now working at the Warren Music Conservatory were once his own students from Jamestown and Warren.

“I think that speaks highly of the relationships I build with my students. Sometimes I feel like the luckiest guy in the world with as many people that are close to me through music and my music ministry.”

Outside of his professional and community work, Glarner finds happiness in spending time with his family. He and his wife April have raised five children and four grandchildren, while also caring for his mother, who lives with them. Their youngest daughter, age 13, is highly musical and is following in her father’s footsteps.

“All of our children are brilliant in their own way, many of them play music and are very artistic,” Glarner said. “We love to hang out together at the house, have backyard barbecues, and we love to travel when possible.”

Pictured is Joseph Glarner.

When he isn’t teaching or mentoring, Glarner enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and gardening. He embraces life’s simple pleasures and values every moment spent with his loved ones.

Twelve years ago, Glarner made a life-changing decision to return to Warren after living in Chautauqua County.

“Moving back to Warren before my father passed away was the best decision I ever made for myself and my family,” he reflected. “I love this community and the people who help make it work.”

His deep ties to Warren, his unwavering dedication to music education, and his commitment to community service have made him a cherished figure in the region.

Through the Warren Music Conservatory Foundation, Joseph Glarner is ensuring that music will continue to shape young lives in Warren for generations to come.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured is Glarner with students from St. Joseph Catholic School.

“Music helps people feel better,” he said simply. “And I enjoy being a positive part of so many children’s days.”