Joan Frey Boytim

Joan Frey Boytim, 91, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at her home in Carlisle, surrounded by her team of caregivers who were devoted to her health and wellbeing for the last 2 years. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, James A. Boytim, in 2014 and her parents, Norman and Ruth (Lambert) Frey.

 Joan was an internationally acclaimed vocal instructor, lecturer, and compiler of over 60 voice anthologies published by the Hal Leonard Corporation and used by most high schools, conservatories and colleges world-wide. She also authored The Private Voice Studio Handbook—A Guide to All Aspects of Teaching which has sold more than a million copies. 

 Joan earned her BS in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1955. In 1964, she attained her Masters Degree in Music Education from Indiana University - Bloomington. She was a proud member of Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Omicron and Delta Sigma Epsilon sororities. A consistently high achiever, Joan was recognized with prestigious awards such as the Delta Omicron Scholarship Key Award, the Fred Waring Fellowship, and the Kutztown Rotary International Fellowship which allowed her to study a year in Germany at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich. Joan’s teaching career began in the Carlisle Area School District, where she taught music and chorus. She opened a private vocal studio in Carlisle, where she nurtured the lives of over 1,000 students. She also served as an adjunct professor at Messiah College.

 As a performer, Joan was a gifted Mezzo-Soprano and French horn player. She played her French Horn with the Harrisburg Symphony, the Dickinson College Community Orchestra and with numerous regional ensembles. She was a featured soloist for many years performing in the Carlisle Community Annual Messiah concert. 

 She was also a talented, self-trained artist, who worked skillfully in watercolors and oils. Joan also created detailed anatomical line drawings for various medical journals. Joan sponsored student scholarships at Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as scholarships for members of the National Association for Teachers of Music. NATS recognized Joan as a Lifetime Achievement Award Winner in 2016. Indiana University of Pennsylvania honored Joan as an Outstanding Alumna for her accomplishments and her remarkable contributions to aspiring musicians and vocalists as well as the profession of studio voice teaching. 

 Joan was a well-known philanthropist in central Pennsylvania supporting various community organizations, she was a lifetime benefactor of the Carlisle Area Swim Club and was a lifelong member of the Carlisle United Methodist Church and it’s choir.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held in 2025 on a date to be determined. Memorial contributions can be made to Residential Home Health & Hospice - Mechanicsburg, United Way, The Partnerships for Better Health, Habitat for Humanity, Carlisle Cares, CALC, Safe Harbor, SPY, and Carlisle United Methodist Church. 

 Joan Frey Boytim devoted her life to music, teaching and giving back to her community. She will be remembered as one of Carlisle’s finest.