From Soccer to Stardom: Sault’s Miss Madii Builds Music Career and Records First Album

From Soccer Fields to Musical Stages: The Rise of Miss Madii

Madii Schomogyi, known professionally as Miss Madii, has transformed her life from aspiring soccer star to a celebrated musician. Her journey is a testament to resilience,passion,and the unexpected twists that can lead to a fulfilling career. Today, she is a singer, guitarist, and pianist, captivating audiences with her talent and dedication.

From soccer Cleats to Guitar Strings

“I wanted to be a soccer player originally,” Schomogyi recalls. “That was my dream. I attended World Cup games, played on competitive teams, and even traveled to soccer camps.” However, a knee injury and subsequent surgeries ended her soccer aspirations. “Soccer was no longer an option for me,” she admits.

It was her mother who encouraged her to explore music. In Grade 9, Schomogyi joined Mustang sally, a student pop/rock group at Korah Collegiate. “My mom said, ‘just try it.’ I went to my first practice,and from that moment,I was hooked. I spent all my lunches in the group’s classroom and sometimes even skipped class to make music.”

Guiding Lights: Mentors Who Shaped Her Path

Schomogyi credits Greg Ryckman, the music teacher who led Mustang Sally, for playing a pivotal role in her journey. “Mr. Ryckman had me sing Zombie by The Cranberries and wanted me to play electric guitar with it. He said, ‘you can do this.’ I’m really grateful for that. He was awesome and a huge part of my high school experience.”

Another influential figure was Denine Williams, her retired theater teacher.“Mrs. Williams encouraged me to explore musical theater. It was tougher than music as you’re learning lines as well as singing, but I enjoyed it.” Schomogyi starred in productions like Grease,The Little Mermaid,and The Sound of Music.

Laying the Groundwork for a Musical Career

Schomogyi’s dedication to music deepened as she took voice lessons at Case’s Music and learned to play piano and guitar. She is especially thankful to her mother for buying her a keyboard, which became a cornerstone of her musical growth.“Music definitely required effort,” she admits. “Singing came easier than instruments, but I always wanted to improve. Reading sheet music was the hardest part.”

Now 22, Schomogyi is set to graduate from Algoma University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. “I’ll be having a big graduation recital at the Loft, at the Algoma Conservatory of Music,” she shares with pride.

From Local Venues to Larger Audiences

As Miss Madii, Schomogyi has performed with her band, Lime, at local venues and events like Rotaryfest. Her eclectic musical influences include pink, Queen, Kelly clarkson, Laufey, and the Canadian indie band Walk off the Earth. These inspirations are reflected in her dynamic performances and versatile style.

Her journey from soccer fields to concert stages is a testament to her determination and love for music. Miss Madii’s story is an inspiring reminder that sometimes, life’s detours lead to the most rewarding destinations.

From Classical Theater to Rock: The Musical Journey of a Passionate Artist

For some, music is a hobby. For others, it’s a calling.For one talented musician and educator, it’s both a passion and a purpose. Balancing the worlds of performance and teaching, she has carved out a unique niche, blending the raw energy of rock with the refined elegance of classical theatre. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Symphony of Rock and Theatre

“Rock music is fun for me, but I also really like the challenge of theatre pieces,” she shares. “At Algoma University, I’ve done a lot of classical pieces, singing in other languages. I love the challenge of that without a doubt, but my favorite is rock.” Her musical journey began in high school,where she started writing her own songs. “It didn’t come easy, but I worked at it,” she recalls. Her perseverance paid off when she won a songwriting contest, earning the opportunity to record a song with local singer, songwriter, and producer Dustin Jones. “That’s become a huge outlet for me.It’s like journaling,” she says.

Teaching Music Across Generations

As graduating from Korah Collegiate in 2020,she has been sharing her love for music as an instructor at Case’s Music. “They were doing interviews. I came in, and I had already taken lessons here. They knew that I was doing shows and who I was as a musician, so during the interview, I was hired,” she explains. Her teaching spans all age groups, from newborns to adults. “I have a baby group, from newborn to one year old, on Wednesday mornings. I sing a good morning song to them when they come in. I have little tambourines they can play with, and it helps with their development. I’ll play some songs on the guitar, and they look just mesmerized,” she says with a smile.

Her saturday classes cater to toddlers and young children, incorporating rhythm, theory, and fun activities like ukulele playing and hand drumming. “It’s just to get them exposed to music in a fun and safe habitat until they eventually decide if they want to take lessons,” she explains. for older students and adults, she offers evening lessons, helping them discover or refine their musical talents.

The Joy of Giving back

Teaching has become a way for her to give back to the community. “Something that’s super rewarding is when you see that child having that lightbulb moment of ‘this is really fun!’ To think I could impact their musical journey is awesome,” she says.Her passion for music education is evident in her dedication to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for her students.

Recording Her Debut Album

While teaching is a important part of her life, she is also preparing to release her first album. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and determination.“I wasn’t a Conservatory kid, that’s without a doubt,” she chuckles. “But music has given me a new purpose, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to release her first album,her story continues to inspire. her ability to adapt,learn,and thrive in the face of challenges is a reminder that sometimes,life’s detours lead to the most gorgeous destinations. Whether she’s on stage, in the classroom, or in the recording studio, her passion for music shines through, touching the lives of everyone she encounters.

Balancing Teaching and Musical Dreams: A Journey of Resilience

For many, music is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifeline.This is especially true for one talented musician who has turned her passion into a thriving career, balancing teaching with her own artistic aspirations. Currently, she is working on her debut album, produced by Dustin Jones, which she describes as “folky with a country twang.” The album is set to release around the time of her university graduation recital in april, marking a significant milestone in her journey.

“I love teaching, but to be able to just perform woudl be awesome,” she admits. Her future plans include juggling her teaching responsibilities with small tours, particularly in southern Ontario, while exploring new opportunities to share her music with a broader audience.

From Soccer Fields to Music Stages

Her path to music wasn’t always clear. As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. However,injuries forced her to rethink her future. It was during this challenging time that she discovered music, which became her new passion and purpose.

“I thank God that I have music.I went from soccer being my dream as a 14-year-old kid, soccer being my everything, to suddenly having nothing to put my passion into, no outlet of any sort. So it was really,really good that I was able to find singing and music. I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t dived into this,” she reflects.

This shift from sports to music highlights her resilience and adaptability. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, life’s unexpected turns can lead to even greater opportunities.

Inspiring Through Music and Teaching

Whether she’s teaching a young child to clap along to a beat or performing her original songs on stage, her dedication to music shines through. Her ability to connect with others through her art is truly inspiring. She continues to touch lives, proving that music has the power to heal, transform, and bring people together.

Her journey is a testament to the transformative nature of music and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter the obstacles. As she prepares to release her debut album and embark on new adventures, her story serves as an inspiration to anyone navigating their own path in life.

How did Miss Madii’s perceived loss of her soccer dreams influence her musical journey?

Interview with Miss Madii: from Soccer Fields to Musical Stages

By Archys, Archyde News editor

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Miss Madii. Your journey from aspiring soccer star to celebrated musician is truly inspiring. Can you tell us how music became such a central part of your life after your soccer dreams were cut short?

Miss Madii: Thank you for having me! It’s been quite a journey. Soccer was my first love—I played competitively, traveled to camps, and even attended World Cup games.But after a knee injury and multiple surgeries, I had to let that dream go. it was a tough time, but my mom encouraged me to try music. I joined a student pop/rock group called Mustang Sally in high school, and from the very first practice, I was hooked. Music became my new passion, and it’s been my driving force ever as.

Archyde: That’s incredible. Who were some of the key mentors who helped shape your musical path?

Miss Madii: I’ve been so lucky to have amazing mentors. Greg Ryckman, my high school music teacher, was a huge influence. He believed in me from the start—he had me sing Zombie by The Cranberries and play electric guitar,which was a turning point for me. Another mentor was Denine Williams, my theater teacher. She pushed me to explore musical theater,which was challenging but so rewarding. I starred in productions like Grease and The Sound of Music, and those experiences really helped me grow as a performer.

Archyde: You’ve mentioned that teaching music is a big part of your life now.What do you enjoy most about working with students of all ages?

Miss Madii: Teaching is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing that “lightbulb moment” when a student realizes how fun and fulfilling music can be. I teach everything from baby classes with tambourines to evening lessons for adults. It’s amazing to see how music can connect people across generations. For the little ones, it’s about exposure and fun—I want them to feel safe and inspired. For older students, it’s about helping them discover or refine their talents. Music has the power to transform lives, and being part of that journey is so special.

Archyde: You’re also preparing to release your debut album. What can you tell us about this exciting milestone?

Miss Madii: Yes, it’s been a long time coming! This album is the culmination of years of hard work, creativity, and determination. I wasn’t a Conservatory kid, so I’ve had to carve my own path. The album reflects my eclectic influences—artists like Pink, Queen, Kelly Clarkson, and Walk off the Earth have inspired my sound. It’s a mix of rock, pop, and a touch of classical theater. I’m so excited to share it with the world and see were this next chapter takes me.

Archyde: your story is a testament to resilience and following your passion.What advice would you give to someone facing a major life change or pursuing a new dream?

Miss madii: I’d say, don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace the unknown. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but sometimes those detours lead to the most gorgeous destinations. For me,losing soccer was devastating,but it opened the door to music,which has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. Trust the process, lean on your support system, and never stop believing in yourself.

Archyde: thank you, Miss Madii, for sharing your story with us. We can’t wait to hear your debut album and see where your musical journey takes you next!

Miss Madii: Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure.

Miss Madii’s debut album is set to release later this year. Follow her journey on social media and stay tuned for updates on her upcoming performances and projects.