Sharon's Piano Studio

Learning how to play from a lead sheet is very useful. All my students are taught to do this.

A lead sheet only gives you a melody and the chords, so one has to decide on the voicing, rhythm, and register.

One has to understand how chords are built and how they function. One has to have a deep understanding of harmony.

This allows one to exercise creativity - learning how to fill space musically. My students learn to create music on the spot.

At Sharon's Piano Studio, we focus on building musicianship skills.

Music has no borders. I love sharing and playing music from around the world. I love singing songs from around the world too because every language carries its own magic - and I believe that when we listen to each other's music, we understand each other a little better.

Piano students naturally practice more if they are playing pieces that they love. I encourage students to play a wide variety of music.

Students get to pick pieces they want to play, in addition to the "must-plays" that I assign them 😜

It ends up being a win-win for both sides!

Come and join my music trio at the North Portland library on Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 4.45 p.m. as we celebrate music and songs from countries that make up AANHPI

We bring with us a blend of East and West and invite all of you on a musical journey with us

https://multcolib.libnet.info/event/15391730

Will your piano teacher let you play this?
Some piano teachers stick strictly to a rigid curriculum
Some piano teachers only want their students to play classical music
I DON'T!

⭐️ There is so much value in learning and playing a variety of music styles
⭐️ Students improve so much quicker if they learn to play pieces they are interested in
⭐️ The key is to find an arrangement that allows them to "push" themselves and continue to improve as pianists, and as well rounded musicians. Because the students are intrinsically motivated, they spend more time practicing and playing the piece

What Does a Therapist Know About Teaching Kids Piano?

💜 I am a mother of two children
💜 I went to grad school for music therapy, and trained and worked as a music therapist
💜 I am a marriage and family therapist and provided mental health services to individuals and families, and to children as a school counselor at a school district

❇️Whole Child - I understand the whole child and support whole child development. I read emotional and behavioral cues, and will adjust my approach if a child is anxious, disengaged, or dysregulated.

❇️Attachment and Trust - I connect with each child and understand that children need to feel comfortable and secure before effective learning takes place, and before they are willing to take creative risks. I make sure that the learning environment is safe, contained, and supportive.

❇️Developmental lens - I have taught and worked with children who are neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivities. I will adapt my teaching style to meet the children where they are

❇️Boundaries - Absolutely essential to maintain healthy professional boundaries between me and my students

Fortunate to still be able to make two Classical Up Close concerts this year. I'm treated to world class music performed by some of the most talented musicians in the state - many of whom are members of the OR symphony!

I get to learn about new composers and sometimes get new ideas about how I can approach my music compositions and arrangements.

I missed Christa Wessel as emcee this year but Warren Black is just as funny especially when he had to enlist help to take the "selfie" picture. Looking forward to near year!