Sharon's Piano Studio

09/03/2026

Dedication and mindful practice pays off!

Exactly one year ago, said student told me during the initial piano studio interview he really wanted to learn how to play pieces from Mario Bros.

I told him if he worked hard, practiced mindfully daily, that he would accomplish his goal!

Well, one year later and here he is!

His mom is super proud of him.

08/29/2026

This made my day!
What can I say? I love what I do. I love my students!

08/25/2026

What is a mashup?
It is taking two songs and matching them together to create a new song.

In this case, the student had the original version of Moonlight Sonata, and a contemporary version by Chrissy Ricker.

They happen to be written in the same key which made the mashup easier. However, the student had to figure out how and when to transition from the original version to the contemporary one, and back to the original.

Students learn how to be creative musically and to take musical risks.

Don't expect typical piano lessons at Sharon's Piano Studio. We teach our students to be well rounded musicians, to develop a love for all kinds of music, and to have fun making music with others.

08/20/2026

EVERYONE! IT'S FINALLY HERE! 🤩
Just dropped my 3rd and latest "Sing and Learn Mandarin" album. You can now stream the album on your favorite music platform ... Spotify, Apple Music, KKBox, Pandora, ... 🎧

There are 10 songs in the "捡贝壳 Picking Seashells" album - all ORIGINAL songs - written in a variety of music styles -
Songs your whole family can enjoy together!

👉🏻You can also download any of my albums and EPs here at sharongan.bandcamp.com
where you will find my "Sing and Learn Mandarin" albums, a few EPs, and 2 piano albums.

* A few of my students feature on this "捡贝壳 Picking Seashells" album.

FYI, I teach Early Childhood Mandarin Music and Movement classes online and in-person. With in-person classes, I'm also at many libraries in the Greater Portland area. I write many of the songs that I teach in these classes.
Check it out 👉🏻HeartStringsMandarin.com

08/18/2026

Doesn't this bring a smile to your face?

When L first started singing, I couldn't help but smile. That sweet voice of hers moved me.

There's a real, uncomplicated joy for both the students and the teacher, in moments like this.

Doesn't this bring a smile to your face?In moments like this, the...

08/17/2026

I am sure this is a question many parents have thought about. I know I did, as a young parent, years ago.

As a piano teacher and an early childhood music and movement teacher, I'm often asked by parents, "How do I raise a musical child when I do not have a musical background myself?"

Don't worry! You don't need a musical background to raise a musical child. What you need is to create an environment where music is normal, fun, and low-pressure.

I've given some ideas on how to do this. Read my blog at HeartStringsMandarin.com/blog

08/09/2026

Many method books teach this: I and V chords (tonic and dominant). However it is up to the piano teacher to tie this theoretical knowledge with actual music scores.

The I - V - I motion shows up everywhere, from nursery rhymes to bigger musical works like sonatas.

08/05/2026

Seeing moments like this is one of the most rewarding parts of being a piano teacher.

When a child becomes so absorbed in their music that the rest of the world seems to fade away, that's where the real magic happens. It is more than playing the right notes. It's a glimpse of deep focus, growing confidence in the joy that comes from connecting with something they truly love.

And as parents, these are the moments you hope for - your child is discovering patience, perseverance, and the confidence to express themselves through music.

This is why I love what I do! 🤩

08/04/2026

When one of your piano families goes clamming and brings you some fresh clams. These were humongous!

Thank you for thinking of me!

08/02/2026

I never know what's going to happen during piano lesson time. Sometimes my students surprise me. Well, they certainly crack me up often.

W suddenly stood up while playing "The Entertainer" and then he started dancing. He was trying to get his mother's attention. She was working on her laptop during his lesson.

Can you guess if the mother noticed what her son was up to?