Hi, I’m Shelby
I started taking piano lessons when I was 6. After a few years, I realized how much I loved playing the piano and my “what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up” aspirations changed from “teacher” to “piano teacher”
I had eclectic interests when I was young (really, I still do), so I know what it is to balance piano practice time with theatre rehearsal or track practice. I’ve also had drop activities when my schedule was too full. I see the value of living a well-rounded life and I sympathize with students when they have to make difficult decisions.
Education
Piano lessons were, of course, a mainstay of my childhood. I also sang in choirs and played flute in band.
I studied Piano Performance at Gordon College, where I had the pleasure of studying solo piano and 4-hand piano chamber music with Dr. Alina Polyakov. My classes covered topics in music theory, history, and education. I learned to conduct and participated in Women’s Choir and Symphonic band.
I was also able to spend time at the University of New Hampshire, where I studied piano performance with Dr. Hsiang Tu and took classes covering advanced topics in music theory and history, and piano pedagogy.
Professional Experience
I started teaching when I was 16 and continued teaching throughout most of my college years. I have run my own private studio since 2009 and have also held teaching positions in independent music schools.
My interests have remained eclectic and I have dabbled in teaching children’s music classes, briefly served as a church pianist, and recently added flute lessons to my offerings.
My most recent professional move has been to enter into the digital world by creating a blog. It is my intention to include practical advice for pianists of all ages and general music activities for young children. Piano lessons don’t start usually start until 6 years old, but music education begins at birth.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that music is meant to be enjoyed. Progressing beyond the beginner levels takes dedication and effort, but the intention is always to enjoy making music. For some that includes performing and sharing that music with others.
Music is classified as a performing art, and some musicians believe that that means we need to place an emphasis on performing. It is my belief that music is also a deeply personal experience. Some musicians feel comfortable sharing that with others, and some do not. I encourage performing, and provide varied opportunities for performances, but do not require students to participate. Lessons should serve the student, not the other way around.
It is my goal to develop each student’s personal musical practice, so that they have a mature musicianship independent of lessons. Too many students stop playing after they stop taking lessons. Properly crafted lessons can prepare students to interact with the musical world without a teacher.