History of why I love and teach piano.

1. August 8, 2016
Piano Article update:: More about lessons and my background for this week.
My name is Marcie Shaver and I have been a teacher and student teacher since I was 16. I was brought
up in Piano with the talent of hearing a commercial or music for a program on the TV and then playing
the notes on our piano at home. I had just turned 4. My parents did not have a lot of money so I
attempted to play books my sisters books had and would ask my mother to sing the song on the book. I
could play the song, but could not read music.
Eventually I started gathering notes here and there as I heard the school marching bands practice on
the school grounds from our house. I heard songs on the radio. I loved to sing. The piano was an
extension of my senses interpreting what I felt and what I would like to say. I was a shy and insecure
child and the piano gave me a place like no other place I felt in the world.
Finally at age 8 my parents put me in piano lessons. I remember by then I already had some learning
problems at school I guess that is what they were. I really didn't know I was not like others until I could
not learn like everyone else. I know my piano teacher saw that I had a gift and I am so grateful that she
did not give up on me and believe in me and was persistent that I was diligent. She knew that I would sit
at the piano for hours however I did not like my mother waiting on the bench while I was trying to
practice. It was not what I understood nor had I ever seen her play. I was smart to know that she wanted
me to practice because she loved that about me when I would finalized a song and play like no other
could play....it was inviting and soothing.
I teach piano to educate all those who are available and eager to develop and find their understanding
of music. Also to show their underlying gifts that they did not know they had. I taught children dance
and gymnastics for many years. Since I was 16 and learned from a very smart teacher how to teach and I
learned myself as I was teaching. It was the best way I learned. Tap is good for those students who do
not like to count or have a hard time keeping timing and understanding beats and rhythms. I offer a very
short tapping class to give students another range of learning and keep avenues open for incorporating
other sounds, beats, rhythms and picking up by ear.
We have also this year group lessons once every two months to play songs together, understanding ear
training etc.
More articles will come on Miss Marcie’s piano learning new styles of creating and loving
music….coming from this worlds geniuses, your children.
Attached is a flyer and more information regarding classes.

2. Musically yours,
Miss Marcie