Music has the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives. At Piano Play Music Systems, founder Sharon Shaheed has built a unique program that introduces children as young as 19 months to the joy of learning music—alongside their parents. But what makes her approach stand out from traditional methods? Let’s dive into the story of Sharon and how she’s creating a new kind of music education experience.
A Family Legacy in Music
Music runs deep in Sharon’s veins. Raised by parents who worked in music education and a grandmother who taught music in her community, Sharon was surrounded by melodies and harmonies from a young age. While she originally pursued a career in songwriting, she found her true calling when she moved from Florida to California. To make ends meet, she started working with a children’s music program—an experience that ignited her passion for music education and led her to develop Piano Play Music Systems.
From Unexpected Beginnings to a Thriving Business
Sometimes, life’s twists and turns lead to the greatest opportunities. When the music program Sharon worked for went bankrupt, the families she had been teaching turned to her for guidance. Without intending to, she found herself building her own program, growing it from a single group of students into a fully developed music education system—one that would redefine how children learn piano.
A Unique Approach to Music Education
So what makes Piano Play Music Systems different from traditional piano lessons?
Parental Involvement: Unlike many programs where children learn solo, parents actively participate in the learning journey. This helps them understand their child’s challenges and progress while strengthening the parent-child bond.
Cultural Learning: Students don’t just play notes—they learn the stories behind the music, exploring songs from different cultures to develop a broader appreciation for the art form.
Building Life Skills: The program focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, self-empowerment, and patience—skills that extend beyond music and into everyday life.
Interactive Learning Methods: Instead of simply sitting at a piano, students engage in ear training, theory, storytelling, and even physical movement, like stepping on a floor keyboard to learn notes.
The Myth of Musical Talent
A common misconception is that some people are just “naturally talented” in music while others are not. Sharon believes everyone has the ability to learn—it’s all about patience, practice, and finding the right method. Some students learn best through listening, while others need visual or physical reinforcement. By incorporating multiple learning styles, Piano Play Music Systems ensures every student finds their own path to success.
Why Music Matters in Education
With music and arts programs being cut from many schools, Sharon is on a mission to prove that music education isn’t just about creativity—it’s about cognitive development. Learning an instrument helps children:
Strengthen their attention span
Improve organizational skills
Develop resilience and perseverance
Enhance overall academic performance
While California still offers music education in schools, many parents turn to private programs like Piano Play Music Systems for a more in-depth and engaging experience.
Embracing Technology in Music Learning
Sharon is also exploring ways to make music education more accessible through technology. She and her team are developing an app to help children learn piano digitally, allowing families who may not be able to attend in-person lessons to still benefit from the program. By leveraging technology, Piano Play Music Systems is ensuring that more children, regardless of their financial situation, have access to quality music education.
Final Thoughts
Music education isn’t just about learning to play an instrument—it’s about developing skills that last a lifetime. Through her innovative and inclusive approach, Sharon Shaheed is proving that music can be a powerful tool for personal growth, connection, and education.
Whether you’re a parent looking to start your child on their musical journey or an educator interested in new teaching methods, Piano Play Music Systems offers an inspiring and enriching experience.
So, are you ready to hit the right notes with your child? Visit her website at https://www.pianoplaymusic.com/ and listen to her full journey on Women in Motion now: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/music-education/.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
