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Testimonials

The ultimate testament to the high quality of music education at the Sharon Music Academy is not the number of awards our students have won at various music competitions but the number of new students that come to us by referral. Reading the testimonials of our parents and students, one can understand why they refer their neighbors, friends, and family members to the Sharon Music Academy. And, of course, you can read many more raving reviews about us on Facebook and on Google.

What Parents Say

Diana & Rick G.
Parents of Lindsay

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We thought you would like to have a photo of Lindsey’s performance at Carnegie Hall in June. Thank you for giving Lindsey such a terrific foundation for her future as a musician!”
Dawn A.
Mother of Julia

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The Sharon Music Academy is a rare gem in a myriad of music schools. I feel extremely fortunate to have found the school and its director, Tanya Schwartzman. Tanya is a highly professional, warm, and kind person. My daughter, Julia, has blossomed as a pianist at The Sharon Music Academy. The Sharon Music Academy not only teaches piano technique and style but through imaginative storytelling, it imparts a wonderful body of knowledge about the lives of the composers and why they wrote their music. This enables Julia to reach inside herself and bring her piano playing to a higher emotional level. As a parent, I thoroughly enjoy observing Julia’s piano lessons and witnessing this musical growth.
Subha K.
Mother of Dheekshita

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I would like to let you know that our daughter Dheekshita K., a past student of Tanya Levine has received an admission offer at MIT. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge Tanya and your school for providing Dheekshu with an environment to nurture her passion for music. The knowledge and love of western classical music that she received from Tanya in addition to Dheekshu’s firm classical Indian music tutelage from esteemed teachers from India gave her an opportunity to pursue composition during her high school years in addition to several other activities. She had a hectic and tough academic curriculum at her high school but always wanted to pursue music either through a cappella group, musicals, theater, composition classes and other avenues. Music truly brought out her leadership qualities and diverse talents. Her application to MIT consisted of a music supplement and that would not have been possible if not for the love of western classical music that Tanya’s lessons helped sow in her during her early years which led to Dheekshu’s unique way of blending traditional south Indian classical Carnatic music and western classical traditions. Thank you for providing such a great environment for children.
Maria and Terry T.
Parents of Sophie

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My daughter Sophie has been taking piano lessons for almost five years; my son Byron, at age 7 is in his first year of piano. I can honestly say that my kids are getting a unique music education through the Music Academy, for two main reasons: they have come to understand and show, at a young age, the artistry and depth of feeling that comes with the experience of making music. Technical accuracy and music theory is a foundation of their training, but somehow it is as background, supporting but not dominating their experience. I have listened quietly during virtually every lesson my children have taken, and I am continually struck by the use of metaphor and storytelling to help my children learn. A visual picture is painted for the student – an interesting story or image which gives them context and meaning for each piece. And boy does this work! The children are captivated and motivated to create the picture themselves with their music. As the mood of every piece is created through metaphors, vivid descriptions and/or discussions of the composer’s intentions, somehow it seems to translate directly into the child’s fingers – an amazing thing really. Even when Sophie began her lessons at age 6, she played simple yet beautifully moving, melodic compositions – no “baby” pieces. She learned how to hold her hands, wrists and arms to create her own presence and power, over what was then, a relatively enormous piano. This style of teaching I believe not only encourages kids to love to play their instrument, but creates very impressive artists and musicians. The bar is higher, no doubt, at the Music Academy, but the study and practice pays off with abound; without wanting to sound elitist, I believe you do see and hear a real difference with these kids. My own 10+ years of piano lessons gave me what I thought was solid music education, but I never became anywhere near good as my daughter is already at age 10. We highly recommend the Music Academy indeed!
Myra & Frank B.
Parents of Brandan

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We have been very happy with the level of musical training provided at the Sharon Music Academy. Brandon’s piano playing has improved dramatically in the three years he has been taking lessons there. Expectations are high and the work is challenging, but it all leads to a solid background in both musical skills and music theory. Focus on commitment also develops, which benefits areas outside of music as well. The opportunity to perform is another important aspect of what is provided by the Music Academy. There are recitals and other public performances throughout the year which allow students to enjoy the benefits of their hard work. There is also an opportunity to participate in competitions at various levels – state, national and international. All of this happens in an atmosphere that is warm and supportive of each student’s goals. Most important is that Brandon enjoys attending the Academy, and he is continuing to grow as a musician.
Helen M
Angelina's Mother

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Sharon Music Academy is absolutely the best! I have had the pleasure of being associated with the school for the past 11 years. A top notch music school with exceptional teachers & staff.   My daughter Angelina started taking piano lessons in the 1st grade and had a number of instructors, who all were warm and incredible role models of excellence.  After playing in the third grade at Carnegie Hall, the experience triggered a love for theater & performance. Angelina participated through the years in various activities with confidence, from theater to playing an instrument. Each year we look forward to the stage performances from all the students at the school. The teachers always do an incredible job, and the results are there for everyone to see. I can’t say enough about what it has meant to be part of Sharon Music Academy and its community. It’s been our second home for so many years. The school has given so much personal attention to Angelina’s interests. Sergey & Nicole are like family to us. They have worked with me and been part of my team to bring out the very best from Angelina. They have given her the love for music, which is all I ever wanted as a parent when my daughter first started at the Academy. I hear her singing and I can see how much joy it brings to her life. The school succeeded in their mission and I’m forever grateful!
Jeffery M.
Adult Student

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... The Academy itself is the home of some of the most impressive teachers, and their individual commitment is evident in the growth and development of the skills students need and are required for a life in music. This local cultural community is ready to engage any student at any age to pursue their instrumental and vocal skills. Teachers are prepared to engage with the students at whatever level they are when they're entering the Academy. Teachers are patient, supportive, and encouraging. In my own experience, my violin teacher raised my skill level further than I could ever have imagined. Before joining the Sharon Music Academy, I had seriously plateaued. I could not overcome my limitations on my own. Within a year, I was shifting through the positions, learning how to improve playing harmonics and understanding strategies for bow movement, control and how to appropriately hold the violin. I have developed confidence and a sense of purpose through my learning. All of this was made possible through the Sharon Music Academy. From public concerts to personal learning, The Academy Is a beacon of light to whoever enters its door.

“My daughter has been taking private voice lessons at SMA for 8 yrs with Miss Nicole. The school and staff are exceptional. We love the extra performances offered throughout the year. I go back and listen to her videos throughout the years and I'm amazed with her progress. She just get accepted to a performing arts high school and no question it's due to her years with SMA.”

Tanya M
Mother of Marianna
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What Students Say

Sophie T.
10 years old

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Have you ever had someone really special in your life make a helpful difference for you? I have Tanya, my piano teacher. She has done so much for me. I would not be where I am today if it was not for her. First, Tanya expects a lot from me. She taught me to be very detailed with my arms and hands on the very first day, she gave me a sparkly glass swan to help me remember in graceful songs to sway my arms up and down. Also she taught me to sway my body back and forth to show how the song is feeling. Second, she has faith in me. When she has a hard song to give to someone, she usually knows that I can do it. I might play in Carnegie Hall if I get accepted from the judges. I asked her, “Do you think I will make it?” and she said “You will”. Next, Tanya helps me to go onto bigger and better things. If it was not for her, I wouldn’t have gotten any shiny trophies. The reason I won a 3 rd place shiny red trophy two years in a row was because of her excellent teaching. Last, she helps me to learn step by step. If I don’t get it or I am frustrated, she would have a brilliant idea. She would take it phrase by phrase. Or Tanya would get a piece of paper and slow move it so that I could read it note by note and I can play the song slowly. In summary, Tanya expects a lot from me, has faith in me, helps me to better things, and teaches me step by step. I will always remember Tanya forever. She really made me who I am today.