Get to know Shirley and the inspiration behind Piano Protégé
Meet Shirley
Founder - Piano Protégé
Music has been a major part of my life for over thirty years. I began lessons at the age of 4 and completed my Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University in 2011. I have performed in major cities in China, Japan, and Europe. I have competed and won or placed in state, national, and international competitions. I have also soloed with several orchestras, including Utah Valley Symphony. I began teaching piano professionally 20 years ago, and feel passionate about providing a strong musical foundation for students to flourish and achieve their musical interests. I have also taught at university level. I feel great fulfillment as I watch students work hard and succeed.
As music has shaped and blessed my life, I have felt a desire to provide that opportunity to others. As I have moved to various places, I have seen the critical need and desire for quality music instruction. I want to make this available to people everywhere. My vision is to provide high quality piano instruction from a professional teacher. I am providing a professional piano lesson experience similar to my own training. Not only will you receive similar training at an amazing price but also without leaving your home. My goal is for incredible piano instruction to be available to people everywhere at a price you can afford and in the convenience of your home!
My Inspiration
My angelic Grandma passed away in 2018. As I was traveling home from her funeral, the inspiration for this idea came. My Grandma, Shirley Andersen, left this world at age 98 with more than 500 direct posterity. She had a huge impact on every one of those 500, and thousands more. She traveled around the world serving and bringing cheer and light and laughter to every soul who knew her. A gift she took with her everywhere she went, and gave to her 11 children (including my mom who in turn gave this gift to me), was the gift of music. She began a program to help people from every walk of life learn how to play the piano. I am her namesake and she is my inspiration. As I have lived in various places, and seen the critical need and desire so many have to learn to play and make music, I have had that same desire she had kindled within me. I believe music is a language of the soul, and thus enables us to communicate and feel what words do not. I want to do that for YOU! I want to make your experience to create music more accessible and attainable. I want people of every economic level and in every location to have access to the best. Music has shaped and immeasurably blessed my life and I hope to spread the joy of music to people everywhere, just like my hero, my Grandma.