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Piano Studio of Sharla Van Cleave, NCTM
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About Us
The Piano Studio of Sharla Van Cleave, NCTM  is located in Abilene, Texas.  Students of all ages learn to play the piano with emphasis on reading accurately, understanding music theory and playing with expression. Focus is given on working to create a comfortable performance.

 

 

 

 

For More Information Regarding Lesson times, Fees, To schedule an interview or other information go to contact us.  Leave a message with your phone number or email your contact information and I will respond ASAP.

 

 

Mission Statement:

Teaching the students of today to function as independent musicians of tomorrow.   

 
About the Students:
 
Students participate in the Texas Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Program, TMTA All Star Festival,  National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions, Federated Jr. Festival and Abilene Music Teachers Association events.
 
Mrs. Van Cleave's students have received honors such as AMTA Student Affiliate Participation Award Winner, TMTA Whitlock Award Honorable Mention, AMTA Piano Solo Contest Winner, National Guild Auditions Founders Plaque and Bach Plaque and have received ratings of Outstanding at the NFMC State Festival.  Her students consistently earn medals for the TMTA Theory Tests and receive high ratings in local association events, National Guild auditions and UIL solos.
 
 Mrs. Van Cleave’s students perform on piano teams at the TMTA convention annually and have performed on a piano team at the MTNA National Conference.  Her students have been  accompanists for High School Show Choirs, Jazz Bands, School Choirs and Church Pianists.  They have performed for school graduations and assemblies,
 choir,orchestra, and band events.  They have performed for weddings, and public events.
 
Students participate in a weekly practice contest where accomplishment is rewarded with a sticker and awards are given to winners at the end of the year. Group lessons in theory, or performance are held once or twice a semester.
 
Students enjoy having an additional midi lab time before or after their lesson to work on theory, ear training,  duet practice with a partner or reinforcing concepts learned during the lesson.
 
We have an annual Christmas Pizza Party where students enjoy playing their Christmas pieces
at a party for students only and a summer swim party just for fun.

About the Teacher:

 

Mrs. Van Cleave has 28 years of experience teaching piano and theory.  She attended Abilene Christian University. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, in Piano, through Music Teachers National Association and a Certified Teacher of Music through American College of Musicians, National Guild of Piano Teachers and is on the National Guild of Piano Teachers National Honor Roll.

 

Sharla Van Cleave was awarded 2007 Abilene Music Teachers Association Teacher of the Year, and previously received the 1999 AMTA Teacher of the Year Award.

 

Mrs. Van Cleave has served Texas Music Teachers Association as a theory test grader for 16 years. She served on the TMTA Theory Review Committee from 2008-2011and TMTA Theory Syllabus Committee from 2009-2011. She is currently chair of the TMTA June Leondar Chamber Music/Ensemble Contest.

 

Mrs. Van Cleave has served two terms as President of Abilene Music Teachers Association, is currently the Student Activities Coordinator for AMTA and has held most of the offices in AMTA.  She has been Springer-Manly Music Festival Chairman, Ensemble Festival Chairman and Public relations Coordinator. She is currently a  piano team director and has represented AMTA with piano teams at the TMTA State convention and at the MTNA National convention in Austin in 2006.

 

Mrs. Van Cleave accompanies for Abilene Independent School District and is an accompanist for The Celebration Singers.

Her solo performances include Artwalk, Abilene Founders Day, Abilene Philharmonic Home Tour, and the Abilene Woman's Club.  She performs annually with the AMTA teacher team at the AMTA Showcase Concert benefiting Harmony Family Services.   Mrs. Van Cleave maintains continuing education through workshops, seminars, classes, performing in adjudicated events and currently studying piano with Shirley J. Anderson, NCTM.  

 

Abilene MTA was the 2002 MTNA Local Association of the Year, under the leadership of Shirley J. Anderson, NCTM and was  awarded TMTA 2009 Best of State under the leadership of Sharla Van Cleave, NCTM.