Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Piano Lessons for Kids in Sherman Oaks & Pasadena
Piano Play has been dedicated to transforming music education since 1987, offering a unique curriculum that combines storytelling, play, and theory-based learning for children aged 19 months to 9 years. Our programs foster personal growth and musical proficiency through group classes and private lessons, led by degreed instructors trained in our proprietary system. With locations in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, we emphasize parent involvement, small class sizes, and a layered learning approach that develops ear training, note reading, and creative expression. Our graduates transition seamlessly into advanced piano studies, supported by annual recitals and a 30-year legacy of nurturing compassionate, skilled musicians. 
Services
Group Piano Classes
Private Piano Lessons
Summer Music Camps
Music Workshops
Piano Recitals
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific programs developed over 30 years of music education expertise
- Our proprietary Layered Learning Environment combines theory, play, and performance
- Degreed instructors undergo 4-6 months specialized training in our teaching system
- Parents participate in classes to reinforce learning at home
- Annual recitals showcase student progress in a professional setting
What people say
Best music schools
Kids learning quickly
Engaging instructors
Amazing recital poise
Super energetic teachers
Services
Group Piano Classes
Structured group piano programs for toddlers to elementary students combine music theory with interactive play. Our age-specific curriculum develops note reading, rhythm, and keyboard skills through storytelling and parent participation. Classes maintain 8:1 student-teacher ratios to ensure personalized attention while fostering teamwork and creative expression.
Private Piano Lessons
Individualized piano instruction for ages 7+ focuses on technical mastery and musical interpretation. Lessons emphasize note reading, repertoire development, and performance preparation with customized practice plans. Degreed instructors adapt teaching methods to each student's learning style and progress at their own pace toward advanced piano proficiency.
Summer Music Camps
Creative summer programs guide children through songwriting and music production processes. Campers compose original songs, design CD covers, and record professional videos in our studio. Limited to 8 students per session, these camps develop musical creativity and technical skills through collaborative projects and guided instruction.
Music Workshops
Specialized workshops reinforce core musical concepts through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Activities include ensemble playing, advanced theory exercises, and performance preparation in small group settings. Workshops provide supplemental training that complements regular class instruction and accelerates skill development.
Piano Recitals
Annual recitals showcase student achievements in professional concert settings. These events build confidence and stage presence while celebrating musical progress. Each program completion culminates in a recital performance, providing motivation and tangible goals for continued learning and improvement.
People
Sharon Shaheed
CEO & Founder
Bachelors in Music Education from Xavier University and Masters in Piano Performance from Southeastern University. Developed the 22-book Piano Play curriculum and method. Recipient of the 2009 Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur. Active MTAC member and Certificate of Merit Program chair.
Alla Arutyunyan
Private Instructor
Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State University, Northridge. MTAC member with 35+ years teaching experience. Specializes in ear training, sight reading, and technique development. Trained in Armenia and United States, incorporating innovative teaching methods for personalized instruction.
Nicole Nale
Group & Private Instructor
BFA in Piano Performance from Loyola Marymount University. President of MTAC San Fernando East Valley Branch. Classically trained with expertise in sight reading and ensemble performance. Implements collaborative learning techniques developed through years of ensemble work and solo performances.
Greg Raymond
Private Instructor
Jazz pianist with 13+ years teaching experience. BA from Boston College. Teaches students aged 2+ using group methods and solfege singing. High success rate coaching Certificate of Merit students from Prep to Advanced levels while maintaining 40+ private students weekly.
Joey Mara
Group & Private Instructor
Music degree from Loyola Marymount University. Manager and instructor for Piano Play Pasadena. Active MTAC member with expertise in voice, choral conducting, and group piano instruction. Brings extensive performance experience from work with local composers and choirs.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children aged 19 months to 9 years, including toddler classes, kindergarten programs, elementary grades, and private lessons for ages 7+.
Do parents participate in classes?
Yes, parent participation is required for all group classes through elementary grades to reinforce learning and support student progress at home.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold music degrees or have extensive professional experience, with 4-6 months specialized training in our teaching system and membership in professional organizations like MTAC.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
We host group recitals after completing each book in our curriculum, providing professional performance experiences that build confidence and showcase student achievements.
What locations do you serve?
We have teaching centers in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, California, serving students throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.
Is summer programming available?
Our Young Composers Summer Camp teaches songwriting and music production, culminating in professionally recorded student compositions during five-week sessions in July.
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