Susan Shiner is an independent music teacher in the North Phoenix area, teaching in this area for 30 years. Susan is the recipient of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association 2019 Honored Teacher of the Year. She holds a Bachelor Degree of Music Education with a background of public school instruction, choral directing and musical theater. Susan Shiner brings to her private studio a diversity of teaching styles that compliment her traditional instructional methods along with technological tools. Susan Shiner offers an individualized program to meet the needs of students of all ages. Susan Shiner is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Arizona State Music Teachers Association, The Phoenix Music Teachers’ Association and the National Federation of Music Clubs. She has been the chairperson and conductor of the PMTA Piano Ensemble for over 25 years, has chaired many PMTA events as well as served as President of PMTA. She has also been involved in the National Federation of Music clubs festival as a committee member and adjudicator.
Philosophy
“My teaching philosophy is based on a strong belief that each student’s lesson structure should be designed to encourage their interests, strengthen their weaknesses and help their strengths shine. My goal is to encourage each student to be an independent learner, one who understands the theoretical concepts of music to help them read any piece of music successfully. I help them understand how to interpret all styles of music.
“Students also need to be taught how to practice. I do this each week, spending a portion of the lesson on proper practice technique so when a student returns home, they will have a successful week with progress made on each piece.
“I feel that each child needs guidance in understanding all styles of music. The only way to do that is introduce examples of all periods of classical literature and all styles of contemporary music.
“I also offer all my students many performance opportunities (please see that section of my website). I find that not any one program fits each student. No student participates in all events, but by offering many different performance opportunities, students will find the ones that they really enjoy. Their participation keeps them motivated to continue with their music education and to strive to improve their musicianship skills.
“Lastly, I am dedicated to be an encouraging and supportive teacher to all my students. I strive to help each student reach their potential and create a life long love of music.”