The program
- Who she teachesAges 4 to 85, beginners to advanced
- LessonsPrivate piano, planned for each student
- The teaching yearFebruary to May, August to November
- PerformingRecitals for everyone, competitions from grade 4
- TrainingBachelor of Music, UMKC Conservatory
- MembershipMusic Teachers National Association, 50 years
Meet Sharon
Sharon Eckart started teaching piano at her church when she was sixteen. Her university teacher encouraged her to study piano pedagogy, the craft of teaching piano, and she earned her Bachelor of Music at the UMKC Conservatory, with a minor in organ. Along the way she has taught children's choir and served as a church musician.
She is a past president of both the Federated Music Teachers of Kansas City and the Kansas City Music Teachers Association. In 2024, Music Teachers National Association recognized her as a 50-Year Member.
Her advice to any family choosing a teacher is short: check out their training and personality.
Seventeen years of state auditions
Each fall the Kansas Music Teachers Association holds its State Honors Auditions and posts the results, with every student's teacher beside their name. Sharon's students are in those results every year from 2008 through 2024.
See the numbers by year
| Year | Students listed | Honorable Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 6 | 1 |
| 2009 | 8 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 |
| 2011 | 6 | 3 |
| 2012 | 7 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 | 1 |
| 2014 | 8 | 1 |
| 2015 | 7 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 | 1 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 | 1 |
| 2022 | 7 | 3 |
| 2023 | 9 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 | 3 |
In all, 97 student listings and 21 Honorable Mentions, counted from the results the association posts at ksmta.org.
How lessons start
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Email to ask about openings
Tell Sharon the student's age and any piano they have already had. Beginners are welcome, and so are adults.
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A welcome meeting
Sharon always begins with a welcome meeting for the student and parents. You talk about goals, and about the part students and parents each play in making lessons fun and productive, at the studio and at home.
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Lessons planned for the student
Every student's lessons are customized. Sharon's view is that learning goes best when students know their goals, and know what happens when they don't practice.
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Always something to work toward
Students in kindergarten through grade 3 have music parties and recitals. Students in grades 4 through 12 play in recitals and competitions, including Keyboard Merits in the spring and multi-piano concerts.
Tuition is monthly. There are no lessons in June, July, December or January, and no charge for those months. Make-up lessons for missed weeks are offered when the schedule allows.
From a parent
“Sharon has taught our 5 children piano for nearly 20 years. Her combination of in-studio and competition performances allows the students to work towards a goal at all times.”
Recitals and the studio
Ask about openings
Email is the easiest first step. Sharon will write back about times that are open.
Home studio in south Overland Park, Kansas. The address is shared when a lesson time is set.