Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Shanks.
Julie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been drawn to the piano. At the age of 7, my parents enrolled me in piano lessons and I felt truly at home at the keyboard. I grew up playing the piano at every opportunity given – church, recitals, school jazz band, weddings, and special events.
I went on to get my degree and immediately was hired as an Elementary music teacher. Among teaching in the public school setting, I have taught private piano lessons from my home for over 25 years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a new teacher in my 20’s, I was excited about sharing my knowledge and love for music with my students but lacked the experience. I quickly learned that playing music and teaching music was completely separate skills. Thankfully I had a great teacher and mentor all throughout my teen years in my own piano teacher Marie Graham.
Each and every day I am inspired to live up to her excellent standards of teaching. Becoming the piano teacher I am today has been a progression of learning from others, on-going education, and overcoming adversities along the way. The challenges that I’ve encountered have helped me grow into a more compassionate, more “in-tune” teacher who takes joy in nurturing and facilitating the love of music in her students.
Jewel Tone Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Jewel Tone Studio is located in Fort Worth, Texas in the Villages of Woodland Springs. I teach piano to all ages and stages and specialize in creating a warm, healthy environment that fosters individuality, creativity and a love of music.
I truly take a personal interest in my students and believe that the best learning comes when the student feels a connection with their teacher.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is waking up every day to do what you love and love what you do. Each day has its own challenges, but choosing to overcome and work through those challenges separates the winners from the losers.
Along with an enthusiastic approach to music, fostering a “never give up” spirit in my students is key in helping them push through to achieve their goals. We all can do far more than we believe when we put our minds to it. There will be many mistakes along the way, but the uncorrected mistake is the only one I’m truly concerned with.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12308 Langley Hill Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76244
- Website: www.jeweltonestudio.com
- Phone: 8176375326
- Email: jeweltonestudio@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JEWELTONESTUDIO
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