Trinity Graduate in Piano and Keyboard and Certified in Advanced Duet Recital

Find out more about Shebha

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  As a kid, I was fascinated with the music in cartoons and Disney movies, and my parents soon often found me tapping to its tune or humming the melody while trying to sing. Ever since Dad, being a piano teacher himself, exposed me to the structured curriculum of music education where I learnt the techniques and nuances of piano playing & song composition with the help of understanding musical theory acquired through taste and interest in particularly Western classical music and various certificate exams.

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  Music is a universal language, thus helping you to communicate your thoughts and feelings with no barrier. It helps you find calm in the chaos, create something that you like, or play a tune that brings fond memories. I believe that it is a portal that can transport one to a place, or memory just by learning to appreciate it. This is my motivation to teach students to play, understand, and appreciate different genres.

• How does your work help society?

  Piano playing is one of the few activities that makes students ambidextrous, engages both parts of your brain, improves hand-eye coordination, and also calms your mind.
  
  In today's fast-paced society, Adults and kids alike are hooked to gadgets and social media. While we are exposed to various sounds and videos, our ability or interest to create music or even play it on our own is limited. Learning to play an instrument teaches one patience, and increases creative ability, focus, and concentration.

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  Undoubtedly, Dad is my role model. Even when I couldn't pursue music full-time, He inspired me to teach and impart knowledge and skill to others. It's a way of carrying forward his legacy and his love for students.

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  I'm a volunteer at a nearby animal shelter. I have two dogs, Chester and Theo with whom I usually go for trekking or picnics.
  
  While I'm free, I would be hooked on something related to cars, kids, music, or dogs!

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  I had the pleasure of teaching a 57-year-old man who came to me with a very specific goal in mind. He wanted to surprise his wife by playing "All of Me" on the piano. Once we started having our classes, He was very hardworking and aced the basics of notation. On the day of his wife's birthday, he was overjoyed that he was not only able to play this song but also many favorites as well. Since then, he has played a new song to his wife every week, what can be more special than that?