KENTRELL is 15 and plays 6 instruments (piano, violin, drums, trombone, vocals and now guitar). He was born early (1 lb. 13 oz) and carries with him multiple developmental challenges: physical, emotional and academic. He also has perfect pitch. Like many 12 year olds, Kentrell enjoys basketball, his bike, swimming—but he connects most with music.

KENTRELL's PARENTS say: "We feel that it is music that will help him with self-esteem, with discipline, expression, focus--a place of belonging in this life--a fit. Not necessarily in a professional way, but in a personal way. We see Kentrell not as a wonderfully gifted musician with an unfortunate disability, but as a very special needs child wonderfully enabled by music. Mary Shapiro, her voice, her guitar and her teaching, is a blessing for our son Kentrell. Mary Shapiro’s presence with a student goes far beyond mere teaching. On the way home from a lesson one morning,
KENTRELL said:
“Mary makes me feel so good!”

DEB has been taking guitar with me for over 3 years. She likes meeting at the Potter's House for lessons and then stays for lunch. Deb enjoys playing and singing folk songs from the 60s-70s. This spring (when she started piano lessons) she asked to learn how to read notes so she can play classical pieces.

DEB says:
"I think learning to read music and then play is like learning a new language, something that is a little more difficult for the brain of an adult than it is for a child. Taking guitar lessons for the first time as an adult has been a challenge, but Mary teaches with flexibility and skill in many approaches--one day exploring music theory, one day teaching how to read and play notes and TAB and chords, another day just playing by ear and having fun. This and Mary's patience are key to my progress and the joy I now experience in playing the guitar."

SOPHIE is 7 years old. Her Dad found me on Craig's list and was attracted by the fact that I'm "student centered" (you choose the songs you want to learn).

SOPHIE'S DAD says:
"Mary Shapiro is both a talented musician and a talented educator. Her lessons are fun, engaging, challenging and effective, filled with laughter, singing, learning and, of course, a lot of guitar playing. My daughter counts the days until her session with Mary. Anyone with a 7 year old taking music lessons knows that this is a special thing indeed! Mary can bring out the musician in just about anyone."

MILO is 13 years old and had taken guitar for 2 years before we met.

MILO'S MOM SAYS: "After interviewing several guitar teachers, we picked Mary because she is both willing to teach Milo the songs he wants to learn and the music theory he needs to know. The lessons are organized and sequential without being overly structured. Mary lets Milo lead while gently insuring that he gets his requisite skills. Milo enjoys practicing because he and Mary set achievable goals together. The expansion of his repertoire after the first year was amazing. Mary has also provided Milo with many opportunities to hear live music and perform."

MILO SAYS: "I love playing guitar! Mary's a great teacher who makes it easy to learn the songs I want to play. Sometimes we go on line together, and she's helped me learn how to find songs and start to play them on my own."