My name is Dr. Chun Wong and this is our testimonial. Our daughters started with Ms. Donna at age 6 and 4 and it has been almost over five years now. They learn using face-to-face lessons and also, FaceTime or online because we travel a lot. Ms. Donna is loved by our daughters and every time the lesson started our girls are excited. She brought not only joy and excitement during the lesson but also kept the music alive. Our daughters are eager and looking forward to each and every of her lessons. Ms. Donna does has a unique teaching style by being not boring and knowing how to capture the interests of our children as their minds drifted. We are happy that we found her and now our daughters are playing at a much higher level of the piano lesson. As physicians both of us value Ms. Donna’s enthusiasm to teach and the values she brought at each and every lesson. We are fortunate to have found her.
By the Wong family
Thank you Donna!
I’ve been taking lessons from Donna since moving to the desert 10 years ago. Several years before I retired from teaching, I began studying piano and hoped to continue in the desert. My search for a teacher ended when I met Donna. Donna is always earnestly positive and encouraging. She listens to my concerns and understands how to break down a concept and a piece of music so Success is possible.
I look forward to every lesson. Thank you Donna.
Janet 😊
Fate helped me find Donna. I took piano for two years at the age of 10 to 12. I then played the organ and piano for my Greek Othodox church for 25 years. Pretty much self taught. After a 20 year hiatus I decided to take piano lessons again. For the last two plus years I’ve been taking lessons. And at each lesson I’ve learned sometimes new. Donna is an incredible caring and kind teacher. Her depth of knowledge and her career are amazing. I cannot be more grateful for finding her. I will be taking lessons for many more years to come.
Nickie Tripodes.
I had the great pleasure of teaching Donna Wiehebrink Shaw from elementary school to her college years at Cal State Fullerton where she majored in Music.
As my student she participated in the Music Teacher’s Association of California and the American College of Musician’s program. She reached the Advanced Level in both programs.
I highly recommend Donna as a highly accomplished and talented pianist.
Yours truly,
Thelma Giolli
Member of MTAC and American College of Musicians
Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of California at Berkeley
I am the Owner and Manager of a successful Resort and Spa operation in Southern California. Having managed several hotels throughout my career, including having served as a Trainer myself for the Hilton brand, it’s this experience which enables me to solidly recommend Donna Shaw – as both a teacher and mentor to anyone for their exposure and ongoing growth in their musical pursuits. Donna Shaw has far and wide been a superior instructor for many reasons, not the least of which is her ability to instill confidence in one’s ability to actually learn to play the piano-at any age!
I’ve personally met several of Donna Shaw’s other students of various ages-ranging from 4 years to 60+ years old…and have witnessed their progress over the years that I have been under Donna’s instruction. It has been extremely encouraging to see their growth and understanding and I’ve come to deeply appreciate the many ways in which Donna has help them learn to appreciate and play the piano!
I’d have to say, Donna’s enthusiasm is infectious, not to mention she has an easy manner and great sense of humor. All of these traits have really helped me personally to stick with my lessons, push myself to practice (she never scolds which is very different from other instructors I’ve tried-what a relief!) and is great at gently prodding me along my path of learning to play the piano with ease.
One of her features is the “Dr. Donna” ability to contact her through the internet to get a quick answer or a little help when I’ve been stuck or hung up on techniques…or have a question that I could not figure out before my next lesson. I love this added approach and feel it’s a great added benefit -somethin tv I was never able to get from those quickie you tube videos. I can honestly recommend Donna Shaw as you are consider taking lessons for the first time or are returning to the piano after a season…you will not regret the skill, joy and experience she will bring to your pursuit. I, myself am an ongoing student who plans to continue with her instruction indefinitely!
Bruce Abney
My name is Kris Davis. As a retired Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, who has supervised and evaluated many teachers over the years, I am uniquely qualified to assess the effectiveness of a variety of approaches to teaching.
In my years as her piano student, I have found Donna to be an energetic, engaging instructor. Her depth of musical knowledge is astounding—I continue to learn and grow with each lesson.
Donna has taken me to a skill level I never thought possible. I plan to continue for many more years to come…
Donna Shaw is the most caring, encouraging and passionate piano teacher I have ever encountered.
She taught four of my children and often found a way to connect music with their unique personality and strengths.
My children’s confidence and self esteem improved from learning piano with Donna. The gift of learning how to play the piano has been a joy and creative outlet in their lives.
Ansley Family