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Piano · Violin · Voice

Dr. Sharla Bender

Doctor of Musical Arts  •  Music Educator  •  St. Charles, Missouri

24 Years Teaching NCTM Certified DMA — University of Alabama Steinway Top Teacher
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Dr. Sharla Bender — Piano Teacher & Music Educator
24+ Years Teaching
2024 Steinway Top Piano Teacher
DMA Doctoral Degree
NCTM Nationally Certified

About Sharla

A Lifetime of
Musical Devotion

Dr. Sharla Bender brings over two decades of passion and expertise to every lesson. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano, she studied under Amanda Penick — the 2008 National Music Teacher of the Year — and has carried that tradition of excellence into her own studio in St. Charles, Missouri.

An experienced teacher of classical music, traditional hymns, and contemporary Christian worship, she welcomes students of all ages and ability levels. Whether you're a first-time student or an experienced musician, every lesson is tailored to help you flourish.

Beyond the studio, Dr. Bender is a Saint Louis Area Music Teachers Association (SLAMTA) board member, active community performer, and serves as an adjunct music professor at Urshan University in Wentzville, MO, shaping the next generation of musicians across the region.

Lessons Offered

What Sharla Teaches

From young beginners to adult learners, Sharla meets every student where they are and builds a personalized path toward their musical goals.

Sharla teaching piano

Piano

The heart of Sharla's studio. Lessons cover technique, music theory, sight-reading, and repertoire spanning classical, hymns, and contemporary worship — for beginners through advanced students.

Sharla teaching violin

Violin

With formal violin training since 5th grade, Sharla guides students through foundational technique and beautiful repertoire at every level.

Sharla teaching voice

Voice

Vocal instruction focused on healthy technique, musicality, and confidence — whether your goals are classical, worship, or simply finding your voice.

Credentials & Affiliations

Education & Experience

University Education

University of Alabama Huntingdon College

Doctor of Musical Arts
Piano Performance
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL
Studied under Amanda Penick, 2008 National Music Teacher of the Year

Master of Music
Piano Performance
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL

Bachelors of Music
Piano Concentration
Huntingdon College – Montgomery, AL

Nationally Certified Teacher of Music

NCTM designation through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) since 2019

The MTNA Professional Certification program exists for teachers who teach music to students of any age level in private or group settings. The program is based upon a set of five standards defining what a competent music teacher should know and be able to do. Upon fulfillment of these standards, applicants are granted the MTNA Professional Certification credential with the designation, NCTM

Regional Music Leadership

Current Immediate Past President of SLAMTA

Former President of the Saint Louis Area Music Teachers Association

The goal of SLAMTA is to connect professional colleagues, find resources for ongoing education, and for musical opportunities that nurture and inspire St. Louis area music students. Their goal is to strive for excellence in teaching and performing.

University Experience

Adjunct Music Professor
Urshan University – Wentzville, MO

Former Assistant Professor of Music
Urshan College – Florissant, MO

Former Adjunct Professor
Faulkner University – Montgomery, AL

Competition Leadership

Past Chair of the Missouri Young Artists Competition

Former Program Chair for SLAMTA

Adjudicator

SLAMTA District Auditions

MMTA State Auditions

Melody Makers Federation Club

Student Success

Student Accomplishments

Sharla believes that true musical growth extends beyond the practice room. Performing and demonstrating skills in competitive settings challenges students to rise to a higher standard, builds confidence, and instills a lifelong love of musical excellence.

Top ratings earned by Sharla Bender Studios students in regional and state competitions each year.

2022
4 District AuditionsI Rating
2 State AuditionsI Rating
2023
8 District AuditionsI Rating
8 State AuditionsI Rating
5 Sonatina FestivalSuperior Rating
2024
8 District AuditionsI Rating
6 State AuditionsI Rating
5 Sonatina FestivalSuperior Rating
2025
7 District AuditionsI Rating
6 State AuditionsI Rating
7 Sonatina FestivalSuperior Rating
2026
10 Sonatina FestivalSuperior Rating

*District and State Auditions are in the Fall, results are upcoming.

Other Accomplishments

Julianna A. cast as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical, Jr. May 2026
Alana T. selected to play for Dennis Alexander at the PTRT “Meet the Composer” Masterclass May 2026
Alana T. selected to play for Catherine Rollin at the SLAMTA Masterclass May 2025

Get in Touch

Ready to Start
Your Musical Journey?

Sharla welcomes students of all ages and skill levels to her private studio in St. Charles, Missouri. Reach out by email to ask about availability, lesson rates, or any questions you may have.

Not in the St. Louis area? No problem — virtual lessons are available via Zoom, bringing expert instruction directly to you wherever you are.

sharlabenderstudios@gmail.com
📍 St. Charles, Missouri