Our director, Katrina Degel, is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, as well as NYU, with degrees in Music. All faculty members are accomplished musicians with decades of instrument and performance experience, as well as a passion for teaching. Moreover, the instruments that they teach are their primary instruments. We performs both a Florida state background check as well as a nationwide background check.Shining Star Music Academy adopts the practice of positive encouragement. Our friendly and patient instructors know how to engage students in a positive, fun and encouraging learning environment where they can enjoy and progress at their own pace.
Performing in public is a wonderful way for students to build confidence, motivate them, learn time-management, and share their musical expression with others. It is also a joyful time for parents and family to get to see the improvement and creativity of the student.
We organize two yearly recitals, as well as retirement home performances throughout the year. Our Spring Recital is in May, and our Fall Recital is in December.
Payment methods
- Cash, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments
Services
Piano Lessons
Report
5 and up! Each student gets a free first lesson and evaluation with our Director, Katrina. She will let you know what to expect and ensure each student starts at the correct level.
Shining Star uses the latest and best in piano pedagogy to ensure that each student, regardless of their age and experience, will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Shining Star uses the latest and best in piano pedagogy to ensure that each student, regardless of their age and experience, will have a fun, encouraging and educational experience!
Voice Lessons
Report
Singing is a very personal experience and a challenging instrument to learn. There is no button to push - it is an instrument we must learn through practicing, listening and proper guidance. A great teacher can help you belt out your favorite tune at karaoke, sing harmony at church, or even help you write your own melodies. Let's get started!
Videos
Shining Star Music Academy Parker and Charley
Parker's family shares why they love their lessons with us.
www.ShiningStarMusicAcademy.com
Shining Star Music Academy is an academy of teachers who love music and teaching, and drive to the student's home (in the Gainesville, FL area) for lessons each week.
Shining Star Music Academy in Gainesville, FL Owen's Testimonial
Owen's family shares why they love their lessons with us.
Check us out at www.shiningstarmusicacademy.com
Shining Star Music Academy is an academy of teachers who love music and teaching, and drive to the student's home (in the Gainesville, FL area) for lessons each week.
Reviews (18)
Kristy Bickmeyer
Oct 23, 2021
Danika Oliverio
Jul 15, 2021
We have had a fantastic experience with Shining Star Music. Katrina told me when we started that she wanted each family to be ecstatic with their teacher, and she made that "good fit" a priority. I told her my goal was to make sure the kids thoroughly enjoyed playing music, for the pure fun of it. Sure enough, that has been our experience. My kids absolutely love their piano and voice teacher, who is a music education major.
They have learned SO much in one year, it amazes me. They look forward to lessons, and I don't have to remind them to practice, they just do it, because they enjoy it that much. To say I'm pleased is kind of an understatement! We are starting our second year with Shining Star, and we are all looking forward to it.
They have learned SO much in one year, it amazes me. They look forward to lessons, and I don't have to remind them to practice, they just do it, because they enjoy it that much. To say I'm pleased is kind of an understatement! We are starting our second year with Shining Star, and we are all looking forward to it.
Danika Oliverio
Jun 30, 2021
We have had a fantastic experience with Shining Star Music. Katrina told me when we started that she wanted each family to be ecstatic with their teacher, and she made that “good fit” a priority. I told her my goal was to make sure the kids thoroughly enjoyed playing music, for the pure fun of it. Sure enough, that has been our experience. My kids absolutely love their piano and voice teacher, who is a music education major.
They have learned SO much in one year, it amazes me. They look forward to lessons, and I don’t have to remind them to practice, they just do it, because they enjoy it that much. To say I’m pleased is kind of an understatement! We are starting our second year with Shining Star, and we are all looking forward to it.
They have learned SO much in one year, it amazes me. They look forward to lessons, and I don’t have to remind them to practice, they just do it, because they enjoy it that much. To say I’m pleased is kind of an understatement! We are starting our second year with Shining Star, and we are all looking forward to it.
Lisa Magary
Jun 23, 2021
Helen
Feb 20, 2021
We found Shining Star Music Academy because we wanted an in-home piano teacher for our kids. It has been a blessing to our family especially during the pandemic when everything closed. Our kids enjoy their piano classes and are developing new skills. The teachers are patient and supportive. We are glad to have found Shining Star Music Academy.
Greg Stitt
Dec 19, 2020
I'm a middle-aged, long-time instrumentalist who decided to try singing as something new. I've studied vocals with Katrina for two years now and am thrilled with the progress I've made during that time. I went from refusing to ever sing in public to receiving compliments from strangers during live performances. I've studied music my entire life with numerous teachers, and based on that experience can give my highest recommendation to Shining Star.
Lora Levett
Apr 23, 2020
We started piano lessons in August with Shining Star - it's awesome so far! I have a 6 year old and a 4 year old, and they both are learning so much - it's really cool to watch and help them practice. Katrina is awesome - she came to the house to do the initial assessment, and the kids loved her. My six year old wrote a song with her (really simple song) the first day and he was thrilled!
She also was really flexible with my 4 year old, and we started her knowing she might have to switch to shorter lessons or hold off a few months - but it seems to be going well so far. Our teacher, Alexia, is awesome, too! The kids adore her, and she is really great with them. They especially love the 'warm ups' where she plays with them and they can play whatever they want - it's super cute.
I should say, too, that our schedule was not easy to work with - my husband and I both work full time, and Katrina and Alexia were able to do our first preference of time - which makes our lives so much easier. I'm so excited to have my kids in lessons with such great teachers!
She also was really flexible with my 4 year old, and we started her knowing she might have to switch to shorter lessons or hold off a few months - but it seems to be going well so far. Our teacher, Alexia, is awesome, too! The kids adore her, and she is really great with them. They especially love the 'warm ups' where she plays with them and they can play whatever they want - it's super cute.
I should say, too, that our schedule was not easy to work with - my husband and I both work full time, and Katrina and Alexia were able to do our first preference of time - which makes our lives so much easier. I'm so excited to have my kids in lessons with such great teachers!
Helen Goh
Apr 13, 2020
Lora Levett
Sep 16, 2019
We started piano lessons in August with Shining Star - it's awesome so far!! I have a 6 year old and a 4 year old, and they both are learning so much - it's really cool to watch and help them practice. Katrina is awesome - she came to the house to do the initial assessment, and the kids loved her. My six year old wrote a song with her (really simple song) the first day and he was thrilled!
She also was really flexible with my 4 year old, and we started her knowing she might have to switch to shorter lessons or hold off a few months - but it seems to be going well so far. Our teacher, Alexia, is awesome, too! The kids adore her, and she is really great with them. They especially love the 'warm ups' where she plays with them and they can play whatever they want - it's super cute.
I should say, too, that our schedule was not easy to work with - my husband and I both work full time, and Katrina and Alexia were able to do our first preference of time - which makes our lives so much easier. I'm so excited to have my kids in lessons with such great teachers!
She also was really flexible with my 4 year old, and we started her knowing she might have to switch to shorter lessons or hold off a few months - but it seems to be going well so far. Our teacher, Alexia, is awesome, too! The kids adore her, and she is really great with them. They especially love the 'warm ups' where she plays with them and they can play whatever they want - it's super cute.
I should say, too, that our schedule was not easy to work with - my husband and I both work full time, and Katrina and Alexia were able to do our first preference of time - which makes our lives so much easier. I'm so excited to have my kids in lessons with such great teachers!
Amanda McDaniel
Jun 20, 2019
My 14 yr old took piano lessons for two years at a well known local business, but we had to take a couple months off due to schedule conflicts. We decided somewhere closer to home would be more convenient and inquired about lessons with Katrina. She did love her old music teacher, but has already mentioned that she enjoys Katrina's teaching technique better.
I've also started piano lessons for my awesome and bright, but very active, short attention spanned 8 yr old with Katrina. I wasn't quite sure how well it would go since it's hard to keep her attention. I was quite surprised at how much interest she showed during her lesson! It was awesome to see her so focused and interested in learning, and I was so proud at how much she learned just from the first time:) Katrina seems to work really well with different ages and personalities.
I've also started piano lessons for my awesome and bright, but very active, short attention spanned 8 yr old with Katrina. I wasn't quite sure how well it would go since it's hard to keep her attention. I was quite surprised at how much interest she showed during her lesson! It was awesome to see her so focused and interested in learning, and I was so proud at how much she learned just from the first time:) Katrina seems to work really well with different ages and personalities.
Michelle Seibold
Apr 15, 2019
Amanda Lariz- McDaniel
Apr 02, 2019
My 14 yr old took piano lessons for two years at a well known local business, but we had to take a couple months off due to schedule conflicts. We decided somewhere closer to home would be more convenient and inquired about lessons with Katrina. She did love her old music teacher, but has already mentioned that she enjoys Katrina's teaching technique better.
I've also started piano lessons for my awesome and bright, but very active, short attention spanned 8 yr old with Katrina. I wasn't quite sure how well it would go since it's hard to keep her attention. I was quite surprised at how much interest she showed during her lesson! It was awesome to see her so focused and interested in learning, and I was so proud at how much she learned just from the first time: Katrina seems to work really well with different ages and personalities. I definitely recommend Shining Star Music Academy.
I've also started piano lessons for my awesome and bright, but very active, short attention spanned 8 yr old with Katrina. I wasn't quite sure how well it would go since it's hard to keep her attention. I was quite surprised at how much interest she showed during her lesson! It was awesome to see her so focused and interested in learning, and I was so proud at how much she learned just from the first time: Katrina seems to work really well with different ages and personalities. I definitely recommend Shining Star Music Academy.
Marlene
Great introductory lesson with Katrina. She asked good questions to evaluate what I already know and then wrote up a lesson plan for me to start on. Since I'm returning to piano after many years off, there is so much I've forgotten and need to start over on. And yet other things that I still remember. That makes a lot of pieces to put together to keep it interesting.
Lena
Chrissy Z.
I just had my first lesson with Katrina and I ALREADY know she's an amazing teacher, approachable, very knowledgable, and does an excellent job balancing explaining WHY I'm doing something, HOW to do it, and then DOING it. I'm excited to continue workings with her and got lucky to have found the right person the first time.
Steve M.
Katie
Elliana