About

PortraitIMG_0138_edited-1Shirley Hubalek’s music career began on the plains of western Kansas when she began playing the piano for her third grade Sunday school hymn sing.  From there she continued the study of piano, organ, clarinet, guitar and voice.

Her undergraduate music studies were at Ft. Hays State University in Kansas with graduate study at Towson State University in Baltimore.  A love of jazz and a desire to expand her knowledge and skills led her to study jazz theory and jazz piano with the Dick Grove School Without Walls.

Ms. Hubalek’s training in classical voice and opera began with Doris Swearingin and Donn Everette Graham.  Studying contemporary vocal styles and techniques with Carol Westcott in Baltimore has added to her vocal expertise.  Shirley has an in-depth knowledge of injury prevention for pianists and organists acquired from The Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore and vocal injury prevention from Johns Hopkins Voice Center at Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

Educator

Over the past 30 years Ms. Hubalek has developed a comprehensive program of piano and voice instruction for students of all ages.  Her experience as a performing pianist and vocalist has given her a unique perspective into how to teach piano and voice.  She not only teaches the theory behind the music, but how to put that knowledge into practice.  Her love of improvisation has been of particular interest to her students.  She knows what students want and need to meet their goals and enjoy playing and singing for a lifetime.

Her career in music has been diverse.  While teaching classroom music in an American school in Germany, Shirley saw a need for quality music instruction and began teaching private piano lessons.  After answering an ad on a bulletin board for an English speaking piano teacher, Shirley discovered a passion for teaching piano to children with learning disabilities.

It was this successful experience of teaching children with special needs that prompted her to develop a music program for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.  Her recent participation in Swinburne University’s Autism MOOC (Australia)  has enabled her to connect with others in this field throughout the world.

Shirley has found success in the adult classroom, as well.  Her courses on musical theater, opera, jazz and classical music that she has taught through the Community College of Baltimore County as an adjunct faculty member have been well received.

Performer

Ms. Hubalek’s early start in church music led her to positions as Organist and Director of Music for churches of various denominations during the past 25 years.  Her skills as a cantor, vocalist, pianist, organist, arranger and choral director for children, youth and adult choirs have been an asset for her work in this arena.

Through the years, Shirley has earned invaluable experience performing as a pianist and vocalist for restaurants and corporate and private events.  As a member of the Montgomery County Masterworks Chorus in Bethesda Maryland, she had the privilege of singing first soprano in this highly acclaimed chorus under the direction of Edward Polochick.

Professional Memberships

MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)

HCMTA (Howard County Music Teachers Association)

MSMTA (Maryland State Music Teachers Association)

AGO (American Guild of Organists)