Hi there, I'm Sharon, the founder of Heart Strings Mandarin. My journey with Mandarin language learning through music began in 2013 in Chapel Hill, NC. At the time, my children were little, and I searched everywhere for Mandarin singalongs and story times—but found none. I was already working as a music teacher at a Chinese Immersion Preschool and witnessed firsthand how children effortlessly absorbed language through songs. So, I decided to create what I couldn't find—a fun and engaging Mandarin Music Early Childhood program focused on Mandarin acquisition, musical development, and supporting early childhood development (physical and socio-emotional).

Heart Strings Mandarin was born from my love for music and my passion for language learning. As a music educator, music therapist, and classically trained pianist, I hold a Master’s in Expressive Therapy (Music Therapy specialization) and am also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Over the years, I’ve written many original songs specifically designed to teach Mandarin to young children. These songs are playful, meaningful, and fun to sing.

I’m also a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer, and I love integrating my diverse musical skills into my teaching. From the piano to the guitar and beyond, live music is at the heart of every class. My curriculum focuses on “useful language”—commonly used words and phrases that children can immediately put into practice. We explore themes through class blocks, using creative repetition to help children absorb and retain what they learn.

After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2016, I took a short break to focus on teaching piano and raising my kids. But when the pandemic hit, I knew it was time to bring Heart Strings Mandarin back—this time as an accessible online experience that could reach more families and create meaningful connections from the comfort of home.

My goal is to create an atmosphere where children feel supported, excited, and eager to learn—because when learning is joyful, it sticks. Heart Strings Mandarin is about more than just language; it’s about sparking curiosity, fostering creativity, and nurturing a lifelong love for music and learning. Together, we’ll create lasting memories filled with laughter, connection, and discovery.

Thank you for being here and sharing in this journey. I can’t wait to learn and grow with you and your little ones!