Getting hired to provide live piano music for parties introduces me to a variety of celebrations.

During the process of planning my music, I have the opportunity to learn more about the client or company that has hired me.  During the event I learn even more when presentations and speeches are given. I always come away with a fresh appreciation of the work my clients do.

This past week I have had the pleasure of playing for several educational institutions.  Last evening I had the honor of providing background piano music at a performing arts center for educators and support staff that are retiring from years of service in their school district. Some of them have served over 30 years! The party included family members of the retirees. There were some sweet children that put their energy to use by dancing to my music! What a fun event! Congrats to the retirees and thank you to them for their many years of service to educating and supporting our youth.

Last week a university hosted an appreciation reception for those involved in their mentor-ship program. This reception honored graduates from the university that helped mentor their university students throughout the year. The event was held in their beautiful atrium and included me providing background piano music. These mentors provide a valuable contribution to the students education. I was happy that my music was included to help honor these wonderful mentors.

In June another university will hold a reception to honor employees that are celebrating a milestone in their years of service and I am delighted to be their pianist for the event!

I am so appreciative of the wonderful educational opportunities that are available in Minnesota.

I love sharing my music to honor and celebrate the achievements of our educators and support staff!

Readers at Minnesota Bride Magazine voted for the wedding professionals they considered to be the Best.  

The results were tallied and Sharon Planer was delighted to have been voted the recipient for 'Best of 2017' Ceremony music category!

I appreciate the wedding couples, event professionals and people that experienced my piano music services and considered me worthy of their vote at Minnesota Bride Magazine.  It has been my passion to get to know each wedding couple that hires me and do my best to fulfill their vision for the music on their wedding day.  It makes me happy to know that so many of my wedding couples were pleased with my music! 

There are many wonderful wedding musicians in the Twin Cities including the other two finalists the Loring String Quartet and the Lake Minnetonka String Quartet.

Remember to pick up a copy of MInnesota Bride Magazine at your local newsstand or call 1-800-637-0334 for great planning tips and real wedding stories.

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association is a valuable asset to me as a wedding professional.

One of the highlights of my job as a solo musician is getting to meet with my engaged couples to plan their music. It puts me directly in touch with their wedding needs and wishes. I absolutely love getting to know them! On the day of their wedding I feel a wonderful connection to them and the special moments that their wedding day represents.

Even though I have this wonderful connection with my wedding couples, as a solo musician I miss the comradeship that those in traditional professional roles enjoy. This has led me to reach out to other professionals in the wedding business.

Being a member at Central MN Wedding Association has been fun, insightful and educational. Members of CMWA are accepted based on their business integrity, professionalism and commitment to excellence. At our meetings I have had the opportunity to get to know some of the best in the wedding profession! 

My favorite meeting of the year is the Wedding Panel where newlywed couples share their insights with members of the CMWA. The couples share what went wrong and what went right with their weddings and how their wedding professionals contributed to their wedding experiences. I always come away from this meeting with inspirational ideas on how to improve my services!

I am very proud of our Code of Ethics that each member pledges to follow.

Watch the video below to view first hand how CMWA has helped myself and others in our professional lives.

I am happy to have found a wonderful balance between my solo piano performances, interaction with my wedding couples, and networking with other wedding professionals!