At age 7, Sheryl began her study of piano with Margaret Power, Pat Robinson, and former concert pianist Edith Knox (grand-student of Rachmaninoff). She began teaching private lessons in 1970 and graduated South High School in Torrance, CA, in 1973. Winner of a concerto competition, Sheryl gave a moving performance of Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Peninsula Symphony from Palos Verdes in Redondo Beach, CA, in 1977. She won “Artist of the Future” and graduated UCLA that year with a Bachelor of Arts in Theory & Composition.

An accomplished classical pianist, Sheryl accompanied performing artist Whitney Crist's recital of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3, Opus 30, in 1997. Over the years, her accomplishments included composing, arranging, playing organ or keyboard at church, and leading worship.

Sheryl was a member of Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) 1978-2024, most recently serving as recording secretary for the Conejo Valley branch. For more information about the MTAC branch, please visit: www.mtacconejovalley.org. A caring and encouraging teacher, Sheryl had many piano students throughout her life and adored every single one.

Sheryl heroically taught each of her kids piano but her Grandkids had the musical genes. She spent hours with William and Lucas discussing music theory and improving together. Their love of music brought them closer after each visit. Sheryl’s musical talent will be passed on through generations through her Grandkids and the Memorial Scholarship Fund.