Ms. Sonk started piano lessons at age 7 in Seattle. Her family moved to NE Portland when she was 10; she attended Beaumont Middle School and Grant High School. At age 26 she started teaching piano in the same neighborhood until 2020 - nearly 65 years!

She's been a lifetime lover of music and a fan of both the Oregon Symphony and Chamber Music Northwest, and found teaching private lessons very satisfying, especially playing repertoire for two pianos with her students. 

Shirley was a member of both the Oregon Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association, adjudicating many contests. 

Ms. Sonk's daughter studied violin at CMC when Isadore Tinkleman was the director, and her granddaughter studied violin with CMC instructor Andrew Ehrlich.

Shirley came back to CMC to play Chopin on her Steinway one more time. "I feel that a love of music is important to all, and I think the Community Music Center is the right place to share my beloved piano with generations to come," she said.