Sandra Canizares and her family moved from Cuba to Indiana six years ago, first to Bloomington and then settling in the Center Grove area.
Even before coming to the U.S., however, the family’s home was filled with music. Canizares’ husband earned his master’s degree in music performance and teaches music at an IPS school. Her two sons take drum and saxophone lessons.
She, too, wanted to share her love of music with others, and that passion led her to launch SC Music Place.
“I began offering piano and voice lessons in my home, but after a year I decided to open my own studio,” Canizares said. “Six months ago we moved to a larger studio because we wanted to offer more classes, and the business continued to grow.”
SC Music Place offers voice lessons, music theory, and lessons in just about any instrument you can think of: piano, guitar, drums, woodwinds and more.
They most recently opened a class for preschoolers, ages 3 to 5.
“Moms were reaching out to me because they want their little ones to start learning an instrument,” Canizares said. “It’s an early age to start one-on-one instruction, so I created a program where they can develop their musicality, learn about different instruments, listen to music, dance and sing songs. The kids love it.”
She offers classes for all ages, but working with children isn’t new. Canizares has led children’s choirs, taught in a music academy, and currently serves as the music director at First Baptist Church in Greenwood.
“Music is my happy place,” she said. “The students often come to me and they are very shy, but they have the desire and the talent. They just have to find the confidence. I love sharing my passion for music with my students.”
What Canizares finds most fulfilling is watching the development and growth of each person. She hosts three recitals each year, and it’s evident to anyone watching that their hard work is paying off.
“One of the reasons people come to me is for the relationships and connections I make with the students,” she said. “I listen to them and they want to go home and practice and do well. This is a family. This is special to me.”
The future is looking bright for SC Music Place. Canizares has plans to start an adult community choir, open a musical theater class, and also continue to expand.
“Eventually I’d like to have a cultural center – a big place where we could have many arts combined,” she said. “Maybe cooking classes and dancing classes. I’d like to have an area for moms. I’m always looking forward and researching how to make this better.”
Music is at the center of her life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. The family recently received their U.S. citizenship, and they are ready to share their love of music with the community.
“I’m living my dream,” Canizares said. “Music is really a universal language. Sometimes it’s hard if I have to speak in Spanish or pray in public, but when I sing, that’s different. When you do what you love, it makes everything easier.”
