About the Teacher:
As a kid, music was my life. Yeah, I was that girl with the fermata t-shirt that says “hold me” on the back. (Okay, not really… but I totally would have worn that t-shirt. And if you don’t know what it means, just ask a chorus or band kid.) I’ve been playing piano since I was 5 years old and singing since… well, forever. When I went to college, there was no question in my mind that I was bound for New York City to be a star on Broadway.
(And then I realized that I didn’t really want to live in the city. Ahem.)
So I found a beautiful liberal arts college nestled in the hills of Amish country instead.
My formal education includes a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Westminster College and a Master of Music in Music History and Literature from Youngstown State University. If you love 20th century music, 11th century Irish poetry, and want to waste a few hours of your life, check out my master’s thesis about The Romantic Pilgrim: Narrative Structure in Samuel Barber’s Hermit Songs.
When somebody told me that I’d “never make a living as an independent music teacher,” I took it as a challenge that led to Sara’s Music Studio opening in 2010 in West Middlesex, PA. In addition to providing private lessons throughout the year, each summer the studio offers numerous workshops for piano and voice students. See the Lessons page for more information.
I’ve been teaching piano and voice lessons for the past 17 years. (Whaaat?! How does time fly so quickly?)
Teaching Philosophy:
Every music student is unique. They have distinct goals and aspirations. They learn in different ways. They like to listen to and explore music that speaks specifically to them. One of my primary goals as a teacher is to provide a unique learning experience tailored to my student’s aspirations.
My teaching style incorporates proven a variety of “old” techniques with “new” technology and teaching methods. Students will learn the foundations of piano or voice through exploring classical repertoire, jazz, blues, musical theatre, and popular music. Most importantly – my teaching philosophy focuses on making music enjoyable to learn!
Because if it’s not fun… why do it?
Outside of the Studio:
I’ve served as a part-time faculty member at Youngstown State University and a musicology guest lecturer on the Semester at Sea Enrichment Voyages through the University of Virginia. In April of 2015, she joined composers and authors Jennifer Eklund, Kristin Yost, and Debbie Center as a workshop leader through the Piano Bench Mag’s Creatives on the Sea Cruise. From 2015 – 2018 I worked with Upbeat Piano Teachers, and in 2017 and 2018, I served as the Resident Piano Pro at Musical U.
My current endeavors include business coaching for music business owners, working with Michelle Markwart Deveaux as a coach for The Speakeasy Cooperative, a group for independent voice teachers, and working with Molly Mahoney as FB Live Coach at The Prepared Performer.