Suzuki Violin, Viola
Education
Sarah received her B.M. in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music. She participated in the Violin and Viola Pedagogy graduate course at Peabody Institute, received Improvisation lessons with Tina Chancey, Jazz Violin Private Lessons with Eddie Drennon at Levine Music, Suzuki Teacher Training Books 1-4 with Christy Felsing, Rhonda Cole and Catherine Lee and is currently studying Alexander Technique with Karen Guertler, Jan Baty and Cynthia Mauney. In 2012 Sarah attended the Mark O’Connor Fiddle Camp at Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and the Summer Teacher Retreat Violin Pedagogy Workshop at Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University) in 2008.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Sarah blends the clean sounds of a classical violinist with the energy of Irish reels and the soul of early American jazz. Together with her group the Sligo Creek Stompers, she has performed on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, the WDVX Blue Plate Special (Knoxville, TN) and at the Historic Synagogue on Sixth & I (Washington, DC). The Sligo Creek Stompers have released two CDs. Sarah also remains active as a freelancer for orchestras, quartets, and other ensembles throughout the DC area.
Sarah is currently the Assistant Conductor of the Preparatory Strings with the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. While living in Cincinnati, she was co-director and violin instructor with the Starling Kids Program at University of Cincinnati, College Conservatory of Music.
At Levine
Sarah has been on the Levine faculty since 2005 where she teaches private violin and viola lessons and is also the Assistant Chair of the Strings Department.
Sarah enjoys teaching at Levine because it “offers an array of opportunities for students. From monthly campus recitals and juries to annual competitions and the Honors Program, Levine has something to help students progress at all levels.” Sarah also values the relationships and the collaboration with other faculty members.
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“I strive to instill a love of music in all of my students. I stress a strong foundation in technique and classical music while also encouraging students to explore other styles of music they enjoy. I believe in the value and joy of playing music with others and asks all of my students to participate in an ensemble of some kind: Suzuki group classes, quartets, or youth orchestras in addition to their private lessons.”
Personal
Sarah is a very active person; she enjoys dancing, biking, swimming, yoga and cooking.