My Teaching Philosophy

I fundamentally believe that it is of the utmost importance for students to learn repertoire that they enjoy. I work with each student to lay out their goals and discover their favourite genres of music. Together, we create a plan that we both feel is attainable and exciting.

Located in Brooklyn, New York

I also offer virtual lessons, from anywhere!

Practicing can be really fun if you’re working to reach your own musical goals and learning what you want to learn!

Lessons for Kids

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  • Keeping The Beat:

    Each week, I will ask the student to think of a song they like. We’ll start the lesson by being up on our feet, and marching or clapping in time to the song.

    Listening Game:

    It’s important for children to develop aural skills at a young age. To make it fun, I have paddles with different pictures of animals on them. I’ll hold a paddle up, and the student will have to make the sound associated with that animal, using the instrument they’re learning. For example, a lion would be loud, and a bird would be high.

    Song:

    At this point, we’d take a brief look at the song the student is working on for the week.

    Improvisation:

    We’ll take a break from the song to work on our creativity and imagination. The student will pick a topic, character or a story and use the instrument to express it.

    Song:

    We’ll take another look at the song.

    Practicing Plan:

    We’ll discuss the practicing plan for the week. This normally consists of practicing the song or skill that we’ve been working on, along with a fun worksheet about music that involves colouring and creativity!

    Student’s Choice:

    I’ll end the lesson by allowing the student to choose what they would like to do from any of the fun activities we have done in the past.

  • Discussion:

    We’ll discuss the student’s week, and how they felt about their practice time. If they didn’t enjoy it, we’ll discuss ways to make it more enjoyable.

    Navigating the Instrument:

    We’ll learn about different parts of the instrument, and how we create different sounds.

    Clapback or Playback:

    We will take turns clapping or playing a simple rhythm or melody, and having the other play or clap it back.

    Scales or Improvisation:

    We will alternate between learning technique one week, and working on our creativity the next week.

    Brief introduction to music theory: We’ll discuss the basic aspects of music theory, such as the names of notes and the length of rhythms.

    Song:

    We’ll take a look at the song of the week.

    Practicing Plan:

    We’ll make a plan for practicing, and will discuss any potential theory worksheets that will be completed over the week.

    Student’s Choice: I’ll end the lesson by allowing the student to choose what they would like to do from any of the fun activities we have done in the past.

  • Discussion:

    We’ll discuss your week, practicing progress and goals for the upcoming week.

    Warm-Up:

    I’ll lead you in a brief warm-up to get ready to play.

    Technique:

    We’ll review the technique from last week and introduce the technique for the upcoming week.

    Repertoire:

    We’ll spend the majority of our time working on the repertoire that you’ve picked out, and on achieving your personal musical goals.

I have been working with kids since I was twelve years old. Through my work as a Recreation Ranger and a Nanny, I have learned how to tailor a learning experience specific to a child’s needs and interests.

I am constantly working to find new ways to engage students throughout their lessons. I tailor the learning towards the student’s interests because it is much easier for them to be engaged when they’re learning about something that they love!

Dr. Katie Goodine

“Sarah taught my 5 year old son piano lessons, and he had a wonderful experience.  She is a creative and energetic instructor. Our family especially appreciated the concert she organized for the end of the summer.  It was so fun to see our son perform, and he was very proud. Thanks, Sarah!” 

 

Rebecca Lutwick

“My oldest daughter (9) took piano lessons with Sarah. Sarah was amazing and Sophia loved every minute of the lessons. She looked forward to the lesson and even reminded me of them multiply times to make sure she did not miss them. Sophia can not wait to go back to her lessons again with Sarah and has talked about her so much that now my youngest also wants lessons. Sarah was flexible with work schedules and made it easy. She also sent me sheets for Sophia that helped her in her learning. We all look forward to having Sarah back and to continue the lessons again. Her love for music has made Sophia’s love for music grow and I am looking forward to what she can do for my youngest. I would recommend Sarah to anyone that asks. She is amazing.”

TESTIMONIALS

Eric Aldrich, Age 63

“Sarah is an excellent piano teacher. Despite having some challenges with my learning due to a previous injury/medical condition, Sarah was extremely patient with me and ensured that her lessons were matched with my abilities. I'm very happy with my progress at learning the piano, this has been something that I've wanted to do for a long time. Sarah has really helped me on my learning journey. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a piano teacher.”