Sarah H
5.0
(6)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Avant-garde
5.0
(6)
Sarah H
5.0
(6)
Instruments: Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Recorder
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
Ages Taught: 8-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
MM, New England Conservatory, Jazz Saxophone
BME, University of Maryland, Music Education and Classical Saxophone
Awards:
2008 Graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland
2004 University of Maryland Dean’s Scholarship recipient
2004 Recipient of the Director’s Scholarship from the University of Maryland School of Music
2004 Recipient of the Maryland Senatorial Scholarship
Overview:
I am a passionate and patient instructor who loves to help students find joy in making music. I believe that developing a methodical way of practicing and thinking about music reading, tone production, and creating rhythm is the key to unlocking students' abilities to enjoy the music they produce. In 2008 I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. During my ungraduate years I studied classical saxophone with Dale Underwood and was selected as a soloist with the university's concert band on two occassions. I was also a member of the school's jazz ensembles and began to study improvisation. Between 2008 and 2013 I taught classes and lessons, mostly classical in nature, but also played regularly in jazz ensembles around Washington DC. I honed my improvisation skills through attending Barry Harris' Jazz Workshop in NY and recieving lessons from the great Lee Konitz. I've had the opportunity to play with many formidable members of the jazz community, both old and young, and have performed at many venues. You can view my website for the particulars, along with samples of my jazz improvisation and free improvisation.
EXPERIENCE
Upon graduating from the Univerity of Maryland, I taught elementary band and strings at 3 different public schools in Maryland. In addition, I taught privately in three locations, including a Music & Arts Center, instructing beginning through advanced students, both children and adults. I relish finding ways in which students relate most to music and love that everybody is different. I have the most experience with beginning students, who I love to start from scratch in developing good habits with their playing and practicing techniques in a fun and approachable way. My goal is to ignite passion in students through exposing them to a variety of ways of thinking about music-- it is never too early to show students that composing and improvising can be fun in addition to performing written music. I am well-versed in teaching fundamental note and rhythm reading through both visual and aural avenues. With intermediate and advanced classical saxophone students I strive to encourage greater musicality through focus on expressive interpretation of phrasing and form, and studying of both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
METHODS USED
For beginning students who are children, I usually start with a songbook, such as the Accent on Achievement method book. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals, I begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adult students, I try to find out what the student is interested in pursuing, and then if they are a beginner, I teach fundamentals through the Rubank method books and supplement with songs that are approapriate to the student's taste. If a student is interested in beginning improvisation, I start with teaching simple forms, such as the blues, in order to introduce the idea of playing over a chord progression as well as playing by ear, and then proceed according to the student's interests.
LESSON STYLE
I believe that developing a methodical way of practicing and thinking about music reading, tone production, and creating rhythm is the key to unlocking the ability of students to enjoy the music they produce. Therefore, my teaching style is methodical in that I try to be consistent with expectations for prepared material and activities for each lesson, while also being flexible to the unique needs of individual students. I also like to play with my students-- duets are a great way for students who are not in school ensemble to get a taste of what music is about, creating something beautiful with other people!
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
Deborah Mccauley
Sarah is not only knowledgeable about music and instruments but makes learning comfortable and fun for my 10 year old granddaughter. Sarah arrives promptly and is always prepared. She is upbeat and her love of music is very evident in how she engages her student. Sarah is patient and encouraging.
Ye Sun
good teacher and patient to student
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