Sarah S  
Instruments: Flute
Styles: Classical, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Marching Band, Avant-garde

I have been teaching music in earnest in some capacity for the past five years. I worked as the music intern for a church where I would lead choir warmups and rehearsals, and from there I got my first flute student - a lovely soprano who was roughly 70 years young and had played flute in her high school days. I've assisted with high school and middle school band classes, and have worked as the flute technician for marching band camps. By working with such a wide variety of ages, levels, and personalities, I've learned to cater my teaching style to the individual that I am working with. I view lessons as a collaboration between student and teacher, and do my best to take each student's life experience, learning style, and music preferences into consideration as we approach each lesson.

I do my best to meet a student where they are, find out their interests and what practice routine their schedules allow for, and then go from there to create a custom plan for them. Regardless of their level and goals, however, students are always reminded that scales and practice are some of the best tools for success. A strong emphasis is placed on honing listening skills, as well, as this benefits students in both their ensemble and solo playing. Students are encouraged to learn the background of the music that they are playing, as this creates a deeper understanding and appreciation for what they are learning.