Buffalo NY
For the young violinist:
I teach 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons with the option for weekly and semiweekly lessons.
Half hour lessons are perfect for beginners but students are quickly ready for longer lessons. Most students switch to forty five minute long lessons after a year of playing.
Beginners benefit greatly from meeting twice a week for a semester.
​
I teach in-person lessons at my home in Buffalo (Kenmore/Tonawanda)
virtual lessons are offered for students who live outside of the Buffalo area.
​
Instruments are also available for rent:
1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 violins available.
​
​
Photo: Andrea Wenglowskyj
For the adult learners:
I offer the option of having regularly scheduled weekly lessons or signing up for 'à la carte' lessons.
​
A weekly time slot would mean an obligation of consistent normal lessons for at least a month at a time. (Great for a beginner or a more serious adult student.)
​
à la carte is an option for non regular lessons with Sarah. These irregular lessons are offered based around availability in Sarah's schedule that month. - Great for if you already play violin and just need some 'tune ups' along the way ;)
What I teach:
​​
I teach violin and viola lessons in a traditional method built on the pedagogy and teachings of Paul Rolland, Suzuki, Mimi Zweig, Simon Fischer and Ivan Galamian.
​
-
Technique:
Every lesson I teach works to build a strong foundation of skills and habits: students are taught proper violin playing posture, good practicing skills, techniques for counting and rhythm and music theory knowledge. Every student is set up technically with care and attention so that advanced skills can be easily introduced at the right time for each student.
I incorporate Solfege and basic aural training regularly into lessons as a way of developing the ear and facilitate better intonation (playing in tune) on the violin.
​
-
Musicianship:
From the very first lesson, my goal is to foster the unique sound and personality of each student. I play violin with my students in each and every lesson helping them develop their ear and sensitivity to details in articulation and tone.
​
-
Whole body wellness:
Tension-free playing is important to me and I demonstrate different stretches that are helpful for violinists as well as discuss how to practice a new technique in a relaxed manner.
​
-
Performance opportunities:
There are two studio recitals each year, one in January and one in June. These provide all students a chance to perform for their peers and families with an accompanist. Preparation for recitals begins at the start of every semester and incorporates memorization, stage presence and collaboration with the pianist.
At the June recital, students are encouraged to perform two pieces; the solo, sonata or concerto in addition to a lighthearted "fun piece" that the student selects themselves. This could be a movie theme, video game music or a composition the student has composed themselves!
​
Throughout the year there are several other performance opportunities that Sarah asks select students to participate in.
​
-
Studio Classes: