Sarah Sindhuja - Teacher #3081

Instruments:
- Violin

Services:
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- Suzuki

Languages:
- English

Teaching Philosophy

I started playing the violin at the age of 5, but it wasn’t a smooth path. I struggled to understand the music on the page, my posture was incorrect, and reading notes was a challenge. When I joined the orchestra, I felt lost and inadequate, often surviving rather than thriving. The imposter syndrome was real, and I even gave up on trying to be a violinist at one point. I remember crying silently because I didn’t have anyone to guide me. However, things changed when I found the right support.

It was my violin teacher that changed my life.

I hope to be that teacher to all my students. I strive to provide the support and understanding that I once lacked. My goal is to help my students not just play the violin but to feel the music, embrace the challenges, and find joy in every note. I believe in patience, an open mind, and creating a nurturing environment where students can grow at their own pace. My journey with the violin has taught me that it’s okay to struggle, and it’s even better to overcome those struggles and find passion in the process.

Musical Education

I have been passionately dedicated to playing the violin for over 20 years. A highlight of my musical journey was at the age of 12 with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, where I performed until I was 15. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed playing in multiple ensembles across various genres, including pop, classical, and oriental music. I also proudly served as a First Violinist in the Durham Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, I have completed all 8 levels of ABRSM in both Violin and Music Theory, which has provided me with a strong foundation in performance and musical understanding.

Special Skills and Training

I have over 5 years of teaching experience, specializing in ensemble playing for young violinists. My background is solidified by completing all 8 levels of ABRSM in both Violin and Music Theory. My musical journey includes extensive ensemble playing across a variety of genres, from classical to pop and oriental music. I was a member of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka from a young age and later became a First Violinist in the Durham Chamber Orchestra. My early start in music, including private study and professional engagements from the age of 12, has given me a deep understanding of both technique and musical expression, which I bring into my teaching.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).