Sara - Teacher #4667

Instruments:
- Violin

Services:
- Suzuki

Languages:
- English
- French
- Portugese

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, musician, and person, I believe that music is essential for everyone. It has the power to shape our brains, foster emotional awareness, and build connections—not just with others, but also with ourselves. Music allows us to view the world from a unique perspective, and I strive to instill that in my students.

In my teaching, I focus on making each student feel a sense of accomplishment, no matter where they are in their musical journey. Learning an instrument can be challenging and, at times, frustrating, but I believe those moments of difficulty are just as important as the triumphs. My goal is to guide students through these ups and downs, helping them develop resilience and pride in their progress.

Everyone’s musical path is different, and I tailor my lessons to suit each student’s needs, whether they are aiming to master a new technique or simply wanting to enjoy the process of playing music. Ultimately, I want my students to see music not just as a skill to be learned but as a tool for personal growth and a lifelong source of joy.

Musical Education

I hold a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from East Carolina University, where I studied under the virtuoso professor Hye-Jin Kim, herself a former student of the renowned Ida Kavafian at the Curtis Institute of Music. In addition to my violin studies, I also perform on the viola, broadening my experience in both instruments. I am certified to teach Suzuki violin, covering books 1 through 10, having learned the Suzuki method from the esteemed Joanne Bath, one of the most respected figures in Suzuki education.

My musical journey began at the age of 8 at the School of Music of Brasília, where I first discovered my passion for the violin. Later, I moved to the US to pursue advanced studies in music, and this diverse background has shaped my approach to both performance and teaching.

Awards and Distinctions

The Schubert Teaching Fellowship

Special Skills and Training

I am a Suzuki-certified instructor for violin, certified in Books 1 through 10. In addition to my certification, I have participated in a variety of residencies and festivals that have enriched my teaching and performance experience, such as the Richard Luby Violin Symposium (2013) and CIVEBRA – International Summer Music Course in Brasília (2012). Beyond my performance background, I hold a Master’s in Arts Administration from Indiana University. This has given me valuable experience behind the scenes, where I’ve helped organize recitals and events for esteemed organizations such as the Heifetz International Music Institute, the Glimmerglass Festival, and the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions. As a performer, I’ve had the opportunity to play violin in Broadway musicals across North Carolina, including productions of Phantom of the Opera, Shrek the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. My diverse experience in both teaching and performing allows me to bring a well-rounded approach to my lessons, giving students insight not only into playing but also into the broader world of music and performance.

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).

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Information for Student #1


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