Sarah - Teacher #4795

Instruments:
- Cello

Services:
- Dictation
- Ear Training
- Harmony
- Music Appreciation
- Music History
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- Solfege
- Suzuki

Languages:
- English
- French

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I strive to create a learning environment that is supportive, curious, and rooted in mutual respect. I believe that every student has the capacity to grow as a musician when given the right tools, guidance, and encouragement. My approach is grounded in fostering strong fundamentals while also nurturing each student's unique musical voice. I aim to balance technical development with musical expression, and I tailor my teaching to meet each student where they are—emotionally, technically, and intellectually. I emphasize critical listening, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of musical context, encouraging students to become thoughtful, independent learners. Above all, I want my students to feel empowered, inspired, and connected to their instrument and the joy of music-making.

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En tant qu’enseignante, je m’efforce de créer un environnement d’apprentissage bienveillant, stimulant et fondé sur le respect mutuel. Je crois que chaque élève a la capacité de progresser en musique lorsqu’il reçoit les bons outils, un encadrement adapté et des encouragements sincères. Mon approche repose sur le développement de bases solides tout en nourrissant la voix musicale propre à chaque élève. Je cherche à équilibrer le travail technique avec l’expression musicale, et j’adapte mon enseignement pour répondre aux besoins individuels de chaque élève — sur les plans émotionnel, technique et intellectuel. J’accorde une grande importance à l’écoute critique, à la résolution créative de problèmes et à la compréhension approfondie du contexte musical, afin d’encourager les élèves à devenir des apprenants autonomes et réfléchis. Par-dessus tout, je souhaite que mes élèves se sentent valorisés, inspirés et profondément liés à leur instrument et à la joie de faire de la musique.

Musical Education

I completed my Undergraduate Degree in cello performance at the University of Ottawa in 2024. I am currently enrolled at Western University for a Master of Music Performance and Literature.
I have been studying cello since I was three years old and have studied music theory from serialism to Schenkerian Analysis!

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J'ai complété mon baccalauréat en interprétation violoncelle à l’Université d’Ottawa en 2024. Je suis actuellement inscrite à l’Université Western pour une maîtrise en interprétation musicale et en littérature musicale. Je joue du violoncelle depuis l’âge de trois ans et j’ai étudié la théorie musicale, allant du sérialisme à l’analyse schenkerienne !

Special Skills and Training

I have participated in a range of music festivals and artist residencies, gaining valuable performance and pedagogical experience in both national and international settings. In addition to my formal studies, I have pursued further private instruction and professional development to continually refine my teaching and playing. My approach incorporates elements from various teaching philosophies, including Suzuki and Orff, and is supported by a strong foundation in music theory, which I use to deepen students’ understanding of the music they play. I also have experience with instrument and bow maintenance, allowing me to support students in developing a well-rounded relationship with their instrument. As an active performer in both chamber and orchestral contexts, I bring practical, real-world experience to my teaching studio. I am passionate about community outreach and regularly seek opportunities to make music more accessible through performance and education. My teaching is student-centered, inclusive, and grounded in curiosity, adaptability, and the belief that every student has something meaningful to express. - J’ai participé à divers festivals de musique et résidences artistiques, ce qui m’a permis d’acquérir une expérience précieuse tant sur le plan de l’interprétation que de la pédagogie, dans des contextes nationaux et internationaux. En complément de mes études universitaires, j’ai poursuivi des formations privées et du perfectionnement professionnel afin d’approfondir continuellement ma pratique et mon enseignement. Mon approche pédagogique s’inspire de différentes philosophies, notamment les méthodes Suzuki et Orff, et s’appuie sur une solide base en théorie musicale, que j’intègre à l’enseignement pour enrichir la compréhension musicale des élèves. J’ai également de l’expérience en entretien et en réglage d’instruments et d’archets, ce qui me permet d’accompagner les élèves dans le développement d’une relation complète avec leur instrument. En tant qu’interprète active, tant en musique de chambre qu’en orchestre, j’apporte une perspective pratique et concrète à mon enseignement. Je suis aussi passionnée par la médiation culturelle et cherche régulièrement à rendre la musique plus accessible par des initiatives de performance et d’éducation. Mon enseignement est centré sur l’élève, inclusif et guidé par la curiosité, l’adaptabilité et la conviction que chaque élève a quelque chose de significatif à exprimer.

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).