About Sarah

A former piano teacher of mine, Beverly Henkel, taught me life-changing techniques using arm weight and ways to use our bodies to play music in a more healthy way that enables the music to come alive in a different way.

I have made it my mission to teach proper technique to all of my students. I suffered nerve damage in my arms when I was in high school that prevents me from playing the way I once used to. A doctor even told me I would never be able to play the piano again. The only way I was able to pursue piano in college was because Mrs. Henkel taught me how to play properly. I wish I had learned those techniques when I was a young beginner. Because of my own experience, I focus a lot on posture and using arm weight rather than straining tendons and muscles, and I incorporate a lot of movement in our lessons. It isn’t unusual to find me and a student walking around the living room with our arms hanging down to the ground acting like an elephant, or even bouncing a basketball together outside to learn the techniques needed. I teach all ages from 5 – adult and use a variety of piano method books depending on the needs of the student, though I typically prefer Alfred or Faber and Faber. Advanced students study composers and performance pieces, or even more modern music such as theme music to movies. I do not teach improvisation or jazz styles, although I very much love and enjoy listening to jazz.

I have a son with autism, so I understand that not every student learns the same way and may need additional accommodations. I may incorporate various fidget toys into our lessons to teach both technique and help a student be able to focus better. I do also have some experience teaching kids with extra needs such as autism or ADHD. Incorporating all different kinds of learning elements makes both teaching and learning more fun and it helps to engage students better than just sitting on the bench following instructions for thirty minutes without any breaks. Students with extra support needs are evaluated depending on my ability to accommodate their specific needs and if piano lessons with me would be the best fit for them.

I teach piano in my home where my husband and three teenagers live (depending on their college schedules.) Parents are welcome to accompany their children in lessons and sit in with us in the living room, though space is at a true minimum, so additional family members are harder to manage to maintain a quiet learning space and it is generally preferred for parents and family to wait outside during lessons or to drop them off and come back to pick them up, provided they are picked up on time. These needs can be discussed at the first consultation. We do not currently own any pets, and we are a smoke-free home.