Violin lessons with
Sarah Sturgis
From$70.87 per lesson
•
Violin lessons with
Sarah Sturgis
From$70.87 per lesson
•✨Sarah is new on TeachMe.To – but very experienced with violin. We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed. If anything go sideways, we'll switch you to a different coach or give you your money back.
✨Sarah is new on TeachMe.To – but very experienced with violin. We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed. If anything go sideways, we'll switch you to a different coach or give you your money back.
About your violin coach
Having nurtured a lifelong passion for the violin, I began lessons at age 6 and have spent the past 35 years exploring what it means to be a musician and violinist. I started teaching lessons straight out of college and have spent that time sharing my love for music with students of all ages and skill levels. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering a creative and encouraging environment where students can explore their musicality and reach their full potential. I enjoy tailoring fun lesson plans that adapt to each student’s talents and needs. Making music fun makes it personal and lasting and fosters a connection with music that is encouraged in all ages. Nothing reaches across all language barriers and can connect humankind like music. It is a gift I enjoy teaching and sharing.
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Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
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Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
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Lives in: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Years Playing: Not specified
Sarah's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Sarah's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
No availability for this date
Didn't find a time or location that works with Sarah?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
➕Preschool Music Teacher
Certifications & Badges
📝Music Degree
Reputation
✨Sarah is new on TeachMe.To – but very experienced with violin. We strictly vet every instructor so you can book with confidence. Satisfaction is guaranteed. If anything go sideways, we'll switch you to a different coach or give you your money back.
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonTo start off, I want to get to know my new student. Depending on your age, and where we meet (at my home or yours), I always greet you with a kind, gentle, positive attitude. This helps us get aquatinted and settled in easily. If they are a child, I sit down with them and the parent and go through a quick questionnaire so I can get some background knowledge on my new student.
After settling in, the first lesson is primarily focused on setting expectations and getting to try out the violin, feel it, learn how to handle it and hold it, how to take care of it.
We will play some open strings and you will get your very first song!
I will give you lots of little things to do and you will be expected to practice during the week, preferably 30 minutes a day starting out (which increases over time).
We will discuss everything you need and need to know in this first lesson.
One hour is needed for the first lesson at least and preferred for anyone over 10 years old but for young students 45 minute lessons can be arranged.
Lesson 11+Time to set our routine in motion. We now have a good home practice routine, we are well acquainted with the violin and how to take care of it, maintain it, and play some basic songs. We have dedicated time to lessons every week and practicing every day and now we are seeing the beautiful results; music! We will slowly increase difficulty to your technique and work on your bow arm, your first position fingerings, scales, dynamics, and most of all, adding musicality to the whole process. 🎶
Lesson 4-10This is where we really start digging in and you finally get to start using your fingers. We will start you on a book that gets you into music theory and some exercises that teach you the basics in first position. We will choose a solo together to work on for a recital for your family and friends. We will get to work!
Lesson 2-3The next couple lessons will be all about learning how to set up a practice routine at home, learning how to have a good violin stance and posture, and how to play some simple open string exercises and songs. You will get some music and will be given ways to purchase your own.
We will have fun with our lessons! I love to incorporate other instruments and all kinds of music in our lessons to give you a wide perspective of what music is.
Youth players
Working with kidsI have lots of experience working with children. I have taught private violin for over 20 years, I have been a preschool teacher for 2, and I was a habituation aid/nanny for a young toddler with autism for a year and a half when I was in my early twenties.
I have education in early child education and am working towards a certification. These classes in child development have really shaped my perspective on teaching and what children of all ages need to be successful.
I have worked with several kids with attention deficit tendencies and some daydreamers too. I have worked with some talented little superstars as well and those little budding musicians with super ears are always a pleasant surprise.
Children are all different. They need a gentle hand and time for creativity to blossom. But just as important is communication and setting clear standards.
I enjoy the mind of child. They see the world so simply and beautifully. Their brains are sponges and so they learn and pick things up quickly, easily. That’s why it’s the best time to learn something like a language or an instrument (and learning the violin really is learning a new language). 😉
Working with teenagersI have taught many teens over the years and they are where the good stuff gets done! We get to dig into the big composers and play the harder concertos and sonatas. This is the really fun part. We will have regular recitals to showcase your hard work to your family and friends. 🎶
Most of my teenager students have already been playing the violin for a while. If you are a new teen student I will want to get a good background on your violin education so far and have a listen at what you’ve been working on. I’ll have you play some things and see where you’re at and then we’ll set a practice plan for you.
Teens have the aptitude to learn and practice more and more difficult music. You will be expected to have a daily practice routine of at least an hour a day (spare a day on the weekend) and you will need to be prepared for your lessons every week.
What you need to bringBring your violin! Always bring a pencil, but I have extras if you need one.😉 Don’t forget your music and just come with a positive attitude and we will be off to a good start!
What I can bringI provide the basics for lessons: music, pencils, notebooks, as well as many musical instruments that I incorporate in my violin lessons. I do have a couple extra violins that can be used when needed but I prefer you rent or buy your own instrument.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
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Violin with Sarah S.New to TeachMe.To