Music Theory with Sarah M.

Hi, my name is Sarah Marie and I am a music educator from Malta in New York City. I specialize in teaching piano, voice, music theory, ear training, arranging, composition and improvisation to students of all instruments and levels. I am very passionate about the creative process, learning and teaching and I strive to create meaningful connections with students through a tailored and individualized approach in an open and inclusive space, where your strengths, interests, curiosities and needs are taken into account for a personalized experience that works in developing a strong practical skillset while honoring your own creativity. You get to make your own path and explore the things you love and I can’t wait to be there with you on this journey! When it comes to teaching contemporary music theory I use a variety of techniques through the Berklee College of Music method and resources. I also welcome questions and explorations in classical music theory and counterpoint and the structure of each lesson has room for flexibility. These lessons lead the student through harmonic analysis and small composition exercises where each topic covered can be applied and listened to in a context of a piece of music so that notes do not remain on a piece of paper but come to life in a context. I always make sure that we set the pace together so we can start from a place that is comfortable for you and move on step by step from there. For beginner music theory sessions we will start off by going deep into Major tonalities and the relationships that make music in major keys. For more intermediate - advanced students we also delve into minor and modal music as well. These skills can be applied to any style of music and are especially useful for contemporary and jazz musicians. These lessons are also suitable for students of any age and instrumental level and the delivery of these concepts will be tailored to each individual's strengths, curiosities and needs. Some topics covered include - diatonic harmony, modal interchange, secondary dominant chords, constant structure, diminished scales and much more. I believe that in the music studio, both mentor and mentee have an equal role. I truly value what every individual can bring into the classroom and I love learning from my students and finding new ways of teaching and relating. I strive to create a flexible environment with inclusivity at its core, in which there is a space for everyone, irrelevant of social, racial, economic and personal background. Throughout the past 10 years I have taught and tutored in a variety of settings, including private lessons, in small classrooms and within Berklee College of Music as a tutor, and it has always been very clear to me that teaching and connecting through music is my calling. I hope to meet you in the classroom soon and to show you how learning music can be a great source of enrichment in your, or your child's, life.