Piano with Sarah M.

Hi, my name is Sarah Marie and I am a music educator from Malta in New York City. I specify 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 piano I first establish wether the student has any prior background and knowledge in the instrument and during our first meeting we take a few minutes to set up some tangible goals together. For beginner students I love using the Faber Piano Adventures books and sometimes the Bastien books too depending on what the student seems to like better and their learning style. I typically use the Lesson books as well as the Theory books from this series but for very fast learners I also supplement this with pieces from the Performance books in each corresponding level. For children who are starting off their piano journey I would start with the books from the Primer level. For teens and young adults who are just beginning or who have some basic music knowledge I like to use the Faber Accelerated Piano Adventures series which has a quicker pace and is tailored for this type of student. For Adult learners I like to use the Faber Adult Piano Adventures books or Alfred's All In One Adult Piano book. As the student progresses I like to supplement with exercises and pieces from Hannon, pop/ movie songs, classical pieces and other things that the student has interest in. For Intermediate and advanced students the structure of the lesson is very flexible. Some students like to work on reading chord symbols and lead sheet charts for pop or jazz or movie soundtrack songs while others prefer working on classical pieces. All are welcome in the classroom. For the more contemporary piano player I like to go beyond just reading charts, in which case we can work on improvisation echniques, chord structures and inversion techniques supplemented with technical exercises as well as contemporary music theory and ear training. 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.