Piano with Sarai M.

At the early age of seven, Sarai began learning piano and continued her studies with superior ratings through her participation in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival and the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions. Her successful artistic work throughout adolescence led Sarai to the Stetson University School of Music where she was accepted and awarded the William E. Duckwitz Talent Scholarship. While at Stetson, Sarai has pursued composition studies working with Dr. Manuel de Murga and Dr. Sidney Hodkinson. As a composer, Sarai has participated in Stetson University Student Composer concerts with notable guest artists including Michael Rickman and David Amram, and has had several of her works performed each year since 2008. In 2009, Sarai premiered her own chamber work, Reaching her Senior Composition Recital. Sarai has performed in numerous ensembles, including the Daytona State College Jazz Band and Concert Choir, as well as Stetson University's Women's Chorale, studying with conductors such as Norton Christeson, Andrew Larson and Alan Raines. In 2010, Sarai performed with the Women'™s horale in the National American Choral Director's Association in Memphis. As a music teacher for over 25 years, Sarai has maintained a private studio, specializing in piano, voice, improvisation, music theory, and how to play in a band. Sarai graduated in May 2010, she received the Bachelor of Arts in Music from Stetson University. Her teachers include Edit Palmer, Michael Rickman and Harold Blanchard, and Nathan Wolek. She received her graduate's degree in NYC at Hunter College, studying music composition with Shafer Mahoney and received her Masters. *** Lesson Details *** Music is a wonderful gift that speaks where words cannot. My goal in teaching music is to to give others the opportunity and privilege to be able to use music to the fullest. I strive , in teaching, to give students a solid foundation in music theory as well as work on the techniques that come with playing their instrument. In the beginning, I'll evaluate where the student is at and continue to evaluate as time goes by, readjusting (if needed) my approach. I always keep with me, my own personal experience in taking lessons and use it to help others in their encounter with music and learning how to play. I am always open to teaching different genres, styles or new music and am sensitive to each student's tastes. *** Studio Equipment *** Studio in Ormond Beach: parents/nannies/babysitters are welcome to sit in on the beginning lessons but due to the size of the room after time they are encouraged to drop off the student for the sake of the student's attention. *** Travel Equipment *** They need to have a piano or keyboard for practice during the week (piano students). I will provide the books and material (they will reimburse me). *** Specialties *** I emphasize music theory and teach the genre according to each student but I keep it well-rounded. I have worked with a lot of students on improv/jazz and how to play contemporary music in a band, I also encourage the classical study.