ABOUT ME
I’ve been playing the piano since I was three years old, and the violin since I was seven. I am a huge advocate of the pleasure, satisfaction and catharsis that playing an instrument can give you.
After a lifetime of playing music as a hobby alongside a career in social research, and witnessing the huge pleasure that my three children take from music, I started teaching piano and violin to others about five years ago. And I’m loving the opportunity to pass on my skills and enthusiasm for music.
MY APPROACH TO TEACHING
I have spaces available for beginners, and students up to Grade 8 or equivalent.
As well as teaching musical knowledge and technique, it’s very important to me to make learning a musical instrument enjoyable right from the beginning. So my lessons, particularly for young children, will always include games and fun exercises.
I also encourage students to be open to the idea of improvisation – something that I feel was lacking in my own classical musical education, which could sometimes be a little too book-driven.
Having said that, I’m also keen to support students who wish to work their way through the examination grades. I did this as a school student, and found it really useful, and ultimately satisfying, to be able to work towards milestones in this way.
I’m also keen to encourage students to perform, when they feel ready. And as part of my teaching practice, I will provide regular opportunities for this.
MY BACKGROUND
I started playing the piano at the age of 3 and the violin at the age of 7.
As a young person (about a hundred years ago!), I achieved Grade 8 Distinction in both instruments, and won various local awards including Junior and Senior Ashford Young Musician of the Year.
In the years since then, I've had the pleasure of playing as a soloist, accompanist, orchestral and chamber musician in many venues, courses and concerts. I've also sung as a soloist and ensemble in consorts and chamber choirs in many London venues, including St John's Smith Square, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St James' Piccadilly and Covent Garden.
After twenty years as an enthusiastic musician working in a non-music field, I finally took the plunge and started teaching music in 2016. I currently teach private piano and violin students at my home in Folkestone, and have pupils aged between 5 and 75.
​
I will soon be expanding my studio to offer more than the traditional one-to-one instrument lessons. My plans, to be introduced gradually over the coming months, will include music games clubs, partner lessons, group classes, ensembles, video tutorials and performance opportunities. I'm really excited about these plans and my aim is to offer a creative, collaborative approach to learning music, which I hope will be fun and motivating for everyone.
​
LOCATION AND PRICES
The initial lesson will be free, and is a good opportunity for us to meet and talk about what you want from music lessons, and the sort of teaching I can offer.
After that, lessons will be priced at £16.50 for a half-hour lesson, £24.75 for 45 minutes and £33 for an hour.
I teach from my home in Folkestone and am DBS checked.
CONTACT ME
Please feel free to contact me for more information using the form below.
Or you can phone me on 07984 154 178, or email me directly at sarahbeinartmusic@gmail.com