Providing specialist string education for over 20 years in Australia, Sarah has taught in the private school sector throughout Adelaide, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. She has composed pieces for beginner String Orchestra, presented workshops with AUSTA, been a guest tutor and conductor at the South Australian Music Camp, Adelaide Youth Orchestra and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra. Currently, Sarah delivers the Grade 3 String programme at Noosa Pengari Steiner School.
Sarah became an examiner with the AMEB, Australia’s leading provider of exams for music, speech and drama, on the completion of her Bachelor of Classical Music Performance Degree from Elder Conservatorium, University of Adelaide, in 2015. Based on the Sunshine Coast, Sarah frequently examines in Brisbane and throughout regional Queensland.
Sarah became a senior string examiner in 2023, to cover all three practical levels of the syllabus.
Level 1 – Preliminary to Grade 4
Level 2 – Grade 5 to Certificate of Performance
Level 3 – Associate Diploma (AMusA) and Licentiate Diploma (LMusA)
Sarah offers practical preparation packages for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. Packages are structured around key elements of exam requirements including Pieces, Technical Work, Aurals, Sight Reading and General Knowledge.
Packages are designed to work in conjunction with existing teaching arrangements, offer a boost of support and sprinkle of sparkle for those students who could benefit from it.
Teachers, parents and examiners alike, share the aim for all students sitting an exam. We hope it will be a positive and rewarding experience, and for many it is. But there are always those who need more time, more help and support.
Sarah understands that the key to successfully sitting a practical exam lies within preparation and the comfort of the student. Drawing on a holistic approach of teaching music as a language, Sarah applies methods of listening, imitation and exploration to support students in their journey of problem solving and independent learning as they find their own artistic voices. A warm and experienced educator, Sarah creates a relaxed environment for students to build confidence and ownership throughout all areas of the exam process.
Intensive (1 Hour Session)
Focus on specific areas of performance
Exam Bootcamp (4x 1 Hour Sessions)
Each session focusses on specific sections of the exam (Technical work, Pieces, and General Knowledge, Aurals, Sightreading). An opportunity to dig a little deeper. A great way to build confidence and improve results.
I provide a relaxed studio environment at my home, alternatively I can also offer zoom sessions. Prices of packages are tiered with practical levels. Further details can be found https://riversuiteorchestra.com.au/exam-preparation/