Middle School

Sarah Jo Zaharako began her musical training at age five in Indiana. She studied classical violin as a child and attended Oberlin Conservatory. Sarah moved to the Bay Area in 1999 in order to expand her musical scope. In 2002, she completed a Masters of Fine Arts at Mills College where she studied violin with David Abel and improvisation with Fred Frith. Sarah now performs and composes for creative music ensembles in the San Francisco Bay Area including Gojogo and Matt Small's Chamber Ensemble. She also collaborates extensively with choreographer Kara Davis.

I believe that music study is essential and can bring a person so much joy. It is a wonderful challenge and keeps us in touch with excellence.

I myself started piano lessons at age 7, and violin at 10. And I started the pipe organ at age 32 and study of the Kodaly Method of Music Education at age 43!

Singing is the most natural 'first instrument.' It encourages our musicality and expression, which we can then strive to emulate on our instruments. Listening to our tone is crucial to beautiful playing. I like to encourage my students in this direction.

visit my website to learn more: www.sarastylesmusic.com

I have a vibrant studio, offering two recitals per year, and participation in events with the Music Teachers' Association of California and the California Association of Professional Music Teachers.

I love teaching and inspiring students to grow as competent and expressive musicians

My students learn solid flute technique and basic music theory while having fun learning to play the music they like, whether it's the classical repertoire, popular favorites or contemporary extended technique. Students also get the chance to meet and perform with other flutists, both in my studio and through events that I host in the community, such as student recitals and flute caroling during the holiday season. My students have been accepted to competitive high school and university level music programs including San Francisco's School of the Arts and San Francisco State University.

I have a lively studio (currently over 60 students) of all ages who can't wait to come to weekly lessons at my home studio, Strings and Keys Music Studio!

My violin students thrive--the school children are developing amazing technique and a love of playing music, while my teenage students hold the top positions in their respective orchestras. My adult students, whom I required to take lessons when their children were under 5 years old, have not stopped, years later!

BEN WELCH SNELLINGS - cellist and conductor, has been performing and teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years. Ben's credits as a cellist include tenured positions in numerous regional orchestras of the San Francisco Bay Area, performances at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, performances with Different Strokes (a jazz strings duo) and the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra. He was also the Music Director of "Funky Fitness", a TV show produced in San Francisco.

Award-winning soprano and voice teacher Nanette McGuinness welcomes students of all levels and styles in her studio. Lessons focus on bel canto technique, working with the breath and body to free your voice and enable you to sound like yourself ― at your very best. Member NATS and MTAC.