.Welcome! I teach private violin and viola lessons in my home studio and online.
I maintain a vibrant, supportive community where students of all ages and levels develop as thoughtful musicians and confident performers. Alongside weekly private lessons, we gather throughout the year for informal studio classes and an annual recital. Outreach concerts, additional performance opportunities (such as performing the anthem for Giants’ games!), and summer chamber music are also available as members of my studio. My students perform with organizations including the Crowden School, Young People's Symphony Orchestra (YPSO), Berkeley Youth Symphony (BYO), Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO), and orchestras in many East Bay schools. Former students have gone on to study music at various colleges and universities.
While my teaching is grounded in both extensive performance training and performance experience, it also reflects a deep commitment to pedagogy. For me, teaching is a part of my own self-identity as a lifelong learner, and I am constantly integrating new ideas into lessons. My training includes a Doctor of Musical Arts in violin, certification in the Suzuki Method Books 1-8 with Dr. William Starr, certification as an Alexander Technique teacher through AmSAT, and additional study of the pedagogical approaches of Paul Rolland, Kato Havas and Andover Educators’ Body Mapping.
I love approaching each lesson with curiosity, which allows the student and I to explore together without losing sight of the rigor inherent in learning a stringed instrument. For interested musicians, I also integrate principles of the Alexander Technique, exploring efficient movement, healthy instrument setup, and body awareness to support sustainable playing.
Please contact me if you'd like to learn more or schedule a lesson. I look forward to welcoming you to the studio!
Dr. Sarah Wood
I maintain a vibrant, supportive community where students of all ages and levels develop as thoughtful musicians and confident performers. Alongside weekly private lessons, we gather throughout the year for informal studio classes and an annual recital. Outreach concerts, additional performance opportunities (such as performing the anthem for Giants’ games!), and summer chamber music are also available as members of my studio. My students perform with organizations including the Crowden School, Young People's Symphony Orchestra (YPSO), Berkeley Youth Symphony (BYO), Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO), and orchestras in many East Bay schools. Former students have gone on to study music at various colleges and universities.
While my teaching is grounded in both extensive performance training and performance experience, it also reflects a deep commitment to pedagogy. For me, teaching is a part of my own self-identity as a lifelong learner, and I am constantly integrating new ideas into lessons. My training includes a Doctor of Musical Arts in violin, certification in the Suzuki Method Books 1-8 with Dr. William Starr, certification as an Alexander Technique teacher through AmSAT, and additional study of the pedagogical approaches of Paul Rolland, Kato Havas and Andover Educators’ Body Mapping.
I love approaching each lesson with curiosity, which allows the student and I to explore together without losing sight of the rigor inherent in learning a stringed instrument. For interested musicians, I also integrate principles of the Alexander Technique, exploring efficient movement, healthy instrument setup, and body awareness to support sustainable playing.
Please contact me if you'd like to learn more or schedule a lesson. I look forward to welcoming you to the studio!
Dr. Sarah Wood
