VIOLINIST I EXAMINER I ARRANGER I SONGWRITER

River Suite Orchestra Exam & Audition Preparation

Teaching Experience

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 CampAdelaide Youth Orchestra and the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.

Currently, Sarah teaches at St Andrews, Peregian Beach and delivers the Grade 3 String programme at Noosa Pengari Steiner School.

Examining Experience

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.

In 2023, Sarah became a senior string examiner 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)

"An experienced and valued member of the AMEB Qld examining team for over five years, Sarah is dedicated to the candidates’ experience in the examination room.  Sarah provides highly regarded and clearly written reports; carefully assessing the candidates’ performances as she sees and hears them on the day, against the required grading objectives of the AMEB Manual of Syllabus."
Kate Grant
Manager AMEB Queensland
River Suite Orchestra Examining

Teaching Philosophy

Sarah understands that the key to successfully sitting a practical exam or audition lies within preparation and the comfort of the student.

With the aim to nurture musicianship, Sarah draws on a holistic approach of teaching music as a language, applying 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 and audition process.

"Teachers, parents and examiners alike, share the aim for all students sitting an exam or audition.
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. Students are always motivated to practice when they leave feeling capable."

Specialist String Lessons and Packages

Designed to work in conjunction with existing teaching arrangements, specialist string lessons and packages provide a boost of support and sprinkle of sparkle for students working towards an exam, audition or specific goal.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of performance practice.
  • Develop strategies around performance anxiety.
  • Competency in performance skills.
  • Learn specific skills on the approach of technical work.
  • Aquire practical methods on the approach of sight reading.
  • Build confidence through aural training.

Do you have a specific goal, an audition or exam approaching?

One off intensives, bootcamp, and goal orientated lessons are tailored specifically to cater for every students unique requirements. 

Intensive Consultation

Focus on specific aspects of performance practice and competency

Preliminary to Grade 4

$95

Grade 5 – Certificate of Performance

$105

Diploma

$125

Bootcamp Package

Gain musicianship skills and strategies to build confidence in exams

Preliminary to Grade 4

$395

Grade 5 – Certificate of Performance

$405

Diploma

$425

Goal Orientated Lessons

Bespoke mentoring for students preparing for auditions and specific goals

Preliminary to Grade 4

$85

Grade 5 – Certificate of Performance

$95

Diploma

$115

* Prices are tiered with practical levels of the AMEB syllabus only. Packages are not in anyway endorsed by the AMEB. 

Book in now and learn how to bring the best out of your performance

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