Learn with me
WHO
I (Sarah Chung) have been teaching private lessons since 2008. I received my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from NYU and Master of Arts in Music Education from Columbia University. My students have ranged in ages from 4 to almost 70 and I have taught students with Down Syndrome, autism, and learning disabilities. Having recovered from injury myself, I have also worked with students returning to music post-injury (post PT and MD cleared) to learn to play more ergonomically and in a way that works for their bodies.
WHAT
Piano: Private, Classical and pop
Handpan: Private, All Skills
Guitar: Private/Semi-Private, Pop and folk
Songwriting: Generally a focus in conjunction with instrumental instruction, can be offered on its own
General Music: Small Group, Pre-K to 2nd or 3rd to 5th
Coaching: Written and/or video coaching feedback on particular pieces for a low fee
WHERE
In-person, at my home in Prospect Park South, Brooklyn. I also have a professional home-recording space available for student projects in conjunction with lessons.
Online, via zoom or another preferred video platform
In-person, at your home is currently not available but feel free to reach out and inquire if this has changed
PHILOSOPHY
A more than a few principals guide my teaching, but here are some that stick out to me:
Morton Subotnick's 3 person model states that every person is born with 3 musicians inside of them: the Listener, Performer, and Creator. He also believes these 3 musicians are at equilibrium with each other when a person is born... until they meet their first music teacher. I seek to nurture well-rounded musicians who can listen, play, and create.
I believe in making music from the first day. "Practice" comes first, theory naturally follows. I believe feeling successful and supported leads to longevity and good habits.
Student-led direction: frequent goal check-ins for adults and leaning into personal interests of children.
PRICES
Price transparency, always!
30-Minutes: Best for children and beginning teens; $50
45-Minutes: Children can "size up" as their attention increases. Generally recommended for all other students; $70
60-Minutes: For adults, especially if you have multiple goals. For siblings who come back-to-back. $88
Every 15-minutes past the hour: $15 additional. For siblings who come back-to-back. For adults who want to integrate recording sessions.
Contact for fee structure of semi-private lessons, small group lessons, & coaching.
NEED & MUTUALITY
I offer 2 weekly, need-based, sliding scale spots. These slots are pay what you can from $20-45 for a 30-minute lesson.
Music instruction can take place over a lifetime and many students stay with me for years. A student in a sliding-scale spot may remain there until their financial situation changes or they choose to move on. Reach out to inquire if one is available.
I also welcome mutuality. Mutuality: "the sharing of a feeling, action, or relationship between two or more parties."
If you would like to make a one-time donation or increase your weekly lesson price by any amount (min $1/week), I will put that amount towards lowering costs for a student/family in financial need through a 1-time or recurring fee reduction, subsidized materials, etc.
