Sarah Beckelheimer- piano
"The joy in my teaching is seeing student’s ideas develop and being there to lead them every step of the way."
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, my aim is to help students find the message and meaning of each piece of music. I approach each lesson fully committed to spark a student’s imagination and musical understanding. The joy in my teaching is seeing student’s ideas develop and being there to lead them every step of the way.
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Together with my students we discover a wide range of repertoire. My students study from the Faber Series of Books. In addition, I provide my students with music from the following genres according to their interests: musical theatre, popular songs, classical music, and seasonal music for Christmas and Halloween. We also explore the background and history of famous composers.
I equip my students with essential music skills such as ear-training, sight-reading and music theory.
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Beyond the musicianship skills I teach, I help students become independent learners. I guide them as they find their own artistic voices. I ask lots of questions to help them take ownership of their own musical interpretations.
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Every student teaches me something new. As a teacher for 18 years, I have taught students from ages 5 to 75. It is my pleasure to assist them in learning on their personal music journey.
One of the things I love most about teaching is the joy that children find in music. They continue to amaze me with their enthusiasm and love of learning. I enjoy each student’s uniqueness. Every student has their own learning style and set of strengths. It is so rewarding to see students progress as musicians and as confident performers.
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Biography​
I received my BA in Elementary Education and Music Education from Clarke University in 2001.
Before college, I traveled throughout the U.S., Canada, Germany and Austria with international performance group “Up with People”. We had an international cast of 120 performers from 20 different countries. We performed in 80 cities world- wide and did community service in every place we visited.
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I taught vocal elementary music in the Cedar Rapids Community School district from 2002 to 2008. I implemented music programs and performances for K-5 and directed 4th and 5th grade show choir.
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In 2015, I received my Reading Endorsement for K-6 from Mount Mercy University. Currently, I teach piano lessons at Johnson Steam Academy to students K-5. I teach private piano lessons at my home studio. I also teach piano lessons at Dynamic Music Studios.
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I am a member of the National Music Teachers Association. I enjoy singing with the contemporary music group at my church.