Sarah Chavarria
Oakland
Summary
Dedicated Bay Area musician and educator with a passion for music through violin and giving back to the community. Known for engaging students through innovative lessons and fostering a positive learning environment. Committed to building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues to enhance the learning experience.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Teacher
Maud Powell String Institute
Novato
04.2025 - Current
- Designed music lessons to enhance student engagement and foster individual musicality
- Implemented exercises to build violin confidence through engaging routines
- Developed personalized lesson plans for diverse student skill levels.
- Facilitated group rehearsals to enhance collaborative music-making skills.
- Instructed students in music theory and performance techniques.
ORCHESTRA MUSICIAN
Golden State Symphony
San Francisco
03.2025 - Current
- Blended sound from various orchestra sections to create a cohesive musical experience.
- Adjusted performance elements rapidly during live rehearsals and events, ensuring seamless execution and audience engagement.
- Performed diverse orchestral pieces in collaboration with fellow musicians.
- Participated in rehearsals to refine musical interpretations and ensemble cohesion.
- Followed conductor's directions to maintain tempo and dynamics during performances.
MUSIC TEACHER
Young Musician's Choral Orchestra
Berkeley
06.2024 - Current
- Instructed students in proper violin technique and forming a good ear
- Evaluated student performance and provided feedback and assistance to improve musical skills.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Familiarized students with notes, tempo, and other basic concepts of music.
MUSIC TEACHER
Vibo Music Studio
San Bruno
05.2024 - Current
- Instructed students in proper violin technique
- Evaluated student performance and provided feedback and assistance to improve musical skills.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
- Familiarized students with notes, tempo, and other basic concepts of music.
ORCHESTRA MUSICIAN
San Francisco Philharmonic
San Francisco
11.2023 - Current
- Read music quickly and accurately in multiple keys to enhance performance adaptability.
- Interpreted classical pieces with advanced techniques, conveying precision and emotional depth.
- Performed diverse orchestral pieces during concerts and rehearsals.
- Collaborated with conductors to interpret musical scores effectively.
- Engaged in sectionals to refine ensemble performance with fellow musicians.
GIGGING MUSICIAN
San Jose State University Event
San Jose
10.2024 - 03.2025
- Performed at concerts, festivals, and theaters, captivating diverse audiences.
- Performed professionally across various venues, showcasing adaptability to multiple musical styles.
- Performed live music for university events and student gatherings.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to select appropriate music genres.
- Engaged with audiences to enhance the overall event experience.
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Gunn Theater
San Francisco
02.2025 - 02.2025
- Practiced regularly to refine skills and enhance musical performances.
- Collaborated with professional musicians to create engaging performances and expand musical repertoire.
- Performed live music at university events and community gatherings.
- Collaborated with event organizers to plan and execute performances.
- Engaged audiences through interactive musical experiences and performances.
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara
05.2023 - 12.2024
- Performed in university orchestra and chamber group, developing musical skills and teamwork.
- Managed rehearsal and performance schedules to consistently meet tight deadlines.
- Performed live music for university events and special occasions.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to plan musical selections.
- Engaged with audiences to enhance event atmosphere and enjoyment.
CHURCH MUSICIAN
Bay Area Choir
Mountain View
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Executed rehearsals and performances within tight deadlines, ensuring seamless musical delivery.
- Facilitated collaboration among musicians and conductors, enhancing overall musical cohesion.
- Played piano for weekly choir rehearsals and church services.
- Collaborated with choir director to select music for various events.
- Led vocal warm-ups to prepare choir members for performances.
ASSISTANT CONCERT MASTER
San Jose State University
San Jose
08.2019 - 05.2024
- Collaborated with concertmaster and music director to streamline concert preparations.
- Led orchestra members to unify efforts, enhancing live music experiences for audiences.
- Supported faculty in coordinating academic events and workshops.
- Assisted with student enrollment processes and maintained accurate records.
- Managed scheduling for departmental meetings and appointments.
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Serenade Events
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Performed music across diverse venues, adapting styles to engage different audiences.
- Engaged audiences through dynamic stage presence and interactive performance techniques.
- Collaborated with event coordinators to plan and execute live performances.
- Performed diverse musical genres for university events and student gatherings.
- Engaged with audiences to enhance the event experience through music.
GIGGING MUSICIAN
South Valley Civic Theatre
Morgan Hill
04.2023 - 05.2023
- Played at a consistent volume level regardless of audience size or location.
- Performed live music for various university events and ceremonies.
- Collaborated with event organizers to select appropriate musical pieces.
- Coordinated rehearsal schedules with fellow musicians and event staff.
STUDIO MUSICIAN
Kev Choice
Oakland
05.2018 - 06.2018
- Completed tasks within specified deadlines, ensuring smooth studio operations.
- Collaborated with producers to enhance sound quality in studio projects, contributing to overall project success.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - MUSIC PERFORMANCE
San Jose State University
San Jose05-2024
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Oakland School For The Arts
Oakland06-2019
Skills
- Music theory instruction
- Proficient in Violin
- Curriculum development
- Performance preparation
- Arranging skills
- Adaptability to Change
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Focused concentration
- Professional discipline
Masterclasses
- Madeline Mitchell, San Jose, 10/01/23
- Catalyst String Quartet, San Jose, 04/01/22
- Judith Ingolfsson, Oakland, 03/01/18
Summer Festivals
- Next Fest Music Festival, Chatham-New York City, NY 2026
- Festival Scuol Classics, Scuol Switzerland, 2026
- LMFL, Llandovery-UK, 2024
- California Music Camp, Carmel Valley, 2023
- Baroque Music Workshop, Oakland, 2023
- YMCO Summer Institute, 2011-2017
- Oakland Youth Orchestra China Tour, 2019
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Music Teacher
Maud Powell String Institute
04.2025 - Current
ORCHESTRA MUSICIAN
Golden State Symphony
03.2025 - Current
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Gunn Theater
02.2025 - 02.2025
GIGGING MUSICIAN
San Jose State University Event
10.2024 - 03.2025
MUSIC TEACHER
Young Musician's Choral Orchestra
06.2024 - Current
MUSIC TEACHER
Vibo Music Studio
05.2024 - Current
ORCHESTRA MUSICIAN
San Francisco Philharmonic
11.2023 - Current
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Serenade Events
10.2023 - 03.2024
GIGGING MUSICIAN
Santa Clara University
05.2023 - 12.2024
GIGGING MUSICIAN
South Valley Civic Theatre
04.2023 - 05.2023
CHURCH MUSICIAN
Bay Area Choir
12.2022 - 12.2024
ASSISTANT CONCERT MASTER
San Jose State University
08.2019 - 05.2024
STUDIO MUSICIAN
Kev Choice
05.2018 - 06.2018
BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) - MUSIC PERFORMANCE
San Jose State University
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
Oakland School For The Arts