About
My love of music began at a young age when I started violin lessons age 5. Piano soon followed and at the age of 15, I achieved Grade 8 (Distinction) Violin and Grade 6 Piano.
Whilst my love of classical music continues today and my preferred instrument is still my 300 year old acoustic violin, I have diversified over the years, added other instruments and genres to my collection including Guitar, Flute, Whistles, Electric Violin and Singing.
Now, with a broad range of musical experiences ranging from chamber music to indie/folk bands, choirs, schools and writing soundtracks, I work from my home studio just north of Norwich UK, often accompanied by Maddie the dog, combining my musical skills with a passion for creative storytelling.
I teach using a range of methods and materials tailored to suit each student and their goals. Whether it's reading music, taking exams, playing by ear - pop, classical, folk or Jazz. I often use my home studio facilities to help students in their progression by recording and hearing their progress back. This also offers the opportunity for students to learn about music creation and recording studio methods.
Exam Boards Taught
ABRSM
Rock School
Qualifications
ABRSM Grade 8 Violin (Distinction)
RSL Grade 8 Vocals
ABRSM Grade 6 Piano
Open University - Understanding Music.
Abilities Taught
Violin - Beginner to advance (grade 8+)
Viola - Beginner to Grade 5
Cello - Beginner to Grade 3
Vocals - Beginner to intermediate (please note, I don't teach classical singing)
Guitar - Acoustic Guitar only - suitable for learning chords to accompany singing etc.
Piano - Beginner to Grade 5
Useful Information
Sarah Ballard offers Guitar, Cello, Viola, Violin, Piano, Singing, Music Theory lessons in Norwich, Wells-next-the-Sea & Online.
If you are interested in learning more about Guitar, Cello, Viola, Violin, Piano, Singing, Music Theory lessons, you can send a message to Sarah Ballard by clicking on the "More" button
above.
Gift vouchers are also available with
this music teacher
via the same menu.
Alternatively, if you are ready to book a lesson,
you can click on "Book" to see Sarah Ballard's latest availability and make a
booking.
Let's get started with your Norwich, Wells-next-the-Sea & Online based music lessons
for Guitar, Cello, Viola, Violin, Piano, Singing, Music Theory today.
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Do you offer Free taster sessions?
Yes - if you're a new student considering having lessons with me, drop me a message. I always offer a free 30 min taster session before anyone commits to having lessons with me. It's important that you feel comfortable and my style of teaching suits you so that you can get the best out of it.
Do you have a Covid-19 Policy?
Yes - I'm a member of the Musicians Union so follow their guidelines. I deliberately have a 5 min gap between each student which gives me time to wipe down touch surfaces. Chairs and music stands have been changed so that they are easy to wipe down.
I have a covid policy which each student my read and sign ahead of commencing lessons with me. All students are expected to wash their hands on arrival at their lesson.
Do you have a waiting area for parents?
Yes - there is a seat just outside the studio door where one parent can sit and wait. The studio door can remain open throughout the lesson if the parent wishes to observe the lesson. Due to Covid restrictions, I can only allow one person to sit and wait at a time. Parents must wear face masks at all times.
Do you have any toilet facilities?
Yes - there is a cloakroom right next to the studio that students and parents can use. It is cleaned between lessons and under current Covid guidelines, paper towels have replaced normal hand towels to ensure no cross-contamination.
Do I have to take grades?
Not at all! Exams suit some people and not others. When we start our lessons, we will chat about any particular goals you may have and work towards those. For some people, that is to reach a specific grade, for others it's to gain the confidence to perform or to learn a particular piece of music/song. The way I work is very much based around team-work. We set goals together and select music/songs together to maximise your enjoyment through the process.
I can't find the lesson length I'd like, do you offer other options?
I'm always happy to help where I can. If you're looking for something specific that you can't find in the booking system, drop me a message and I'll try to help.
Do you have recording facilities?
Yes - I have a good professional level home studio which I offer to my students as part of their learning. Specific recording sessions can be booked by contacting me. I also use the recording as part of a students general development - marking progress, providing samples of their work that they can share with friends and family. I also offer the chance to learn how to use the recording facilities and understand the recording process. Much like the editing that goes on in photoshopped magazine images, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes in a recording that you may listen to on the radio. I think it's really important that young people understand the difference between the raw recording and the finished product.
