Sarah Samuelson Studio
Professional Photography and Voice Lessons
Sunset Northern California
Sunset Normandy, France
Palm Branches at Hollywood Beach, Florida
Sunset Northern California
I am a voice instructor, music educator and a professional photographer. I offer personal and enthusiastic vocal instruction for students which includes finding more freedom in your singing voice, learning to read music, and growing in performance skills. I have enjoyed teaching singing both privately and in public schools for 20+ years to students with a wide range of abilities and challenges. My photography is available on Etsy at Sarah Samuelson Studio.
All About Me
I earned a Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Puget Sound, a Masters in Music Ed from Minnesota State Univ, and National Board Certification. I have a unique combination of training as a voice teacher. I am trained in classical, gospel, and contemporary Christian worship technique. I have over 20 years of experience with teaching private voice and piano lessons. I taught elementary music for 12 years, so I have an expertise in teaching children. I also taught high school choir so I understand the needs of high school students. I also taught music education courses at the University of Puget Sound for 6 years and I've used this knowledge of pedagogy to create a sight reading curriculum based on Kodaly method. My books are called Solfege & Scripture. I have performed in and directed multiple musicals. and I am an active member of NATS (National Association for Teachers of Singing). I welcome students of all ages wishing to sing classical, musical theater, jazz, country and Christian music. My goals is for music to bring beauty and joy into all of our lives through building confidence, developing creativity and inspiring a love of music.
As a lifelong learner, I have continued to research strategies for helping my students manage anxiety. Through studying over 50 books about anxiety and the brain and participating in multiple professional trainings, I learned many brain-based techniques to overcome anxiety, build resilience to stress, and improve cognitive function. My knowledge of a variety of sources and styles of quality music also gives multiple ways to further promote relaxation and healing from the impact of stress and trauma in our lives.
I also am a professional photographer specializing in artistic photos of the beauty in nature and the joy of family celebrations. I especially love hummingbirds, flowers, especially the wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest. I have also created multiple photo videos for relaxation and devotionals.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun!” ~Albert Einstein
Studio Offerings
Music brings Joy
Voice lessons
Joyful Singing!
As a Music Instructor since 2004, I’ve provided the tools and guidance and enthusiasm needed to help all of my students excel and enjoy singing. All voice students will specific singing techniques that can help anyone learn to sing. I also use my Solfege & Scripture books to improve sight reading skills. I have experience working with advanced students preparing for auditions and competitions as well as beginners who have always thought they couldn't sing. Get in touch today to find out more and to reserve your lesson today!
Brain-Integrating Voice Lessons
Helps Anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and various other learning disabilities. Students of all ages welcome.
Brain integrating voice & piano lessons help students develop singing and note reading skills while also incorporating Bal-A-Vis-X (a series of Balance/Auditory/Vision eXercises, of varied complexity, all of which are deeply rooted in rhythm and integrate mind and body), FORBRAIN® headphones (which help the user create and process sound and block out environmental noise, giving the nervous system a sensory workout), and SOUNDSORY® (a multisensory program that helps improve motor and cognitive abilities through listening to neuro-acoustic modified music). As an experienced music educator in the public schools, I have worked with students of varying learning disabilities, including students with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, and various learning challenges. I focus on developing the joy of music through each of these brain changing methods. I believe in a positive approach that gives students constructive ways to learn while motivating and guiding students. I adapt lesson content for each individual student.
Photography
Photos and Photo Videos
I offer fine art prints and greeting cards of hummingbirds, flowers in gardens or in famous cities, and wildflowers and nature found on Pacific Northwest hikes and in National Parks.
I also have created the videos "Visualize Healing through God's Love" as devotionals inspired by the books I read about neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to heal and change. I was also inspired by books on the Holy Spirit and books on Christian meditation. The combination of the brain's amazing healing power and prayer has changed my life! My hope is that it can change yours as well! These videos help me to short-circuit my body's past responses to chronic pain, stress and anxiety by shifting my attention and instead filling my mind with God's promises. Each video combines beautiful photos, relaxing music, and verses spoken like prayers to allow the Holy Spirit to help visualize healing and the life of joy God wants for us.
Bibliography
Books on neuroplasticity: Wired for Healing, by Annie Hopper, Neuroimmunity by Michal Schwartz, The Cure by Jo Marchant, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza, The Brain's Way of Healing by Dr. Norman Doidge, and Unleash the Power of the Female Brain by Dr. Daniel Amen
Books on Holy Spirit: Alive in the Spirit by A.W. Tozer, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala Books on Christian Meditation: Reclaiming the Lost Art of Christian Meditation by Robert J. Morgan.
Sarah is an amazing teacher. I've had the pleasure of working with her on many productions as a vocal director for my drama program at my school. At the time she was our director of choirs and brought her experience and expertise as an educator, musician, and performer. Sarah has a firm but approachable teaching style with high standards and expectations, but she also is caring, patient, and empathetic with young performers and teaches them valuable tools to achieve those high standards. She teaches the whole student/performer: vocal technique, musicality and interpretation, and character, as well as music theory. I watched my actors grow immensely with skill and confidence in their vocal performance under her guidance. I would highly recommend Sarah as a vocal or music teacher to any of my students or anyone wanting to improve their singing or piano skills. I've been thinking of taking voice lessons again and she would be my first call.
David Ellis
Theatre teacher and director
Auburn Mountainview High School
My 10 year old daughter has the pleasure of working with Sarah virtually to improve her singing techniques. Sarah has already done an amazing job channeling my daughters enthusiasm for singing into noticeable improvements with pitch, tone, breathing and rhythm. Not only is Sarah enthusiastic and positive but she is also intentional with individualized plans to build confidence while also focusing on areas to improve. We look forward to each lesson! Sarah also has given my daughter the tools to be motivated to practice in between lessons to further enhance her skills. Sarah truly fosters the joy of singing with very noticeable changes!
Christina
Contact Me
Sarah Samuelson
Lakeland Hills neighborhood
Auburn WA United States 98092
Sarah's authentic joy, contagious energy and true love for teaching music are unparalleled. Both of our children have greatly benefited from her musical expertise, knowledge and passion. We highly recommend her!