Sara Aylesworth, S/NCTM & RCM Certified
Teaching Philosophy
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable,” Ludwig van Beethoven
“The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul,” Johann Sebastian Bach
Mrs. Sara’s Bio: On October 2nd, 1996, an exciting Fall Wednesday afternoon forever marked Sara’s life. Just moments after the conclusion of her first piano lesson at 9 years old, she decided she wanted to become a piano teacher when she grew up. She began teaching piano lessons at 15 to a couple of young people and fell in love with the ability to teach them music.
2009 Sara graduated from Oakland University, earning a B.A. in Music with Piano as her Major. Sara then earned her State Certification (SCTM) from the Michigan Music Teacher Association in 2012 and her National Certification (NCTM) from the Music Teacher National Association in 2014. Additionally, she became a certified piano teacher through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in 2023 and is actively working on her ARCT Piano Pedagogy Diploma. This will greatly elevate her students’ international opportunities.
Since earning her certifications, Sara has diligently continued to learn and grow in her pedagogical practices by connecting to the prestigious Metropolitan Detroit Musicians League (MDML), to whom she has served on the Board of Directors for six years. She holds the Presidency in MDML for her 4th consecutive year and just began her third three-year term as an active Board member. Sara was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2016 and again in 2021 by MDML, with additional recognition from the State of Michigan for her outstanding contribution to the local organization.
Sara is also the President of Vivace Music Club, a National Federation of Music Clubs group, serving for the 2022-2024 term.
By attending monthly meetings and State and National conferences throughout the year, she nourishes her skills with outstanding professional development, priceless camaraderie with her studious colleagues, and a fresh outlook on cultivating a growth mindset for herself and as a means to inspire her students.
As a pianist, Mrs. Sara's current project is to achieve the ARCT in piano pedagogy, licentiate in performance, and the adjudication certification offered by the Royal Conservatory of Music, an internationally recognized program.