Sara Rivers

Sara Rivers is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin where she was a Piano Performance major.  She went to Texas in 1974 after receiving a four-year scholarship as the First Prize Winner in the University of Texas' National  Solo Competition.  While there she studied with noted pianist and teacher, John Perry.   In addition to her successful recitals as soloist and chamber musician, Sara appeared with the University of Texas Symphony under Walter Ducloux, performing the Mozart Double Piano Concerto with her brother, internationally acclaimed pianist Dickran Atamian.

Prior to her studies in Texas, Sara, who grew up in Phoenix, had been a frequent prize winner in many Arizona music competitions.  She placed first in the statewide Music Teachers National Association Competition, and also in the Phoenix Symphony's Young Musicians Competition, which included a full scholarship to Rocky Ridge Music Festival in Colorado.  While there she performed Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto with the Festival Orchestra.  She also attended the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC, on a full scholarship.  Sara spent two years in New York City studying with pianist Jorge Bolet, and she performed in the Eastern and Southwestern United States as a solo recitalist and chamber musician.  She began teaching piano in 1983 for Phoenix College and has continued to teach privately in the Phoenix area for over 25 years.  Sara is a member of the Phoenix Music Teachers Association and the Music Teachers National Association.

Sara has brought her excellent training and performance experience to her teaching.  Her students at all levels, from beginning to advanced, are able to develop the physical skill of playing the piano to the highest degree possible for each student.  This then gives them the vehicle by which they can interpret various styles of music....and that's where the fun comes in!  This is when a student can create moods and describe scenes or events with their playing through all kinds of interpretive musical tools.  The goal is to have the student appreciate and enjoy any musical composition and be able to evoke that experience in others who hear them play.  Sara also believes that the discipline that is developed in learning to play a musical instrument is beneficial to children in other areas of their lives.  The sense of accomplishment in each student as they learn, progress and perform is real and exciting!

Sara provides opportunities for performance in studio classes and formal recitals each semester.  She emphasizes the fundamental principles of music through a theory and technique curriculum which is graded for each student.  She is a traditional teacher that believes in teaching beginners to read music from the very start.  Ear training is very important, but reading music is an essential part of learning an instrument.  When they leave her studio, Sara wants each student to be able to understand and interpret any piece of music that they encounter and enjoy in the future.  Duet playing is always a part of the learning experience and adds to the fun, especially for young students.