From the Rehearsal Room to the Stage: Learning Through Performance and Collaboration

Hello everyone! My name is Sarah K Quinn, and I am a conductor, music director, and classical vocalist from Ireland, now based in London. A graduate of the Cork School of Music, I have worked internationally from London to NYC. While in New York, I directed ensembles including C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective and served as Music Director for new musical theatre works such as 'Under the Sheet' and 'Depresh Mode', and continued my professional development through a conducting course at The Juilliard School, while also pursuing opportunities to conduct and direct in both the choral and theatre worlds. Since moving to London, I work as a voice, piano and theatre teacher. I am currently a Choral Scholar with The Esterhazy Singers and St. Luke’s Hackney. I’m passionate about collaboration, education, and championing women in music.

My teaching approach is rooted in collaboration, creativity, and confidence-building. I tailor every lesson to the individual needs of my students, encouraging them to explore music through active participation: singing, playing, conducting, or moving from the very first session. I believe in learning through doing, balancing technical skill with expressive performance so that students not only play or sing accurately, but communicate meaning and emotion through their music. In both group and one-on-one settings, I promote teamwork, attentive listening, and mutual respect, creating a classroom environment where all voices are valued. I incorporate musicianship training, including sight-singing, rhythm work, and theory, to strengthen understanding and independence, while encouraging reflective practice to help students take ownership of their growth. Drawing from my experience across classical, contemporary, and musical theatre traditions, I connect technique with storytelling and movement, fostering a holistic understanding of performance. Above all, I strive to create a supportive, inclusive space where students feel inspired to take creative risks and express themselves fully.