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Sasha Callahan

Teaching Philosophy

Fifteen years of teaching students of all ages and abilities has made me strive to listen to what each student needs and what their natural strengths and weaknesses are rather than use any one rigid methodology. I believe the single best way to build confidence and enjoy an instrument is to learn how to solve problems yourself, so from a very young age I try to enable students to become the experts in the material we’re covering! Lessons include a lot of questioning and problem solving rather than pure instruction, so the student is engaged and part of the learning process. Learning the violin is hard work, and it requires home practice as well as careful instruction, so I do ask for parental support of good practice habits, particularly with young students.

Biography

Sasha Callahan, a native of Portland, Oregon, is a versatile violinist with a thriving career as both an educator and performer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Rice University and a Master of Music from Boston University, having studied under renowned teachers including Lucia Lin, Sergiu Luca, Denes Zsigmondy, and Carol Sindell.

Since 2001, Sasha has been a valued faculty member at the Brookline Music School. Her students frequently participate in prestigious ensembles such as Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras, NEC Prep Orchestras, and Brookline Townwide Orchestras, as well as Junior and Senior District Auditions. She extends her teaching expertise as a chamber music coach with the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra and as a violin faculty member at Beaver Country Day School. Sasha is also active as a masterclass presenter and clinician at colleges and prep schools across the country.

As a performer, Sasha has established a vibrant and diverse career. She is a founding member of the Lunaire String Quartet and Kalistos Chamber Orchestra, and has performed extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. Her recent highlights include performing as the violinist for the American Repertory Theater’s revival of Porgy and Bess, appearing as a soloist for Brahms’ Double Concerto, giving a solo Bach performance at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., and performing with the World Youth Orchestra in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Sasha is a regular member of the Portland Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and New Hampshire Music Festival. She also performs with renowned ensembles such as the Boston Pops, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, ALEA III, Boston Classical Orchestra, and Boston Lyric Opera.

Through her multifaceted career, Sasha Callahan continues to inspire students and audiences alike, contributing significantly to both music education and performance.

Degrees

B.M. Violin Performance, Rice University

M.M. Boston University