Focus on the child, not the instrument!
I’ll admit it. When I took piano lessons as a kid, I didn’t always like it. Despite my love for music, sitting still during lessons and practicing 45 minutes a day was a chore. Eventually, my mom let me quit.
To everyone’s surprise, that’s when I started playing the piano more often. I loved that I could play whatever I wanted, without worrying about posture or getting all the correct notes. Piano became a place for self-expression and joy.
As I pursued teaching, I quickly learned that my experience is common. Many young musicians find traditional lessons boring, then quit and end up playing their instruments more frequently.
Why does this happen? Because traditional music lessons focus more on the instrument than on the child playing it, which neglects the child’s natural way of learning.
I’ve spent my career breaking away from tradition to create lessons that align with the latest research on how young brains learn. I follow the child’s lead, incorporating creative play, movement, sensory games, exploration, and improvisation into every lesson. I also give students autonomy with song selection and practice routines, which empowers them to keep making music.
At Zavoral Music Studios, we find that when music lessons are child-centered, they are filled with joy!
Hi, I’m SarahLynn Zavoral
I am passionate about helping children find joy through music.
At BYU, I earned a BA in Elementary Music Education, where my formal instrument was voice and choral instruction. While most music ed programs focus on grades 6-12, this program gave unique background to how children learn music most effectively. I also completed a major in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in early-childhood learning.
Over the past 23 years, I’ve taught children worldwide, including roles as ESOL instructor in Thailand, preschool and 5th grade teacher in Utah, K-8 music teacher in Anaheim, and preschool music in Minnesota. More recently, I taught TK-4th grade music at McKinley Elementary.
I launched my private music practice 8 years ago and now run it full-time here in San Diego, CA. I’m proud of my current partnership with The Treehouse Academy, providing music to their students during school hours. On the weekends, I volunteer as choir director at my church.
When I’m not teaching, I love to travel, learn history and do science projects! Sometimes you might find me exploring at the beach with my husband and two amazing kids. I’m excited to meet you soon!
Meet OUR talented teenage drum Teacher!
Hi, I’m Tanner! I love showing kids how to play drums and helping them find their own rhythm with cool and fun lessons. I’m always excited to make sure every session is tuned to what each student can do.
I’ve been playing the drum kit since I was 4 years old. Recently, I played in the advanced jazz band at Roosevelt Middle School in San Diego and started my own rock band. I can’t wait to share my love for drumming with you!
“My kids love music class with Mrs. Zavoral. They skip around the house singing the songs they've learned and have even been teaching their friends (and parents 😉) music terms.”
Steven G.
“Being a music teacher myself, I can say Mrs. Zavoral is the best of the best. She is darling with kids and so creative. My kids absolutely loved her and looked forward to music class each week.”
Misha S.
