Meet Yamaha Master Educator Dr. Sarah McKoin
Dr. Sarah McKoin is a passionate educator dedicated to discovering art at any level of performance. She serves as the Director of Bands and Division Chair of Conducting and Ensembles at Texas Tech where she oversees all facets of the University band program, including four concert bands and two athletic bands as well as mentoring the graduate conducting program.
As early as she can remember, McKoin wanted to be a teacher and has spent her career inspiring students to find their own musical voices. From her days as a beginning clarinetist, she discovered that music touched her emotionally and that those early playing experiences made her “feel different.” Her passion is to inspire the same sensitivities in others.
Educators who work with McKoin quickly embrace her infectious enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of others. Her instructional approach enables students to self-discover the techniques and nuance required to perform at the highest level. In addition to supporting the musical journey of the individual, this also encourages a collective trust in the ensemble itself, allowing for a more honest, evocative, and impactful connection to the music. Discovering the “why” in a score over the “how” is integral to her pedagogy.
To say that McKoin is intently curious is an understatement. She is interested in what “could” be, so her enthusiasm for discovering new music compositions is not surprising. She lights up at the mention of contemporary classical music, how the medium is evolving, and where wind literature is going.
Working with people and encouraging artistic expression while promoting excellence and deep connections to music make Sarah the ideal professional clinician.
McKoin is a “doer,” and her curiosity extends to her varied activities outside her responsibilities at Texas Tech. A confessed “foodie,” McKoin also finds that painting, tennis, pickleball, and travel provide a balance to her busy conducting career.
McKoin embodies a supportive philosophy: “How would you play if you weren’t worried about being wrong?” She models to students a pursuit of personal and professional growth. As she says, “We all strive to grow for a lifetime — it is what keeps every day fresh and full of possibility!”
Some of Dr. Sarah McKoin’s session title include:
- Score Study: Ready, Set, Discover!
- Don’t Forget the Music!
- We Are What We Program: Ways to reconsider your musical diet• Conducting and Gesture
To learn more about clinics by Dr. Sarah McKoin, please contact Jalissa Gascho at jgascho@yamaha.com.