Sarena brings with her over 12 years of experience teaching violin, viola, and piano in her private music studio and throughout the Bay Area. She is the violin coach at the Berkeley Unified School District where she coaches at Berkeley High School, and is the chamber music coach at Longfellow Middle School. She was also a faculty member with the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra (YMCO). She is a current member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) and is an evaluator for the Certificate of Merit examination. Sarena has taught at the Summer Music Berkeley strings program, as well as the Strings Project program at the California State University Sacramento. Previous and current students have been members of Oakland Youth Orchestra, Berkeley Youth Orchestra, San Jose Youth Symphony, California Youth Symphony, as well as finalists in the San Jose Youth Symphony Concerto Competition and the Bay Area Music Association Music Legacy Open Competition.
Students participate in the yearly Certificate of Merit examination, which includes testing of music theory, ear training, and performance level. She tailors lessons to fit each student's unique learning needs. Books that are used in violin lessons include the Suzuki method book, Do-It Method Book, Carl Flesch Scale Studies book, and various concertos, sonatas, and etudes. Books that are used in piano lessons include the John Thompson and Keith Snell piano book series. She holds two mandatory recitals each year for her students to perform in front of an audience.
"Sarena is an extremely gifted and talented music instructor who has been teaching my daughter violin and piano for almost five years. She engages her students while committing to providing them with effective lessons and a deep appreciation for music. With Sarena's instruction and guidance, not only has my daughter learned the basics and fundamentals of violin and piano, but she's developed a true love for the musical arts and I really couldn't have asked for more from an instructor." -Therese R.
“Sarena is an amazing teacher. She is so genuine and constantly puts in a lot of effort and time for her students. Even outside of lesson time, she is willing to help you with something if you text or message her. She actually cares about her students and tries to make sure they get something out of each lesson.” - Karen L.