Sarah Larsen is a multi-faceted teacher & musician. Originally from Wisconsin, she grew up playing classical music with her pianist mother and sister. Her formative years were spent at Lawrence University, the Walnut Hill School, New England Conservatory’s Preparatory Division, and the University of Hartford’s Hartt School on full scholarship. College introduced her to alternative styles including a run with string quartet Vox4 that led to Carnegie Hall; Americana rock string trio, Little Ugly; and premiering Gary Tomasetti's Violin Concerto written specifically for her.
Sarah's time in Philadelphia saw her playing with the Hot Club of Philadelphia, multiple bluegrass bands as well as frequent calls as string arranger for local songwriters. She has recorded at every major studio in the greater Philadelphia area, working with Ben Arnold, Susan Werner, Hop Along and Dr. Dog, among others. Sarah is an award-winning contest fiddler having taken Grand Champion of the Lyons Fiddle Festival and the Delaware State Championship.
Refusing to be defined by labels or genres, Sarah is equally at home in a jazz jam, a bluegrass pick, or an orchestral setting. She has spent over 30 years learning to communicate with musicians of all levels and styles, and has dedicated her life to helping others achieve satisfaction and joy through music.
Upcoming Performance Dates
5.04.24 Dirty Grass Family - White Oak Tavern - Ellicott City, MD
5.10.24 Geraldine w/the High and Wides - Garfield Center for the Arts - Chestertown, MD
5.11.24 Geraldine - Frey’s Brewing Co - Mount Airy, MD
5.18.24 Private Event
5.19.24 Black-Eyed Suzies - Cape V!bes Rock for Rescue - Cape St. Claire, MD
5.25.24 Black-Eyed Suzies - Rob’s Bluegrass Barn - Westminster, MD
5.30.24 Bob Dylan Birthday Bluegrass Bash - Pickett Brewing Co.
5.31.24 Gage Rhodes and the Rural Depression - Cult Classic Brewing Co.
6.02.24 Black-Eyed Suzies - Haverford Township Heritage Festival - Havertown, PA
6.08.24 Private Event
6.13.24 Nechville East Owner’s Club Meeting - 49 West Coffeehouse - Annapolis, MD
For over 15 years, Sarah has been a sought-after clinician and private instructor. Her arduous education combined with a big heart allows her students a comfortable place to pursue their musical dreams, whatever they might be. Some of her students have gone on to pursue continuing musical education. Many of them still play in community orchestras or local bluegrass bands.
Sarah's private studio is located in Edgewater, Maryland. At this time there are no openings; however, you are welcome to send an email to littlefiddleclass@gmail.com and be placed on a waitlist.
There are many scholarship opportunities available for students to pursue their musical dreams. Check out the list below and fill out an application to help your continue your musical education.
Seven Mountains Bluegrass Association
The Steve Mandell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Educator/Faculty Positions
In addition to her private studio, Sarah is on faculty at several bluegrass festivals and camps.
2024 teaching positions include Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival, Appalachian Bluegrass and Fiddle Association Festival, and Augusta Heritage Center (Bluegrass Week).
Clinician, Retreat Leader, and Musical Guide
If you want to raft a river or climb a mountain, you hire a guide to help you navigate.
Consider Sarah your guide on your musical journey.
Want to connect nonverbally with other musicians? Work on your instrument? Get rid of nervous jitters?
Check out these events and take the next step on your journey.
For the Ladies:
A Bluegrass Retreat
Youth Practice Intensive
for Violin/Fiddle
Winter Pick-A-Thon
A note from Sarah:
On occasion, I do come across unique and beautiful instruments and bring them home with me. I'm not a dealer or a shop, but have worked in various shops over the years and built a good eye for great instruments. Potential for an old thing to be useful is always on my mind.
There's usually a few fiddles and guitars shuffling around my orbit. If there's a particular instrument you're interested in or that you've been hunting for, reach out and send me an email.
Here’s a few of my favorite finds...
LEFT: 1953 Martin D-18
RIGHT: 1943 Gibson LG-2
BELOW: Workshop of Chappuy, c. 1780
