“…catty, cool, authentic…smashing the sounds ​straight outta Nashville.”

-philadelphiaweekly


“…honest-to-goodness country splendor anchored ​by fiddle playing and down-home vocal charm ​that endear immediately to even the lightest of ​fans of the genre…”

-inWilmington


“Larsen deploys some deft fiddle stops for ​rhythmic effect...she use(s her) chops to serve ​the song, rather than vice versa – which is quite ​refreshing and easier said than done in the ​“jamgrass” genre.”

-Highway 81 Revisited

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.

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, only 1 hour slots are available for new ​students. Send Sarah an email and tell her about what’re looking for in an instructor.


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 musical journey.

For the Ladies:

A Bluegrass Retreat

Youth Practice Intensive

for Violin/Fiddle

Chesapeake ​Wintergrass

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