Testimonials
Pianist / Music Director
In
addition to her professional skill and attitude, Sarah brings
an honest passion and interest
in the musical theatre genre to her work. Though trained and
skilled as a musician, she is highly supportive and
understanding to the needs of the actor. She has a complete
and well-informed knowledge of musical theatre composition and
theory and understands the expectations of a score and how it
works as a story telling device.
On a more personal level, I trust Sarah as a fellow colleague,
equal and mentor.
- Kevin Michael Cripps, Music Director and Instructor at
Capilano University.
I
would like to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Jaysmith. She is
a gifted accompanist, a talented arranger, and a dream of a
music director who inspires respect and affection among
everyone she works with. On
a personal level, I have found her kind, calm, intelligent,
and reasonable, so she makes an ideal colleague.
- Ashley Lambert-Maberly, Director, The Broadway Chorus
I worked with Sarah as our accompanist for Ecole Pauline
Johnson's production of "Oliver" (an elementary school in West
Vancouver). She made us a practice CD and then came out for the
last month's practices to play live for us. She is uber talented
and VERY easy to work with. She has a great sense of humour and
does everything she can to support the singers and their
director (me). Would work with her again in a heartbeat.
Any group would be extremely lucky to have her on their music
team.
- Christine Abrams, Music and Band Teacher at Ecole Pauline
Johnson and Cypress Park
Sarah Jaysmith is one of the most generous kind collaborators I
have ever met. I call her a collaborator because when she plays
music and comes together with others she inhabits the spirit of
collaboration. She is giving and flexible. She is creative and
steady, listening, incorporating ideas and supporting the whole
rather than demanding the small. I have been blessed to have
worked with such a brilliant exceptional highly skilled
musician. I would recommend her to anyone who really wants to
have the best.
- Helena Fleming
Sarah
not only was an excellent rehearsal pianist, she arranged and
taught vocal harmonies and provided individual vocal
assistance to anyone who needed it.
Sarah is extremely patient, generous with her time and is
excellent at pinpointing and adapting to a singer?s strengths
and limitations. I really appreciated her professionalism and
her dedication to making everyone sound fantastic.
- Linda Sum
I have known Sarah since she became Musical Director of 'The
Broadway Chorus'. Upon her arrival, the calibre of the singing
has improved by leaps and bounds because she listens and
corrects and makes us the best we can be. She doesn't stand for
bad manners and will speak up if people are talking and not
listening and that makes a huge difference. She cares so we
care.
She also does arrangements, so the songs have more harmony and
sound amazing. Her and Gil's skills at composing songs and
lyrics are wonderful and I hope someone takes note of this one
day. David Foster are you listening?
Sarah is also a terrific singing coach and my voice has improved
and grown stronger with her training.
Thank you Sarah!
- Gayle Swain
Singing Teacher / Vocal Coach (on hiatus as of 2018)
I just want to say thank you again for how much you helped me.
In just 2 sessions you got me exactly where I had to be. To use
a cliche phrase with utter sincerity, I couldn't have done it
without you!
- Catherine Fergusson
Sarah is a phenomenal teacher. Her technical knowledge is
immediately evident, and she knows how to explain her diagnosis
and recommended exercises in ways that make the most sense for
each individual student. But even more than her technical
mastery, what shines through is Sarah's gift for teaching. She
gently coaches, encourages, mentors and challenges her students,
creating a completely safe environment where everyone,
regardless of experience, can find their voice. She not only
builds voices, she builds confidence.
- Sarah Vollett
Sarah Jaysmith is a deeply experienced, encouraging and patient
teacher, who makes voice lessons fun, inspiring and educational
and not the slightest bit intimidating. My range and tonal
quality have improved leaps and bounds since I've begun working
with her!
- Annie Reid, writer
I can honestly say that Sarah Jaysmith has changed my voice, and
improved it beyond what I thought was possible. She is a patient
and inspiring teacher, and had me working muscles in my throat
that I didn?t even know existed. Her encouragement and humour
makes each lesson an excellent experience. Beyond her teaching
abilities, she is a talented composer, a powerful performer, and
a fantastic accompanist. I feel fortunate to know such a
multi-faceted and talented musician, and luckier still to have
had the opportunity to learn from her.
- Kim Palmer
Sarah is a wonderful singing teacher. In the time that we
have worked together, I have noticed an improvement in the
clarity of my voice, my vocal range and my overall
confidence. The vocal exercises and Sarah's attention to
detail have helped me to become more aware of proper
technique. As a result, I am a stronger singer.
Sarah is extremely knowledgable and passionate about
music. She teaches with confidence and humour and is very
encouraging. In addition, her tips on performing have been
invaluable during auditions and performances.
- Deirdre Bain
My lessons with Sarah have given my voice much more ease and
stability. Even in less than ideal situations - like at the end
of a long show week - I know I can depend on my instrument in a
way I've never been able to before I worked with Sarah.
- Kate Douglass