I am Sarah Shapiro, a dynamic choral director and theatre music educator based in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience leading award-winning vocal ensembles and musical theater productions. I have directed four vocal ensembles from beginner to advanced levels, and I regularly produce and direct school-wide musical theater projects, all while nurturing student growth and community through performance. I am passionate about fostering creativity, community, and excellence through performance and music education. I enjoy developing innovative curricula, integrating technology into teaching, and building strong choral communities that empower students to explore art, collaboration, and leadership.

Sarah Shapiro

I am Sarah Shapiro, a dynamic choral director and theatre music educator based in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience leading award-winning vocal ensembles and musical theater productions. I have directed four vocal ensembles from beginner to advanced levels, and I regularly produce and direct school-wide musical theater projects, all while nurturing student growth and community through performance. I am passionate about fostering creativity, community, and excellence through performance and music education. I enjoy developing innovative curricula, integrating technology into teaching, and building strong choral communities that empower students to explore art, collaboration, and leadership.

Available to hire

I am Sarah Shapiro, a dynamic choral director and theatre music educator based in Los Angeles with over 15 years of experience leading award-winning vocal ensembles and musical theater productions. I have directed four vocal ensembles from beginner to advanced levels, and I regularly produce and direct school-wide musical theater projects, all while nurturing student growth and community through performance.

I am passionate about fostering creativity, community, and excellence through performance and music education. I enjoy developing innovative curricula, integrating technology into teaching, and building strong choral communities that empower students to explore art, collaboration, and leadership.

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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Hebrew (modern)
Advanced
Italian
Intermediate
Portuguese
Intermediate
German
Beginner
Latin
Beginner
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Choral Director & Musical Theatre Director at Milken Community School
January 1, 2017 - Present
Directed four vocal ensembles (beginning to advanced); music directed annual middle and high school musicals; conducted live orchestra or band for annual high school musical; developed Honors Choir Projects curricula; led choirs to Gold Ratings and 1st place finishes at Heritage Festival and Kolot Hayam Jewish A Cappella Festival; innovated virtual engagement during COVID-19 pandemic; integrated technology in curriculum including digital audio production, live sound reinforcement for performances, and music notation software; prepared students for successful high school and college auditions.
Choral Director & Musical Theater Director at Milken Community School
January 1, 2017 - Present
Directed four vocal ensembles (beginning to advanced); music directed annual middle and high school musicals; conducted live orchestra or band for annual high school musical; developed Honors Choir Projects curriculum; led choirs to Gold ratings and first-place finishes at Heritage Festival and Kolot Hayam Jewish A Cappella Festival; innovated virtual engagement during COVID-19; integrated technology into curriculum including digital audio production, live sound reinforcement for performances, and music notation software; prepared students for successful high school and college audition processes.
Choral Director & Musical Theatre Director at Paradise Valley Unified School District
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017
Created and implemented a comprehensive middle school music curriculum; organized and conducted three concerts annually including choral performances and feeder festivals with local schools; collaborated with orchestra and band teachers for joint performances; prepared students for successful high school music program auditions and interviews.
Music Teacher / Choral Director at Paradise Valley Unified School District
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017
Created and implemented comprehensive music curriculum for middle school students; organized and conducted three concerts annually including choral performances, piano recitals, feeder festivals with local schools, and community events; collaborated with orchestra and band teachers for joint performances and school-wide musical events; prepared students for successful high school music program auditions and interviews.
Choral Director & Music Theatre Director at The Archer School for Girls
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Directed choir and musical theatre programming; managed multiple productions and rehearsals; coordinated with vocal and instrumental faculty for integrated performances; supported community engagement through school concerts and events.
Teacher, Vocal Music at Archer School for Girls
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Instructed vocal music, directed choral performances, and prepared students for performances and competitions.
Private Instructor at Los Angeles & Phoenix (Private Studio)
January 1, 2007 - Present
Private voice, piano, and music theory instruction for students of varying ages and levels; customized curricula and performance opportunities; prepared students for high school and college music programs.
Private Instructor (Voice, Piano, Music Theory) at Self-Employed / Private Instruction
January 1, 2007 - Present
Provided private instruction in voice, piano, and music theory to students in Los Angeles and Phoenix; ongoing since 2007.
Teacher, Vocal Music at University High School
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Taught vocal music, contributed to curriculum, and supported student growth in performance and musicianship.

Education

Master of Music in Choral Conducting at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Emphasis in Voice at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007
Certificate in Live Event Engineering at Berklee College of Music
January 1, 2025 - February 6, 2026

Qualifications

California Clear Teaching Credential - Single Subject: Music
October 1, 2025 - November 1, 2030

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other