“The most complete workshop that I have attended.”

-Austin, Native American Scholar, Cascade Conducting

COACH

Passionate about education, Sarah Ioannides has recently joined the esteemed faculty of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts’s School of Music in the Fall of 2024. As the newly appointed Director of Orchestral Activities and Professor of Orchestral Conducting at BU, Sarah Ioannides is also the Founding Artistic Director of Cascade Conducting & Composing, now going into its 8th year, which supports diversity on the podium through generous scholarships. Sarah currently serves as a mentor for Tapestry Opera’s Women in Musical Leadership program. 

“Aside from the incredible values I strengthened while I was part of the Cascade Conducting Masterclass back in 2018, the techniques I learned about conducting with a baton, rehearsal techniques, group handling and control are priceless and completely relevant to the development of my musical career. “ – Hector Portillo

Much sought-after as an adjudicator, masterclass teacher, orchestra clinician, she values each opportunity to inspire, coach, teach, consult, both musicians and artists, and to support music programs at every level. Formerly the Music Director of Cincinnati Youth Orchestra she regularly appears as guest with conservatories and youth orchestras such as the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, Curtis Symphony, Yale Philharmonia, Jacobs School of Music and at the Chicago College of Performing Arts Orchestra of Andalucia, National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, the South African National Youth Orchestra. In 2023 she served as Resident Conductor with the National Youth Orchestra – USA.

As an internationally sought after coach for conductors from Australia to Canada Sarah Ioannides has also appeared as key-notespeaker and serves on numerous advisory boards, she has appeared multiple times as a panelist with the National Endowment for the Arts.

“My vision is to help share the gift of extensive literature of orchestral music, both past and present. The depth of our repertoire is aided by meaningful work that develops the connections and partnerships while feeding into the channel of excellence that prepares students for highest standards in our industry and inspires newcomers to appreciate and be inspired by the gift of great orchestral performances.” S. Ioannides

Sarah first began teaching in Oxford and then in London while playing violin professionally. She gave music lessons in violin, French horn and piano, and coached chamber music at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music. She then held a three-year position at Swarthmore College of Music teaching history, orchestration, ear training, score reading. It is her privilege to share the valuable knowledge passed down from that of her greatest mentors and teachers; Otto-Werner Mueller, George Hurst, Paavo Järvi, Christopher Seaman and the many great conductors she has assisted while on staff at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Cascade Conducting

Boston University

Women in Musical Leadership

NYO-USA 2023

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