Summary
Heralded by Reno Arts News for her “tender” playing, Sarah Coyl enjoys a diverse musical career playing and teaching violin and viola. She is a member of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and an instructor of violin at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ. As an emerging chamber musician, she has performed on viola with world-renowned pianist Joyce Yang.
While pursuing her undergraduate studies at Butler University in Indianapolis, Coyl collaborated with the University’s nationally regarded ballet company, holding the position of principal second violin in the company’s professional orchestra. She earned her Master’s degree from the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, where she won the chance to play the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the University Orchestra. While at the University, she played in the Nightingale String Quartet, the University’s quartet-in-residence.
Coyl’s most formative artistic experiences have occurred outside of the University sphere. She has established relationships with inner city schools, such as Edison School of the Arts in downtown Indianapolis, to promote programs that provide subsidized private lessons and music camps for low-income families. She has programmed recitals at hospitals, retirement homes and shelters, placing great value on the relationships fostered by such events.
As a teacher, Coyl strives to impart excellent fundamental technique to all of her students, setting them up to play to the best of their ability, no matter what kind of music they want to play. She has played with folk and rock bands, even performing with Michael Bolton and Johnny Mathis, and performed at many of Reno’s beloved venues including Bruka Theater and Reno Little Theater.