Saxophone | Piano | Clarinet | Music Composition | Jazz Improvisation | Jewish Studies
About 613 Music Academy
613 Music Academy, located in Chandler, Arizona, is a premier center for music education with a strong focus on Jazz Studies and improvisation. We provide students of all ages and skill levels with high-quality private music lessons, ensemble coaching, and performance opportunities designed to build both technical skill and creative confidence.
Our private lessons establish a solid foundation in music knowledge, offering students the choice between a general music curriculum or a specialized focus in areas such as jazz theory, lead sheet reading, improvisation, and advanced musicianship.
Beyond private instruction, 613 Music Academy proudly offers jazz band clinics, workshops, and school visits, bringing our passion for jazz education directly into the community. These programs are tailored to help student ensembles strengthen their understanding of jazz style, phrasing, and group interaction while nurturing a deeper appreciation for the art of improvisation.
At 613 Music Academy, our mission is to inspire creativity, musical growth, and a lifelong love of jazz through personalized instruction and meaningful performance experiences.
About The Director
Sarah Koussevitzky is a saxophonist and passionate music educator based in Chandler, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with a minor in Arts Management and Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Sarah’s musical journey has been shaped by renowned mentors such as Roxy Coss, John Mills, Barbara Laronga, Kenny Rampton, and Brice Winston. Her performance experience includes appearances at internationally acclaimed festivals like the Next Generation Jazz Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. She has shared the stage with jazz greats including Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, Kenny Rampton, Conrad Herwig, and Joe Lovano.
A strong advocate for music education and community engagement, Sarah co-founded Jazz Girls TX, an initiative that empowers young women in jazz. She has also worked with organizations such as Jazz Outreach Initiative, ReedGeek, WIJO (Women in Jazz Organization), MacSax Austin, and Jazz Houston, where she currently serves as Brand Manager.
As an educator, Sarah is known for her student-centered and inclusive teaching philosophy. She approaches music as a language—emphasizing the importance of learning to read, write, and speak it fluently. Sarah strives to create an environment where students feel heard, inspired, and empowered—musically and personally— while holding high musical standards with a progress over perfection mindset.
Lesson Studio Information
-
I help musicians develop their unique musical voice and self-expression with solid technique and music literacy.
In order to develop a unique musical voice & self-expression, students need:-Music Literacy
-Foundational Technique
-Independent Preparation Skills
-
IIn order to develop a unique musical voice & self-expression, I’ve developed an action plan for all students interested in playing music.
Assess current level & knowledge
Identify student goals
Develop music literacy
Apply effective practice strategies
Select level-appropriate repertoire and materials
Create a sustainable preparation routine
Share progress for feedback
-
I find that the students who have the most success in my studio have a few common traits:
Desire to learn
Love for music
Inquisitive
Studio Policy
-
I will teach students the fundamentals music in a positive and enthusiastic environment. My goal is to empower each student to influence their music education with input based on their interest and long-term goals. I will tailor the curriculum to match each student's specific learning needs.
-
Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well-prepared, and with their assignment books, music, and instrument. To make good progress, daily quality practice is necessary. Please ask questions about home assignments so the student and parents can completely understand the assignments and goals.
Parents: If something is happening at home or school that is affecting your child please let me know. The more information I have, the more I can be sensitive to the needs of your child.
-
Lessons are scheduled for one time weekly.
Tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month to the method on file with My Music Staff. All payments are non-refundable. The studio is open for 44 weeks each calendar year. The weeks where lessons are not held (due to holidays, personal performance opportunities, or illness) will be communicated in advance. Studio closure weeks will not receive a make-up lesson credit.
To end enrollment for the coming month, notice must be received via email by the 15th of the current month.
*Please note that tuition reserves the weekly time slot, but may not directly correlate with lessons received if the student does not attend the scheduled lesson times. -
Lessons canceled with under 24 hours notice will not be provided a make up lesson.
Lessons canceled with 24 hours notice will be credited a make up lesson for that month.
All make up lessons are scheduled on a case by case basis.
Make up lessons do not count as credit for the next month’s tuition.
Lessons canceled by me will be given as much notice as possible. Cancellations outside of the guaranteed 44 annual lessons will be rescheduled within 30 days.
Tuition is based on the number of lessons the studio schedules and will not be altered. Planned vacations or other conflicts communicated in advance receive a make-up lesson credit for that month.
-
Each student is responsible for purchasing the required music and materials for lessons. Materials will be assigned by me and the student will be expected to have the materials no later than two weeks after the materials have been assigned. Advanced notice will be provided whenever possible. *** Some materials will be provided digitally through the student’s log in portal.**
Students must have their own instrument to practice at home. If you have questions or would like input on the purchase of an instrument please let me know.
***HOW CAN I MAKE THAT A THING
-
When students enroll, they are reserving their place in the studio for the entire term. Changes to weekly schedules may be made on a case-by-base basis each month before tuition is due.
If the student decides to pause lessons during the course of a month, tuition for the remainder of the month still applies. Alterations to this policy are on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Term - September through DecemberSpring Term - January through May
Summer Term - June through August
Please note that a student's spot will not be guaranteed for the fall term if they were not enrolled in lessons during the summer term.
-
From time to time I use photos and short videos of my students around the studio, on the studio website, or in social media posts. These videos and posts are encouraging to other students and helpful to other teachers. If you do not want your child's image(s) to be used, please let me know. The students are identified only by first name.