Sara Wilkins has established herself as a versatile and energetic cellist in the Boston area. Her performance has been called, “remarkable for its sensitivity, ensemble responsiveness, and intelligibility.” She recently performed in the Verdi Requiem with the Worcester Chorus at Carnegie Hall. An ardent advocate of new music, Sara led the Boston University Cello Choir in its premiere of Theodore Antoniou’s octet and has collaborated with renowned composers including Richard Wernick, Augusta Read Thomas, David Rakowski, and Lyle Davidson. She performed in the orchestra for Robert Helps: Orchestral Works released by Albany Records. She also premiered many works as a member of Time’s Arrow new music ensemble.
Called a “curious and intelligent scholar with a vivid, engaged mind” by her advisor, Dr. Wilkins wrote her dissertation about music for cello inspired by poetry. She explored the various methods by which composers conveyed poetry using the cello, an instrument commonly compared to the voice. The project culminated in the commission of a piece for soprano and cello by Chris LaRosa.
An experienced teacher, Dr. Wilkins is currently on faculty at All Newton Music School. She has taught cello, violin, group strings, and general music to students ranging in age from 2 to 80. Her cello students have won auditions for the MMEA and SEMSBA District Festival Orchestras, and prizes in the Crescendo Competition. As a theory tutor at the University of South Florida, Sara taught sight-singing and dictation for two years.
Dr. Wilkins is a member of the American String Teachers Association and Boston Musicians Association. She completed her doctorate at Boston University after earning her master’s degree at Roosevelt University. Sara graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Florida, where she received the Music Teachers National Association Student Achievement Award and was on the Dean’s List. Her teachers include Rhonda Rider, Richard Hirschl, Scott Kluksdahl, and Javier Caballero.
