January Teacher Spotlight: Sandy Vargo

Sandy Vargo is a member of the strings staff, teaching grades 5-7 at three separate schools, with the Farmington Public School system in Farmington, MI.

Can you tell us about your school’s orchestra program?

I am so proud to be entering my 25th year as part of the Farmington Public Schools String staff (and my 30th year of teaching)! The string program has always and continues to be a sense of pride in our community. We have 2 high schools, 3 middle schools, 1 K-8 Steam school, and 8 elementary schools. We are fortunate to have a string staff of 6 who service approximately 700 string students. I have taught all grade levels, however middle school has always been my calling and I currently teach grades 5 - 7 at 2 elementary’s and Power Middle School (go Gladiators!)

What instruments do you play/teach?

I love playing the violin and enjoy performing whenever possible. From the beginning of my teaching career I have worked to also become the best viola, cello, and bass teacher I could become. From taking lessons to getting to know performers who could support and guide my teaching on all instruments my students benefit from myself and others.

How did your career in music get started?

I still remember the day in 3rd grade when the string teacher placed a violin on my shoulder, I moved the bow as she played the notes to Mary’s Lamb....I was hooked! I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers and role models who nurtured my love of music. I studied at DePaul University and the University of Michigan, but still find myself learning everyday.

What’s your favorite song to perform?

Without a doubt, Lalo “Symphonie Espagnole”.

What are some of your other hobbies?

I love traveling, working with essential oils, and spending time with my husband, Joe and our 4 kids. Over the years their hobbies have also become mine! However, since Covid I have learned to crochet, something I’ve always admired but had no clue how to do. I completed my first blanket and was thrilled that I actually finished :)

What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?

I really enjoy traveling with my students, field trips are the best part of being a kid, right? Exploring the world with students and watching them as they get to perform for others is definitely a highlight for me. They learn so much about themselves, others, and really feel like rock stars. When students come back to visit they always talk about shared experiences, the places we went and how important that was in their lives. Memories…

What do you find to be the best motivator for students?

Goal and incentives. Food, money, movie parties, homework passes, I’m always changing it up. Keeping students motivated (until they develop the understanding that music is motivating on its own) is what it takes. Over time I’ve learned that students don’t want to let their teachers down and they work for me. The more they work, that motivates me to do more for them. It’s definitely a two way street!

What are your future goals as a musician and teacher?

My youngest daughter will be entering middle school in a couple of years and I may retire at that time. I love playing violin and nothing brings more joy than playing chamber music with friends. I’d love to do more gigging and playing for enjoyment. Over the years I have had many private students and as a teacher that will always be a part of my life.

It’s looking like a return to normal for the fall of 2021 might just happen, how are you managing the pandemic until that time? What has been the most encouraging thing that you have seen during the pandemic?

I have been teaching virtually since March and just returned to a hybrid return on January 25th. The many emotions and challenges I have experienced have taught me so much about myself and my community. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, okay to feel frustrated, okay to ask for help. The string community as a whole has been the most encouraging thing that I have seen during the pandemic, with all of the online forums, we have shared and collaborated to become the best remote and hybrid teachers in the world. When I see (and sometimes hear) how well my students are progressing during the pandemic, it makes me proud to be an educator.