Sara Given

About Sara

Sara Given currently conducts the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras Junior Strings and teaches middle and high school orchestra for the Hilliard City Schools. In 2026, she was awarded the Ohio String Teachers Association (OSTA) School Teacher of the Year.

Previously, Given taught orchestra with the Centerville and New-Albany Plain Local Schools. She also served as Master Teacher for The Ohio State University String Project, a program providing string instrument instruction to underserved communities in Central Ohio.

A frequent guest conductor and clinician, Given has presented sessions for The National Association for Music Education, The American String Teachers Association, The Ohio Music Educators Association, The Louisiana Music Educators Conference, and The Midwest String Teachers Workshop. She is a regular guest conductor for regional, all-state, and honors orchestras. Her work has been published in The Triad Journal for Music Education and Strings Magazine.

Each student’s musical journey is unique, and being a part of their formative years is a privilege. I aim to create an environment that makes the world of music exciting and accessible.