Teacher Profile: Cassandra Sturdivant

About Cassandra Sturdivant

Cassandra Sturdivant is a versatile artist, composer, and music producer who has been involved in music since 2010. Her journey began with classical alto saxophone, but she soon discovered a passion for jazz at a young age. Pursuing her love for music, she enrolled at Berklee College of Music and earned her Bachelor's degree in Music, with a focus on Electronic Production and Design. Her curriculum included sound design for film, ear training, music theory, and creative coding. Cassandra had the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, where she was exposed to a variety of music genres and cultures, including Flamenco music and Brazilian drum rhythms. She expanded her musical abilities by incorporating bass, guitar, and piano into her songwriting. Cassandra now teaches music lessons, imparting her knowledge of music production, guitar, and other instruments to both children and adults.

Initially, Cassandra's focus was on classical saxophone performance, spending most of her time honing her solo skills and collaborating with pianists. However, her passion for jazz led her to play with various jazz bands during her college years. Presently, Cassandra has shifted her focus towards songwriting and production.

During her position as a Recording Arts Instructor at FIRST Institute, Cassandra shared her expertise on sound design for film, music composition, and theory with her students. Her experience as an educator led her to recognize the importance of mentoring and supporting aspiring musicians of all ages. Cassandra makes a conscious effort to make music education engaging and fulfilling, acknowledging that music has therapeutic benefits and offers real career opportunities. She believes that playing a musical instrument not only produces beautiful sounds but also has a positive impact on the community.

Cassandra is a firm believer that music requires dedication and patience. She guides each of her students with passion and attention to detail, recognizing that every individual is unique and important. Her goal is to help students become the best musicians they can be by catering to their individual needs. Cassandra encourages everyone to try music at least once, believing that the moment one falls in love with it, their life is transformed. She focuses on the importance of theory, music education, tonality and composition. Cassandra believes that learning to play an instrument is an attainable skill for anyone, and she teaches with the aim of helping students achieve their dreams and goals.