Dr. Sarah Gulish
Academic Portfolio
I am an entrepreneurial leader and innovator in music education with a proven track record of creating impactful programs and resources that bridge the gap between classroom practice and professional artistry. From co-founding F-flat Books and Songwriting for Music Educators to consulting for major organizations like NAMM, I have consistently worked to make music education more inclusive, creative, and accessible. My leadership in professional organizations, national recognition as an All-State director, and extensive teaching and publication portfolio underscore my commitment to shaping the future of music education.
Sample Course Syllabi
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Songwriting and Composition for Music Educators (Graduate Course)
Fully virtual course taught for the Graduate Program at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music.
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Songwriting for Educators (Graduate Course)
One week intensive course taught for the Graduate Program at West Chester University’s Wells School of Music.
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Progressive Methods (Undergraduate Course)
Course created for West Chester University’s Undergraduate curriculum redesign.
As an educator, I value collaborative practices, establishing “welcome” and encouraging agency and autonomy.
Teaching Sample: Improvisational Composition
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Teaching Improvisational Composing to a High School String Orchestra
Students learn to create compositions “on the spot” by learning common popular chord progressions and how to construct progressions in common keys.
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Composing in Action
Compilation of student-created “on the spot compositions” in which audience members provide a set of musical parameters and students co-construct pieces of music using common chord progressions and melodic hooks.
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Student-Directed Composition
Empowering students to create allows them to develop agency and autonomy through songwriting, composition, improvisation, and arranging. In this video, students work together to create a song onstage.
I see my classroom as extending beyond institutional walls: recording studios, community performance spaces, and virtual spaces can all provide unique opportunities for learning.
Sample Student Work: Songwriting
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Group Songwriting Challenge: "Equal Access"
Undergraduate students in MUE 202 at West Chester University completed an end-of-semester songwriting challenge. In groups, they had 30 minutes to create a song that summarized the key points from the course. Students were encouraged to use secondary instruments, classroom instruments, and to collaborate on lyrics.
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Co-writing: "80 Miles from Santa Fe"
Graduate Students at West Chester University completed a co-writing exercise over the course of an hour. With a lyrical prompt, they collaborated to create a “story song” with strong imagery and included at least two sections.
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Live Original Performance Prep: "Thinking About You"
High School students from all over the country in Temple’s Pre-College program collaborated over four days to develop an eight song set of original songs. In this video, they practice not only performing a song together but also how to start their set in front of a live audience. Many students, such as the drummer, were playing instruments for the first time that week.
Music Education Partnerships
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"Making Music Happen" Curriculum Development
In 2023 and 2024, I led a team of 16 curriculum writers to create a free, exhaustive curriculum that connects students with the rich history and innovation of the music industry.
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F-flat Books Publishing and Learn Professional Development
As CEO and Co-Founder of F-flat Books, I work with over 60 authors around the globe to create culturally sustaining and relevant curriculum to deliver to music educators all over the world.
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Songwriting for Music Educators
Through Songwriting for Music Educators, I create and deliver practical strategies for educators looking to incorporate more songwriting into their personal and professional practice.
As a creator, I gravitate toward collaborative projects that emphasize experimentation and creative practice.
Select Publications
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Songwriting for Music Educators
Co-written with Dr. Kat Reinhert, this book provides practical strategies for music educators to embrace songwriting and help their students do the same.
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The Creative String Orchestra
This book includes practical strategies for improvising, composing, and arranging in a large ensemble setting at the elementary and secondary levels.
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Creativity in the Classroom
This comprehensive secondary arts curriculum provides tools and resources for teachers to integrate arts education through project-based learning.
Select Editorial Publications
Creative Work in Songwriting/Composition
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"Someone Who Hears" from Amazing Grace, the Broadway Musical
I served as lead songwriter/composer on this song and contributing songwriter on other pieces.
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Various Releases, "New Enemies"
Since 2009, I have been the lead songwriter, keyboardist, and primary vocalist for original music projects, including the Philly-based band, New Enemies.
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Various Releases, Producer/Teaching Artist
Through work with songwriting students of all levels, I have led creative projects resulting in original albums recorded and released through digital distribution.