MT. JULIET MOVER: Sarah McDonnell, co-owner of McDonnell and … – Main Street Media of Tennessee

First-ever job?

“When I was in high school I babysat for a family with four boys, but my first official job was Children Activities at Walt Disney World.”

Current profession?

“I am currently teaching private piano and flute lessons in Mt. Juliet. My business partner and I both decided to move back to our hometowns after college and that led to our business being located in Mt. Juliet.”

What is the name of your new music lessons business?

“Currently we both still teach privately, but we have several names in ‘the workshop’ and will soon be unveiling the music academy. For now, we go by McDonnell and Vaughan Music Studios. We opened on February 1, 2023, at our new studio space located at the intersection of Mt. Juliet Road and Division Street. Our hours are flexible, but we generally work from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.”

You have a co-owner, tell us about her and how you became business partners?

“My coworker’s name is Anna Lynn Vaughan and she has been teaching private piano lessons in Mt. Juliet for 10 years after graduating with a BA in Music Education from MTSU. Technically, we met several decades ago because we both took piano lessons from the same teacher growing up. We participated in MANY recitals together. After we both graduated college we opened our first studios in the same place and became friends during our time there. We truly bonded over our love for music and travel.”

Do you both play instruments?

“Yes, we both play many instruments. I play piano, flute, saxophone, ukulele, and have been trying to teach myself bagpipes this year.  However, I only offer private piano and flute lessons. Anna Lynn plays piano, guitar, ukulele and sings and has been learning to play the lyre. She offers private piano lessons. It is our hope to one day start an Irish folk band.”

Did you both go to private lessons? Do you offer private and group lessons?

“Yes, we grew up taking private lessons both starting at the age of 6 on piano and I started flute lessons at the age of 14. At this time, we both offer private lessons and look forward to offering many ensemble and group lessons in the near future.”

Your philosophy of the business?

“Our philosophy is to not just provide music lessons but also encourage and guide our students into being hardworking and passionate individuals, who through the music lesson experience learn to appreciate and respect not just their own musical journey, but also others.”

How many students and teachers do you have?

“Together we teach around 100 students weekly with the age ranging between 5 to 75. It is currently just the two of us (teaching) but we are looking to expand in the very near future.”

Are you ever too young or too old to learn an instrument?

“Absolutely not! We do recommend waiting to begin private lessons until around 5 but after that any one is capable of learning.”

Future plans for the business?

“It is our dream to have multiple studio teachers offering lessons in multiple instruments with several ensemble opportunities. Additionally, we would like to offer music theory and music history classes. We would love to share our love and passion for music by going out into the community. For instance, we envision being able to host free community events in the future.”

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

“The best piece of advice I have received was, ‘Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams. Nothing is too big.’ ”

Hobbies?

“I enjoy traveling, experiencing new things, reading, going to live music events, and being with my friends and family.”

Best childhood memory?

“When I was 5 or 6 years old I went to see the Nashville Symphony perform Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with my mom and dad. That night I left the symphony telling my parents, ‘I’m going to play the flute when I grow up.’ I have several memories that I cherish, but this night helped shape my life and future in a way I never thought possible. 20-plus years later and I get to help the next generation fall in love with the flute and show them the joy of classical music.”

What would surprise us about you?

“My friends’ favorite fun fact about me is that I play the flute professionally, but I’ve never learned how to whistle.”

Which living person do you most admire?

“My brother. He has been through a lot at such a young age, but has kept the love and kindness in his heart. He’s my inspiration.  He’s also the biggest goofball, and my favorite person to beat at board games.”

If you could spend an evening with anyone, past or present, who and why?

“My mom. She passed away almost four years ago. She was the biggest light in my life and was always keeping me laughing. My mom was my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. I’ve never met a more encouraging person in my life. There are so many things I would like to ask her, but ultimately I would like to thank her because she is the reason I’m here today.”

Pets?

“I have two dogs. They are both Cavalier King Charles spaniels and their names are Beethoven and Bear. They are the sweetest and goofiest pups ever.”

If you could travel anywhere, where would you visit?

“Thailand. It’s been on my bucket list since I was a little girl. The dream would be to eat some Thai food in Thailand and be able to visit an elephant sanctuary.”