Sarah Brindell

Sarah Brindell is an Associate Professor of Songwriting at Berklee College of Music, where she teaches courses in songwriting, harmony, ear training, arranging, and stage performance. She is also affiliated with Piano and Keyboard, Arranging, and Music Production departments.

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from The New School and a Master's degree in Music Education summa cum laude from Boston University. Her educational background combines performance training with formal music education methodology.

Professor Brindell's creative and pedagogical interests focus on songwriting techniques, music education methodologies, and genre fusion including jazz, reggae, soul, and bossa nova. She emphasizes improvisation and collaborative creation in her teaching approach, drawing from her theater background and extensive performing experience. Her methodology incorporates action-based teaching where students actively create in class using voices, hands, feet, and everyday objects alongside traditional instruments.

Brindell's creative output demonstrates a progression from traditional jazz and soul influences toward more contemporary and globally-inspired works, with recent releases exploring Brazilian musical forms like samba. Her work consistently showcases strong vocal performance, sophisticated songwriting, and cross-cultural musical elements.

• VH-1's Save the Music Foundation's Song of the Year Contest (Finalist)
• Billboard World Song Contest (Honorable Mention)

Professor Brindell has mentored numerous successful musicians and songwriters including St. Vincent, Amy Allen (who has written for Harry Styles, Selena Gomez, and Halsey), Jake Torrey (who has written for Charlie Puth, John Legend, and Maroon 5), and Nikki Glaspie (drummer for Beyonce and Maceo Parker). She conducts songwriting clinics nationwide and internationally, helping thousands of students reach their full potential as professional musicians. Her teaching philosophy centers on bringing joy, community, inspiration, and creative freedom to her students.

As a performing artist, Brindell leads the Sarah Brindell Quintet and has performed with various bands including Naya Rockers, Pressure Cooker, and Duppy Conquerors. Her touring credits include performances worldwide with renowned artists such as Norah Jones, Carole King, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Ivan Neville, and Raul Midon.