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teaching artist bio

Sorcha Cribben-Merrill is a Performing Songwriter and Teaching Artist working at the intersection of music, arts education, and community health.

Known for her compassionate, encouraging presence, Sorcha offers one-on-one music lessons in her coastal Maine Teaching Studio, and her community programs engage people in music making across the lifespan — from lullaby writing with new parents to interactive concerts with Older Adults.

Inspired by singing jazz standards with her grandparents, Sorcha sings with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care audiences throughout Maine to support memory, brain health, and creative connections. She has partnered with Senior Care centers for over a decade and she completed the Community Health Musician Certificate Program through Berklee School of Music (Music and Health Institute) to deepen this work.

Sorcha also partners with Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project, an initiative that supports maternal health, aids in child development, and strengthens bonds between parent and child. She has co-created a music and literacy program for the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, facilitated Teen Songwriting groups, and taught early childhood music classes at Breakwater School and 317 Main Community Music Center.

Sorcha earned her BA from Skidmore College (2003) in Anthropology with a Music Minor and studied at University College Cork in Ireland. Early studies in piano, classical guitar, and jazz guitar were foundational for her current work as a performing songwriter, recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist (voice, acoustic & electric guitars, banjo, ukulele, piano, drums, fiddle). Sorcha’s original songs are featured on studio albums, film soundtracks, and live stages throughout New England.

TEACHING approach

We are all innately creative

This belief is at the heart of my music programming.

My teaching approach centers around music exploration ~ a process and mindset that encourages creative expression while building foundational music skills.

• Through song learning and musicianship activities, students develop their innate creative style, strengthen musical confidence, and learn to apply music theory concepts to the music they love.

• I tailor lessons and programs to support individual interests and learning styles. We may incorporate singing, percussion, piano, banjo, or songwriting as additional learning tools, courtesy my experience as a performing songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

• I draw on my experience and trainings in collaborative songwriting facilitation (Lullaby Project, Carnegie Hall), peer-group facilitation (Center for Grieving Children), early childhood music (First Steps in Music), community health music (Berklee College of Music | Music and Health Institute), and strategic planning for artists.

I welcome beginners, seasoned creatives, and anyone exploring or reconnecting with music and creativity.