About
I love music and teaching students to perform at an accelerated level. I'm very patient. I have a psychology background and do well with students of different abilities. (ADD, ADHD, Spectrum, LD) I have several adult students and enjoy working with everyone.
Flute performance degree, 15+ years experience. Active in Austin District Music Teachers Association. sarahwagstaff.com
I love that ah-ha moment when a someone is able to perform something that was impossible minutes before. I love watching people grow in their musicianship and skills. I hope to teach myself out of a job and create wonderful musicians who can go on to become doctors, teachers or professional musicians. I enjoy teaching others to create beautiful music and watching it enrich their lives.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I meet their parents and do a parent education class covering my policies and information about how to work with the student during home practice. I start lessons with the parent first, if the student is younger than 8 years old. I have the student start listening to recordings of their instrument for an hour a day, before they start lessons. I talk to the parent about what method books to buy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
psychology teaching major, dual music and history minors Weber State University, Utah State teaching certificate, Suzuki Flute Teacher Training books 1 & 2, college 2 years group piano class, 25+ years in choirs, 4 years of flute lessons with Cindy Henderson, Utah; 3 years of voice lessons with Dr. Ann David, Utah; 1 year of voice lessons Ann Barton; 3 years of violin lessons with Natausha Despain; 9+ years of bands; WSU Concert Choir; Silverwinds Flute Choir; Band of the Hills
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Every month I charge a tuition that is 1/9th of the cost of lessons, recitals, prep time and group classes during Sep-May. In the summer I charge by the lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I come from a large family. I've been teaching my siblings since I started kindergartin. I love helping others and learning new skills. In college, my flute teacher, Cindy Henderson encouraged me to take the Suzuki Flute Teacher Training and join the Suzuki community. From the first summer institute I was amazed at the quality of playing of the young flutists. I knew I wanted to teach using this method.
What types of students have you worked with?
From a eighty-year-old dance teacher to a five-year-old boy learning flute. I've worked with all ages. Most of my current students are late elementary to middle school age. I also have several adult students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Getting my book published. Caverns Found, available on Amazon.com
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Go observe lessons before signing on with a teacher, and if you can, attend a recital. How their students play tells you a lot about how well they teach. Even beginning students can play beautiful, polished pieces with gorgeous tone.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How do you learn? What motivates you? Why do you want to take music lessons? How much time are you willing to practice? Do you have a good instrument? Why do you want to play that instrument? Is this teacher someone I trust and feel comfortable with? Musical ability requires years of nurturing. Commit to at least a year of lessons.