Sandra Saathoff has developed a thriving private flute studio and is a highly sought-after clinician in the Puget Sound area. She enjoys performing with local orchestral, chamber and folk ensembles and directing the flute program of the Bellevue Youth Symphony. She teaches flute, woodwind techniques, and conducts the flute ensemble at Seattle Pacific University, and has served on the executive boards for the National Flute Association (Secretary), Seattle Flute Society (President, Vice President, and Newsletter Editor) and Flutewise USA. She has taken the stage with flutists such as Sir James Galway, Trevor Wye, Ian Clarke, Matthias Ziegler, and Ian Anderson and enjoys planning a variety of large scale flute events, including the 2012 NFA Convention (assistant Program Chair) and 2013 NFA Convention (Convention Manager). Sandra received a Master of Arts from the University of Washington (focusing on flute performance and instrumental conducting) and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University. She is currently pursuing DMA at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Seattle Philharmonic, receiving their Esther Tye Smith Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication. Sandra’s recent appearances include guest artist at West Virginia University, Delta State University, and Flutewise in Croatia; performances at NW Folklife Festival; Cimarosa Concerto with the Rain City Symphony and Doppler’s Hungarian Fantasy with the Sammamish Symphony; and presenter at WSMTA conference at WWU. She has coordinated the NW Flute and Piccolo Forum and served on its faculty. Sandra is a contributor to The Pedagogy Project and Flute Talk magazine and has published two flute ensemble arrangements with ALRY Publications. In 2016, she helped launch a nonprofit organization, Silver Flight Ensembles and Foundation, dedicated to helping student flutists.
TEACHING STYLE
I am passionate about teaching and working with students of all ages and skill levels, and helping them to achieve their fullest potential. Lessons are individually tailored to insure growth and enjoyment, while providing instruction in a wide variety of topics and skills. I strive to help my students become their own best teachers and keep music in their lives forever.