Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah King
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was in 5th grade I joined my school’s band as a saxophone player. I loved it. I continued to play in band until my 7th grade year, where I quit. During that year off, I had a friend come to me and say that he was going to start a petition to get me to join band again. He said, “How many signatures would it take for you to join band in 8th grade?” I said, “30.” In my head, there was no way he was going to get 30 people to sign that piece of paper. Well, guess what? He later handed me a piece of paper with 30 signatures on it. I was shocked. Pretty soon 8th grade rolled around and I joined band again. I ended up having the best time and never looked back. I’ve been a band kid ever since. I also still have that petition hanging on my wall.
A few years later, I was in high school. My band director came up to me and said she wanted me to learn the clarinet for a song in jazz band. She also asked me to play it in concert band to get more familiar with the instrument. I was surprised, as I had only ever played saxophone. I decided to accept the challenge and learn the clarinet. I started taking private lessons with an incredible teacher in my area, and she taught me how to play the clarinet in a few short months. It was during this process that I fell in love with this new instrument, and chose to make it my main focus going forward. I later attended Drake University to study clarinet performance. I graduated in 2021 and am a self employed musician and private instructor.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been very fortunate in my life. I have a great support system and I’m able to earn a living doing what I’m passionate about. That being said, I think everyone has some struggles along the way. A big struggle for me was being patient. I moved back to Cedar Rapids in 2021, and I wanted to start a private studio. It took a while to get off the ground. During this time, I was starting to wonder if music was what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I wasn’t getting gigs, I didn’t have any students, and I was frustrated. Then, out of nowhere I got my first student. I was so excited. It reignited a passion that had always been there. A month after that, I got a gig. I just needed to be patient. Now, three years later, I’m fortunate enough to play professionally and have a full studio.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a musician and private instructor who specializes in clarinet, saxophone, and flute. I actively perform in cities all over Iowa including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Grinnell, and Des Moines. I have played with the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra, chamber ensembles, colleges and universities, churches, restaurants, country clubs, and the pit orchestra for musicals including “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “Pippin,” “The Color Purple,” “Titanic,” “Cinderella,” and “Hello, Dolly.” I also have a private studio consisting of 40 students.
I’m most proud of the fact that I have the opportunity to bring music into the world, as well as train young musicians to do the same.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love movie soundtracks and will unapologetically blast the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack (along with others) in my car and headphones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skmusiclessons.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skmusiclessons?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Jenaya Michelle Photography