Sarah Bates is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Instrumental Emphasis) from Youngstown State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a University Honors Program diploma.  While an undergraduate, she performed as principal oboist of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra for three years and as a bassoonist with the Concert Band and University Band.  Additionally, she was a founding member and oboist of an experimental jazz group, AcoustiCombo, and a woodwind quintet, Quintet Fantastique.  She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Oboe Performance at The University of Texas at Austin, where she began studying in Fall 2009.

As a performer, Sarah has travelled throughout the United States and the United Kingdom with The MasterWorks Festival Orchestra (2004-08) and the American Wind Symphony Orchestra (2007) as an oboist, English hornist, oboe d’amore soloist, and bassoonist.  She has recorded with Youngstown State University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, and The University of Texas Wind Ensemble.

Sarah has been teaching music since tenth grade.  She has guided young musicians toward “Superior” performances in the Ohio Music Education Association’s Solo and Ensemble Contests and placed students into college programs.  She has taught students of all ages, including children with special needs.  Presently, she teaches oboe in northwest Austin.

Sarah is very excited to be a part of Clavier-Werke’s theory lab program.  She looks forward to helping students achieve higher levels of accomplishment while creating an enjoyable learning experience.  Theory helps make playing music more effortless and enjoyable, and she hopes that her students will agree.