Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bagley Wood
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was almost 8 years old, I went to my sister’s violin recital and saw a harpist for the first time. Instantly captivated, I looked over to my mom and said, “That’s what I want to play.” She hesitated because she knew how expensive harps were, especially with all of us kids already in music lessons. But when she asked what I wanted for Christmas that year, I told her the only thing I wanted was a harp and harp lessons—no toys, no other gifts, just the chance to play the harp.
Determined to make it happen, my mom arranged a creative swap with a family friend who owned a beginner harp. She gave them piano lessons, and I got the harp I’d dreamed of. From my very first lesson, I was hooked, spending hours practicing and learning through the Suzuki method. I loved every minute, passing a difficult classical piece or Suzuki song almost weekly. My harp teacher had never seen that kind of progress and believed I could be a prodigy.
Sixteen years later, playing the harp still brings me so much peace, happiness, and joy. Now, I’m passionate about sharing that experience with others, especially by performing at special events to make them truly unforgettable.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Learning the harp has been an amazing journey filled with over 40 strings to master, seven pedals to figure out, and the challenge of coordinating both hands at once. My fingers have taken a beating from hours of practice, developing blisters, blood blisters, and calluses along the way. Playing has always felt like a huge part of who I am, so when I got married and didn’t have a harp, I felt a little lost. My husband and I are still young, and the $33,000 price tag for a concert harp was just not doable. But we explored every option and found a way to rent a harp. Just as we managed to get a new family car, everything started to fall into place, allowing me to keep playing and sharing my music. Looking back, all those bumps in the road have only strengthened my connection to the harp and made this experience even more special.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sarah Wood, Utah Professional Harpist?
As the owner of my harp business, I am dedicated to providing beautiful and personalized music for weddings and special events in Utah. With over 16 years of experience, I bring a passion for the harp that transforms each performance into a memorable experience. I customize the music to fit the vision of my clients, ensuring their special day is perfectly complemented through my harp music.
I offer a diverse repertoire that spans classical pieces, contemporary love songs, and everything in between, allowing me to cater to a wide range of musical tastes. I take pride in working closely with my clients to understand their preferences and create a tailored setlist that enhances the atmosphere of their event.
What sets my harp business apart is my commitment to professionalism and personalized service while keeping harp music affordable. Most harpists require a minimum of an hour, but the time I play is totally and entirely up to you. I strive to create a stress-free planning experience for my clients, allowing them to focus on enjoying their special day.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories of playing the harp is performing at the governor’s mansion when I was about four years into my harp journey. It was such an incredible experience to play in such a beautiful setting! Another cherished memory is my blind grandma listening to me for hours as I practiced. Her encouragement and love for my music inspired her to buy a concert grand harp for me to grow on, which was a game changer in my musical journey. Those moments truly shaped my passion for the harp and helped me become the musician I am today.
Pricing:
- •Travel: $1.27/ mile to/from Centerville, UT
- •Harp Setup: $40/ venue
- •Event Time: $40/ hour (prorated)
Contact Info:
