Our Story
Our Story
Our instructors have all been University-trained and have countless hours of professional experience. Although we value education and skill, the ultimate assets we ensure our teachers possess are kindness, patience, and a fun approach to learning. Our instructors have access to continual training.
Sandy Resident Choice Award 2022
Sandy Residents LOVE US!
Best of Salt Lake 2024
Top 3 Finalist Best of Salt Lake Award
275+ Rock Stars
Our students are all Rock Stars!
Kristen Wray, an experienced Piano Instructor and Studio Owner, is the founder and owner of Sandy Music Academy. She has been very involved in Piano Pedagogy and Performance since 1984. Kristen has taught private Piano lessons at her in-home studio, where she developed a nontraditional approach to music lessons that has earned her recommendations across the Wasatch Front.
Discover the Sandy Music Academy Difference
We Love to Make it Fun
The more senses (visual, aural, tactile, etc.) used in learning, the better the understanding of the concepts. We love to engage our students in more than a lecture! Why not have FUN? We hope to nourish a student’s lifelong love of music using objects, games, riddles, and tricks. This makes our program well-rounded.
“How Was Your Lesson” Review System
Student goals are the basis for teachers at each lesson and are referenced in monthly and quarterly reviews. Utilizing this feedback system between student and teacher ensures the best approach and pace for customizing lessons. Our instructors can create lessons that build on the student’s strengths and avoid strategies and methods that the student doesn’t respond to.
Layering & Repetition of Core Concepts
The layering and repetition of core concepts make mastering them easy! We have clear-cut advancement levels for each student to work toward. Concepts are repeated with lesson goals and method instruction; the information is layered (repeated) and becomes easy.
Why Choose Sandy Music Academy?
What sets us apart and makes our music school different from others is the level of excellence of our teaching staff! Utah has a huge love of the fine arts. Our founder saw a void for studios that employ only college-degreed or professional musicians, so she made it a requirement to teach at our studio. So you can rest assured that you are getting the highest-quality lessons on the Wasatch front.
How can you improve on that? We screen our teachers to ensure they are engaging, fun, and great at setting goals with their students. This creates a positive and super fun atmosphere—there’s always creativity and music going on at our studio!