Featured Young Artist: Natalie wagner, Alto

Natalie Wagner is a professional jazz alto-saxophonist and music educator who is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. Since completing her masters degree in jazz studies at the University of North Texas, she can be seen gigging and teaching regularly in her community. During her time at UNT, she was the lead alto-saxophonist in the 2024-25 UNT One O’clock Lab Band while also directing the Six O’clock Lab Band. She is originally from Washington State where she achieved her bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Performance, Music Education, and Secondary Education from Whitworth University. 

            After completing her undergraduate studies, Natalie held numerous teaching positions in Spokane, Washington, including teaching a jazz ensemble at Joel E. Ferris High school, piano and guitar labs at North Central High School, and directed combos for the Spokane All-City Jazz Ensembles program. While teaching she also performed at local venues with small groups as well as the Spokane Jazz Orchestra. The next year, she began her studies in the master’s jazz studies program, studying with the great alto-saxophonist, Bradford Leali. Since her arrival in Texas, Natalie has taught masterclasses for numerous school districts, participated in the Women In Jazz Organization Mentors Program, performed with local big bands, performed at the annual Jazz Education Network Conference, adjudicated jazz festivals, and more. In the future, she plans to record and tour with her own band while continuing to lift up the next generation of jazz musicians.