Music/Choral Teaching Experience

 

Teacher, Self-Employed, Los Angeles, CA 2012-present

• Teach private lessons in piano and voice to all ages in and around Hollywood through The Music Junction

• Maintain a high standard for developing music literacy while creating a fun and safe environment to explore musical interests

• Prepare students to share in semi-annual recitals

 

Vocal Coach, Calvary Presbyterian, South Pasadena, CA 2012-present

• Work with the music director to serve as the Vocal Coach and Section Leader for the Calvary Presbyterian Chancel Choir, and the South Pasadena Community Choir

• Lead all warm-ups and sectional rehearsals, preparing adult volunteers to present weekly music in worship and 3 major works per year for the community

• Develop and present warm-up activities to create focus, relaxation and unity of sound

 

Teacher/Choral Director, Palmyra Area School District, Palmyra, PA 2002-2006

• Developed stimulating lesson plans aligned with state standards in general music for grades 6-8

• Employed ongoing assessment to evaluate student performance and inform instruction

• Used music writing software and MS Office Suite to create worksheets, tests and concert programs 

• Managed and directed all aspects of the choral program, including music selection, student auditions, scheduling and conducting rehearsals, concert planning/presentation, and creation of a select chorus

• Co-directed musicals for middle and high school

• Taught staff notation and beginner piano skills to all general music students

 

Teacher, Lower Dauphin School District, Hummelstown, PA 2002 

• As a long-term substitute, rehearsed and conducted choral groups in grades 6-8

• Prepared and presented lessons aligned with state standards in general music for grades 6-8

• Taught staff notation and beginner piano skills in a keyboard lab environment

 

Teacher, Northern York School District, Dillsburg, PA 2001-2002

• As a long-term substitute, rehearsed and conducted choral groups in grades 9-12

• Prepared students for District Chorus auditions

• Taught guitar classes for grades 9-12

• Taught instrumental lessons and rehearsed sectionals and full ensembles for elementary band

 

Youth Choir Director, Palmyra Church of the Brethren, Palmyra, PA 2000-2006

• Conducted weekly rehearsals and prepared grades 6-12 to share music in worship

• Researched and selected top quality choral music appropriate to the liturgical year

• Prepared and conducted all vocal and instrumental music for an intergenerational production of Godspell

 

Teacher, Brethren Volunteer Service, Jos, Plateau State and Kwarhi, Adamawa State, Nigeria 1996-1997

• Taught general music and chorus at Hillcrest School, taught integrated science and created curriculum for teaching staff notation at EYN Comprehensive Secondary School.

• Led morning devotions and participated in matron duties in a boarding school environment

 

 

Other Teaching Experience

 

Instructor, The Wildwoods Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 2011-2012

• Taught outdoor-based community building programs to 4th – 6th grade students from LAUSD

• Managed set-up, breakdown and storage of all materials

• Coordinated with teachers, chaperones, and facility staff for the smooth execution of all aspects of the program

 

Instructor, Social Graces Dance Studio, Berryville, VA 2007-2011

• Developed and taught private and group lessons in American style ballroom dance to adults

• Consulted and collaborated with students to help them set and achieve personal goals

• Maintained student records and portfolios and designed and created posters and advertisements 

• Choreographed and performed exhibitions, organized and hosted practice parties, developed and presented series classes, and taught for special events

 

Instructor, Summer in the Arts, Loudoun County Public Schools, VA summers 2007-2010

• Developed and taught lessons in American style ballroom dance to students in grades 5-12 

• Choreographed routines and prepared students to perform in the Arts Explosion showcase

• Presented to parents concerning class curriculum and student achievement

 

 

Education/Credentials

 

Master of Music in Voice Performance (2008) 3.8/4.0

Shenandoah Conservatory, Winchester, VA

 

Bachelor of Science in Music Education (2001) 3.9/4.0

Lebanon Valley College, Annville, PA

 

Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate, Instructional I:  Music K-12

Completed training for Pennsylvania Program Specialist in ESL 

Completed Pennsylvania Governor’s Institute for Arts Educators