Find meaningful information about music education, general parenting, and support!
The purpose of my blog is to inspire, and motivate parents and teachers!
Who am I and what are my qualifications for writing this blog?
At the moment I am doing a number of different things.
I work as a coordinator at the University of New Mexico. I teach demo lessons and give advice to novice music teachers. We have a wonderful program where younger colleagues get experience teaching demo lessons. We talk about ideas and what might make the teaching practice better. I love connecting with others in this way.
I maintain a Suzuki violin studio where I teach children ages three and up. I had an excellent and very extensive Suzuki training, which I am very grateful for. I am now working with a smaller number of students while really focusing on their individual needs and developing a connection with their parents.
I am also the Orchestra director at a public school, working with grades 6-8. This may be a bigger portion of my work load. I am happy to have developed a strong program where I enjoy learning from my students . I must also say that it is probably the most controversial part of my work as some people don’t understand my work in a public school.
Teaching privately and at the public school system at the same time has presented a lot of challenges. It has also made me see things from very different perspectives. It has made me think about the possibilities of raising the level of playing in a public school system. It has also taught me a lot about children, their struggles, and the way they react to deal with their family lives.I feel that there is a big part of me that wants to be of service to others and to help children who may not have opportunities for good education. I have been very fortunate to be developing a program that has had rewards and community support from many different ways.
My story?
I grew up in a family of educators. My mother is a music ear training specialist back home. My grandparents were both teachers. Music, the arts, the respect for education was always present in my household growing up. I started playing the violin at the age of 5. I went through a specialized music school. I came to the states for my BFA and Master’s degrees.I was on the track f becoming a professional violin player until I joined the pedagogy program at the University of New Mexico! This is where I new that I would be teaching!
I love what I do! At the same time, my life is getting to the point where I teach all day long and there are teaching/parenting ideas floating through my head all the time! After preparing for and teaching over 20 different lessons a week, I feel like it is necessary to write down my ideas and what has worked for me and my students. Writing my thoughts is an outlet but also hope to reach and help others around me.
What you can expect from the blog:
The blog provides articles addressed to music teachers and parents. Some articles are specific ( for orchestra classroom, Suzuki Violin) and others more general. I post 3-4 times a month.
Popular posts parents check out:
How To Respond to a Phone Call From a Teacher
Advice on Starting Music Lessons for Your Child
Popular posts teachers check out:
All You Need to Know About Music Recruiting