As a certified (K-12) music teacher, I have been trained to teach music as an art form, so that people with all kinds of life experiences and beliefs can participate in making music objectively, in a safe space.  I absolutely respect learner diversity, and welcome feedback on specific sensitive topics (i.e. family or cultural beliefs that make certain music sensitive). Conversations about sensitivity will be treated with the highest discretion.  Additional training in cultural awareness as a central part of my ESL endorsement has prepared me to be sensitive to the diverse cultures of students and understand how to teach culturally representative music in sensitive ways.  I have further refined my skills in culturally sensitive teaching through 15 years of teaching diverse learners with the ESL endorsement, supported with ongoing training and mentoring.

Certifications and Experience:
Bachelor of Music Education
Master of Music in Music Education
Currently certified as a K-12 music teacher, with ESL endorsement (exp 2024)
18 years experience teaching music in public elementary schools
14 years experience teaching private music lessons and community choirs 
Currently a doctoral student in Curriculum & Instruction