Throughout my time on earth I have been a musician, philosopher, builder, traveler, a seeker of meaning in life, and now a teacher. We never stop learning, and by being a teacher I am on a path towards even more deep learning, for when we are actively seeking to engage in the betterment of the world, we are forced to look inward. There is no hiding who we are, especially when you want to engage with students.
I bring with me a varied palette of knowledge and experience that allows me to educate in an engaging, equitable and effective manner. I am a father, grandfather, husband, and member of many communities. I worked with the Somali and Latino communities when I was a construction manager, building large community-based markets, at the same time playing in Latino music groups, composing, and performing. I was in the construction trades for 20 years, owning my own companies for 15. This experience of managing employees, subcontractors, proposals, contracts, building inspectors, etc. has molded me into an organized, effective leader. I still have my tools, and can design, build, or fix practically anything for your school.
I have been a professional musician for all of my life, sometimes more than others, playing cello, bass, guitar, keyboards, and arranging and composing music. I have played in virtually all genres, and am well versed in both Classical and Pop/Jazz theory. This allows me to inform my students in real world musical instruction, and helps me to bring unconventional, and engaging teaching styles into the classroom. I have a full PA system, various mics, recording gear, and many instruments to use in instruction. I also have a "Classical" musical education, having played cello in orchestras for years, and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelors in music education , choral emphasis, with piano as my instrument.
My years of teaching have taught me the value of student engagement, as some times it is the only thing that will work, and to me is the essence of true teaching. Show the students the joys of music, and let them lead as much as possible.
I am very open to other cultures and ideas, having spent a lifetime being open to new experiences. I speak Spanish fluently, and have lived in Mexico. I want to not only educate students in music, but in how they can live life to their fullest potential as joyful, engaged citizens of the world.
I will bring a passion for creating a program that engages the students and their families into creating and valuing Beauty through the art of music, helping them find a role in this world.
I bring with me a varied palette of knowledge and experience that allows me to educate in an engaging, equitable and effective manner. I am a father, grandfather, husband, and member of many communities. I worked with the Somali and Latino communities when I was a construction manager, building large community-based markets, at the same time playing in Latino music groups, composing, and performing. I was in the construction trades for 20 years, owning my own companies for 15. This experience of managing employees, subcontractors, proposals, contracts, building inspectors, etc. has molded me into an organized, effective leader. I still have my tools, and can design, build, or fix practically anything for your school.
I have been a professional musician for all of my life, sometimes more than others, playing cello, bass, guitar, keyboards, and arranging and composing music. I have played in virtually all genres, and am well versed in both Classical and Pop/Jazz theory. This allows me to inform my students in real world musical instruction, and helps me to bring unconventional, and engaging teaching styles into the classroom. I have a full PA system, various mics, recording gear, and many instruments to use in instruction. I also have a "Classical" musical education, having played cello in orchestras for years, and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelors in music education , choral emphasis, with piano as my instrument.
My years of teaching have taught me the value of student engagement, as some times it is the only thing that will work, and to me is the essence of true teaching. Show the students the joys of music, and let them lead as much as possible.
I am very open to other cultures and ideas, having spent a lifetime being open to new experiences. I speak Spanish fluently, and have lived in Mexico. I want to not only educate students in music, but in how they can live life to their fullest potential as joyful, engaged citizens of the world.
I will bring a passion for creating a program that engages the students and their families into creating and valuing Beauty through the art of music, helping them find a role in this world.