Offbeat & On Purpose
2 Followers
Chicago, Illinois, United States
About the store
Hey there! I’m Amanda—music educator, curriculum nerd, and your behind-the-scenes cheerleader. By day, I work for Chicago Public Schools' Department of Arts Education, designing and leading professional learning for over 550 amazing music educators. I get to dig into curriculum development, create teacher-friendly resources rooted in both research and real-life classroom experience, and—my favorite part—visit schools to learn alongside teachers. That’s where the magic happens (and where I get the best ideas for the resources you’ll find here).
If you’re looking for practical, inclusive, and engaging materials that actually work in music classrooms, you’re in the right place. Let’s make music education joyful, strategic, and just a little bit more fun.
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5 Activities to Engage 3rd Grade Students in Musical Improvisation
Unlock the power of improvisation and creativity in your music classroom with our engaging resource designed to meet the music standard MU:CR1.1.3a – "Improvise rhythmic and melodic ideas and describe connections to specific purpose and context (such as personal and social)." Resource Highlights: Standard-Aligned Activities: This resource is thoughtfully crafted to address the specific requirements of MU:CR1.1.3a. Students will explore and improvise rhythmic and melodic ideas while learning to
2nd - 5th
Art, Music, Music Composition
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About the store
Experience
Hey there! I’m Amanda—music educator, curriculum nerd, and your behind-the-scenes cheerleader. By day, I work for Chicago Public Schools' Department of Arts Education, designing and leading professional learning for over 550 amazing music educators. I get to dig into curriculum development, create teacher-friendly resources rooted in both research and real-life classroom experience, and—my favorite part—visit schools to learn alongside teachers. That’s where the magic happens (and where I get the best ideas for the resources you’ll find here).
If you’re looking for practical, inclusive, and engaging materials that actually work in music classrooms, you’re in the right place. Let’s make music education joyful, strategic, and just a little bit more fun.
Teaching style
I plan like a strategist but teach like a collaborator. I use UbD to design with purpose and UDL to make sure every student can find a way in. My lessons are built to be flexible, inclusive, and real—rooted in the belief that access isn’t something extra, it’s the starting point. I care deeply about creating learning spaces where every student feels seen, challenged, and supported—and that starts with how I plan.
My own education history
I hold an MBA in Arts Innovation, a Master of Music Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. I completed my undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University, earned my master’s at VanderCook College of Music, and my MBA through the Global Leaders Institute. I’m also a trained Orff-Schulwerk educator (taking Level II this summer) and a member of the Fulbright Specialist Roster, blending research-based practice, creative leadership, and global perspective in all areas of my work.
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