About the store
I am a retired New York City Department of Education teacher with experience teaching music and general education for grades K–12. I taught a wide range of music courses including various instrumental music classes and general music. My teaching focuses on creativity, music composition, and student engagement, helping students develop musical skills while connecting music to other subjects.
I have also provided professional development workshops for educators in the New York City Department of Education and New Jersey. Through Vinci eLearn, I create classroom-tested music lessons, worksheets, and creative activities that help teachers save time and inspire students to explore music.
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Social Emotional & Behavior Strategies Bundle
THE SOCIAL GROWTH FRAMEWORK|K–12 Social Education & SEL Behavior SystemThe Social Growth Framework K–12 is a comprehensive, school-ready system designed to build emotional intelligence, positive behavior, and social skills across all grade levels. This structured SEL framework provides consistent routines, visual supports, and data tracking tools that help students grow from early emotional awareness (K–2) to independent social responsibility (high school). THE REGULATE & GROW FRAMEWORK SPED SEL
K - 9th
Classroom Community, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Boomwacker Bundle Pack ** Save Big!
This comprehensive Boomwhacker collection combines science, music, and hands-on performance to engage students of all ages in learning pitch, rhythm, melody, chords, and ensemble skills. Lessons include experimenting with sound waves, solfège activities, percussion-style playing, melodic arrangements, and creative composition projects. Adaptable for Pre-K through middle school, the activities build teamwork, listening skills, and music literacy while supporting National Core Arts Standards. Perf
K - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Two Soundtrap Lessons and Worksheets
This product includes two Soundtrap lessons with guided worksheets designed to help students learn music production in a fun and accessible way. The first lesson introduces students to the Soundtrap.com application, while the second focuses on the action-based project of writing a loop composition using the built-in loop library. These lessons are flexible for distance learning or in-class instruction and typically take 1–3 days, depending on student familiarity with music concepts and software.
3rd - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Distance/Remote Music Educational Resources PDF/PowerPoint
Social Education / SEL Behavior & Incentive System
A Complete Compliance + Growth-Based SEL & Behavior System Build a positive, respectful, and emotionally intelligent classroom with this Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Behavior & Incentive System—a powerful, structured approach that combines behavior management, incentives, and character education. This resource goes beyond basic rewards by helping students develop empathy, accountability, leadership, and self-regulation skills through meaningful systems and engaging activities. This ResourceCo
K - 5th
Classroom Community, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: Social Emotional & Behavior Strategies Bundle
THE REGULATE & GROW FRAMEWORK SPED SEL & Behavior System
Transform your classroom with The Regulate & Grow Framework—a powerful, structured system designed specifically for special education (SPED), behavior support, and SEL instruction. This all-in-one resource gives you everything you need to teach emotional regulation, social skills, and positive behavior habits through clear routines, visual supports, and consistent language. Perfect for teachers who need a ready-to-implement system that supports students with:AutismADHDEmotional & Behavioral Diso
K - 10th
Classroom Community, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: Social Emotional & Behavior Strategies Bundle
Emotional Regulation Poster Set (Elementary Grades)
Emotional Regulation Poster Set | SEL Classroom Decor | Calm Down Corner | Zones of Regulation | Behavior Management Help Students Understand, Express, and Manage Their Emotions! Transform your classroom into a supportive, emotionally aware environment with this Emotional Regulation Poster Set—perfect for building Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills and creating a structured calm down corner. These visually engaging posters guide students through recognizing feelings, identifying body signal
K - 5th
Character Education, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Calm Classroom Toolkit | SEL, Special Education
Transform your classroom into a calm, focused, and emotionally supportive environment with this music-based regulation toolkit designed specifically for elementary students (K–5). This ready-to-use resource gives you a simple, structured system to help students self-regulate, reset emotions, and refocus learning using the power of music, breathing, and mindful routines. This Resourc ✔ Reduces classroom disruptions and off-task behavior ✔ Supports SEL (Social Emotional Learning) goals ✔ Easy to i
K - 5th
Classroom Community, School Psychology, Social Emotional Learning
Piano/Keyboard Curriculum (First Year +)
This first-year piano/keyboard curriculum guide is designed for elementary students and can be adapted for future years of study. It includes a lower elementary checklist with exit tickets, an upper elementary holistic rubric, and an introductory keyboard technique sheet for building foundational skills. This resource provides a structured yet adaptable approach to teaching beginner piano/keyboard, ensuring students develop confidence, technique, and musical understanding. 32-pages
K - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Popular Guitar/Rock Band Lesson Plans
Bring your classroom to life with these Bulk Guitar and Rock Band Lesson Plans! This comprehensive resource includes everything you need to teach beginner to intermediate guitar and rock band ensembles with ease. Basic guitar lesson plans covering chords, strumming, scales, and rhythmRock band lesson plans with rehearsal strategies and ensemble coachingSong-based lesson plans that connect core skills to real music students loveChecklists for student progress tracking and assessmentDelivered as a
3rd - 6th
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Also included in: Rock Guitar Bundle
Creating Your Own Rhythm - A Full-Year Elementary Music Curriculum
This year-long curriculum is designed to make learning music fun and engaging for elementary students while building strong rhythmic foundations. The focus is on creating rhythms as a way to strengthen rhythmic fluency, creativity, and performance skills. Program Overview Length: 36 weeks (full-year program)Focus: Composition and performance of rhythms using both icons (for beginners) and standard notation (for progression into music literacy).Approach: A balance of guided exploration, structure
1st - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Elementary Music Activities Bundle
Movement Activities
These elementary music activities help students build foundational music skills in a fun and interactive way! Designed for young learners, the activities include a wide range of hands-on, exploratory, and creative experiences that engage students while strengthening core music concepts. This resource encourages music exploration, rhythm practice, melody recognition, and creative expression. By participating in these interactive music lessons and games, students develop not only essential music k
K - 3rd
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Also included in: Elementary Music Movement Bundle
Mega Rhythm Activities
These comprehensive rhythm lessons go beyond basic counting and performance, offering students a full, expressive experience with rhythm through improvisation, reflective practice, and creative storytelling. Designed to progress from foundational skills to advanced rhythmic concepts, the lessons help students internalize beat and meter while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections. Key Features: Improvisation & Expression – Students create their own rhythmic ide
1st - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Also included in: Elementary Music Rhythm Activities Bundle
Activities for Creating Melodies (Lessons & Activities) Elementary Music
These lessons teach elementary students basic melodic concepts, guiding them step by step to compose simple melodies on the keyboard or piano. Each lesson builds on the previous, moving from basic exploration to more complex melodic structures. By the end of the unit, students will have a foundational understanding of melody creation and the confidence to compose their own short tunes. Perfect for elementary music classrooms or beginner piano instruction. 18-pages.
K - 5th
Music, Music Composition, Other (Performing Arts)
Learning Rhythm: Fun and Interactive Guide (PowerPoint)
This 14-slide presentation is designed to teach the basics of rhythm in elementary music classes. Perfect for introducing young students to the concept of beat, note values, and simple rhythmic patterns, the slides are clear, colorful, and easy to follow for both teachers and students. Features: Covers beginning rhythm concepts including steady beat, quarter notes, eighth notes, and restsStep-by-step visuals for gradual skill buildingInteractive elements to keep students engagedEditable format s
K - 3rd
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Also included in: Elementary Music Rhythm Activities Bundle
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About the store
Experience
I am a retired New York City Department of Education teacher with experience teaching music and general education for grades K–12. I taught a wide range of music courses including various instrumental music classes and general music. My teaching focuses on creativity, music composition, and student engagement, helping students develop musical skills while connecting music to other subjects.
I have also provided professional development workshops for educators in the New York City Department of Education and New Jersey. Through Vinci eLearn, I create classroom-tested music lessons, worksheets, and creative activities that help teachers save time and inspire students to explore music.
Teaching style
My teaching approach uses the Workshop Model, where students first observe and analyze musical concepts, then apply them through creative activities such as improvisation, composition, and arranging.
I emphasize differentiated instruction to support all learners and incorporate Dr. Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset philosophy to encourage confidence, perseverance, and a positive “can-do” attitude.
I also integrate Design Thinking and Project-Based Learning (PBL), inspired by innovators like Thomas Edison, allowing students to experiment, collaborate, and develop original creative projects through music.
Awards & shining teacher moments
NYSSMA Music Adjudicator for New York State School Music Association Music Festivals. VH-1 Save the Music Band grant, Music and the Brain Keyboard lab and curriculum, and Little Kids Rock Guitars and curriculum.
My own education history
Los Angelos Film School, Bachelor in Music Production (July 2025)
Acuitus, Network Administration Certificate (2023)
Rutgers University, Doctorate in Music (2005)
New England Conservatory Graduate Performance Program (1997)
Florida State University, Masters in Multiple Woodwinds (1996)
University of Southern Mississippi, Bachelor in Saxophone Performance (1994)
Manhattan School of Music, Music Performance program (1990-1992)
Interlochen Arts Academy, High School Diploma (1990)
Additional biographical information
Retired Military Musician (Air Force & Army) awards: Commandant Award (Army School of Music), and two army medals, ARCOM and Meritorious Service Medal.
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https://vinci-elearn.com
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