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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Drum Ensemble Bundle
Developing Community with Drum Circles This Drum Circle Performance Resource emphasizes creating a shared musical experience and fostering a strong sense of community through rhythm. Designed for collaborative and improvisational music-making, participants sit in a circle, each contributing their own unique rhythm or beat, resulting in a powerful and engaging group performance. Drum Circles:Lessons, Activities and RubricsDrum Circle Lessons, Activities, and Rubrics is a complete music educatio
3rd - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Songwriting & Creative Music Production | Elective Teacher Guide & Syllabus
The Songwriting & Creative Music Production Elective Teacher Guide & Course Syllabus is a complete, classroom-ready resource designed for middle and high school music educators teaching songwriting, music production, and creative composition. This comprehensive guide provides a clear course framework, daily routines, assessment strategies, and instructional guidance to help teachers confidently run a modern music elective for Grades 6–12. This resource includes a detailed course description, ove
6th - 12th
Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Songwriting & Creative Music Production Bundle
Beatles Music Curriculum (General Music- Lessons, Activities, Worksheets & More)
This Beatles Music Curriculum is designed for middle and high school general music classes, giving students an in-depth look at one of the most influential bands in history. The curriculum combines historical context, musical analysis, performance opportunities, and creative projects to engage students in both the legacy and artistry of The Beatles. 3 Major Units with detailed lesson plansHistorical context of The Beatles and their cultural impactMusical analysis of iconic songs and albumsExplor
7th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Also included in: General Music Bundle
Starting a Successful Online Business on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this mini book, you’ll discover how to start and grow an online business on a budget. Learn how to choose the right business model, set up a website for cheap (or even free), and use free marketing strategies to drive traffic and generate sales — without spending a fortune. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or building a full-time online business, this guide provides step-by-step strategies to help you achieve success with minimal investment. From selecting the best platform and building
9th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Business
Also included in: Career Choices Bundle
The Creative Composer: Creative Activities for the Beginner Composer
This Introduction to Composing Resource helps students make the connection between staff notation and the keyboard. Through guided activities, students explore notes on the staff, learn how tones correspond to the piano/keyboard, and apply this knowledge to begin creating their own music. This resource gives students a strong foundation in reading music and applying it to the keyboard, making composition accessible and engaging. Activities to connect staff notes with keyboard placementBuilds un
PreK - 3rd
Music, Music Composition, Other (Performing Arts)
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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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