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
Music Class Posters (Elementary Music)
Transform your music classroom with these Elementary Music Class Posters, designed to support learning, reinforce key music concepts, and create a welcoming, organized music room environment. Perfect for general music teachers, these posters provide clear visual reminders that help students understand music fundamentals while adding colorful, kid-friendly decor to your classroom walls. These posters are ideal for elementary music classrooms, chorus rooms, and general music spaces, helping studen
K - 5th
Classroom Community, Instrumental Music, Music
Rock Band Curriculum
Rock Band Curriculum – Structured Lesson Plans with Timeline & Student Assessment Rubric This basic rock band curriculum is designed for middle school and high school music programs, providing a clear teaching timeline for key concepts in rock band performance and rehearsal. Perfect for band directors, music teachers, and modern band educators, this resource ensures organized instruction and effective student progress tracking. What’s included: A detailed rock band teaching timeline for introduc
4th - 12th, Adult Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Also included in: Rock Band - Popular Curriculum Track Bundle
Classroom Management Binder:Suggestions and Forms
This Classroom Management Binder for teachers is the ultimate all-in-one classroom organization toolkit designed to save time, reduce stress, and create a positive learning environment. Perfect for elementary, middle school, and high school teachers, this printable and editable binder includes everything you need for behavior management, classroom procedures, parent communication, lesson planning, and student data tracking. With ready-to-use teacher forms, templates, and checklists, this resourc
2nd - 6th
Character Education, Classroom Community, Social Emotional Learning
Ensemble Rehearsal Lesson Plan Template
The Ensemble Template is a structured routine designed to help band directors build consistent, measurable progress in their ensembles. This system provides a clear framework for daily rehearsal flow, skill development, and ensemble cohesion—making it easier to establish predictable routines that support musical growth. With sections for tone warm-ups, technique drills, rhythm development, ensemble balance, and repertoire goals, this template helps directors track improvement over time while kee
4th - 12th, Higher Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Demo Lesson for a Music Interview: Drumming Your Way to Your New Job!
This drumming lesson plan has consistently impressed both students and administrators, making it an excellent choice for demo lessons, music observations, or showcase teaching days. Designed for upper elementary and middle school students, this engaging lesson integrates pattern creation, rhythmic development, and improvisation—key components of higher-level musical thinking. Students will actively explore rhythm through hands-on drumming, group collaboration, and creative problem-solving as the
PreK - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
RULES FOR MUSIC CLASSES: INSTRUMENTAL, GENERAL MUSIC AND VOCAL
Create a positive, well-structured music room with this set of large-font classroom rules posters for elementary and secondary students. Includes clear, easy-to-read expectations for General Music, Band, Orchestra, Choir, Guitar, Keyboard, and Drum classes—perfect for posting on your wall, bulletin board, or rehearsal space. These rules help create a positive, organized classroom environment. Covers:Classroom managementMusic room expectations, and for visual behavior remindersThese bold posters
PreK - 6th
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Middle/High School Classroom Management Comprehensive Guide
These Classroom Management Tips provide teachers with a quick-reference guide for handling mild to difficult classroom dynamics. Designed to offer practical strategies and ideas, this resource helps educators build a more structured and positive classroom environment. Key Features: Easy-to-implement classroom management strategiesSolutions for managing challenging student behaviorA strong foundation for making teaching more effective and enjoyableUseful for new and experienced teachers alikePerf
K - 12th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
Also included in: Middle/High School Classroom Management Bundle
Getting Organized: Student Templates
Help your students build essential academic and life skills with this comprehensive set of student organizational templates. Designed for middle school, high school, and homeschool learners, these templates support time management, goal setting, assignment tracking, and self-reflection in a simple, structured format. This printable and digital-friendly planner system empowers students to: Track assignments, deadlines, and projects with easeSet and monitor personal and academic goalsReflect on pr
4th - 12th
Classroom Community
Teacher Planner (Elementary School) Editable (Word Doc)
Stay organized all year long with this undated, reusable Teacher Planner designed for elementary, middle, and high school educators. Perfect for music teachers, general educators, and special subject teachers, this comprehensive teacher binder includes editable templates, cover sheets for each section, and essential classroom management tools. This planner can be used year after year, since it's not year-specific, making it the perfect investment for ongoing use. After purchase, you’ll receive a
PreK - 6th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects, Other (ELA)
Also included in: Teacher Reflection Bundle
Key Elements of Effective Differentiated Instruction (Guide)
This resource provides a clear and practical overview of Differentiated Instruction, a teaching approach that tailors learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of all students. It explains how effective differentiation varies content, processes, products, and the learning environment to address differences in readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Designed for teachers seeking to strengthen classroom engagement and instructional flexibility, this guide breaks down the foundational com
K - 12th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
Student Engagement PowerPoint
Keeping students actively engaged is key to fostering academic success, creativity, and lifelong curiosity. This teacher guide provides practical, research-based strategies for engaging students across grade levels and subjects, helping educators create classrooms full of energy, participation, and enthusiasm for learning. From interactive lessons and relationship-building to goal setting and classroom climate design, this guide helps teachers understand what motivates learners and how to sustai
3rd - 8th
Classroom Community
Educational Motivational Posters (Classroom Decor)
Brighten your classroom and inspire learning with this collection of motivational posters featuring powerful quotes from influential thinkers and leaders. Educational Classroom Decor for positive affirmations and “SEL poster. Each poster is designed with creative, eye-catching graphics that immediately draw students’ attention and spark curiosity. The visuals support the message of each quote, making the posters not only decorative but also meaningful tools for reflection, discussion, and daily
4th - 12th
Informational Text, Other (Arts)
Also included in: Creating Super Hero Students through Motivation
Socratic Question Stems & Creative, Critical & Strategic Thinking Question Stems
Elevate classroom discussion and deepen student thinking with this Higher-Level Questioning Guide, designed to help teachers formulate purposeful, thought-provoking questions across all subjects. This resource organizes question stems into **four powerful categories—Socratic, Creative, Critical, and Strategic—**giving educators the tools to design meaningful essential questions, improve classroom dialogue, and enhance student engagement and inquiry-based learning. Teachers can use this guide to
4th - 10th
For All Subjects, Other (ELA)
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)
Basics of Single Reed Playing Lesson Plan
This resource provides a complete saxophone-focused lesson plan, along with a customizable lesson plan template and a student practice chart. Designed to support structured instruction and consistent progress, it’s perfect for band directors, private teachers, and beginner to intermediate saxophone students. 14-pages.
4th - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Exit Tickets
This Exit Ticket Collection for Elementary Students provides a variety of quick, reflective activities to help students assess their own learning and build mindfulness about their work. Designed to be simple and effective, these exit tickets give teachers valuable insight into student understanding while encouraging learners to think critically about their progress. Printable exit tickets designed for elementary classroomsPromotes self-reflection and mindfulness in studentsHelps teachers gauge s
PreK - 5th
For All Subjects
Elementary Classroom Rules
Elementary Classroom Rules Resource is a 15-page classroom management guide packed with tools and strategies to help teachers create a positive classroom environment. This resource provides clear, easy-to-use classroom rules along with multiple activities and supports to encourage student responsibility, respect, and engagement. Key Features: Printable classroom rules for elementary gradesStrategies to build a positive and structured learning environmentResources that promote respect, responsibi
PreK - 3rd
Classroom Community, For All Subjects
Also included in: Elementary School Classroom Management Bundle
Question Stems DOK 3 & 4 for Music Teachers
Support advanced learning and classroom rigor with this Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Levels 3 and 4 resource, created from the original DOK framework. These levels—Strategic Thinking and Extended Thinking—are often favorites among administrators for their focus on analysis, reasoning, and real-world application. This free resource provides teachers with a clear understanding of how to design lessons, activities, and assessments that challenge students to think deeply, make connections, and demonstra
4th - 12th
For All Subjects, Instrumental Music, Music
FILLABLE LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE
Stay organized and intentional with this FREE fillable lesson plan template, designed with all the essential components teachers need for effective, structured instruction. This editable template includes sections for the mini-lesson, modeling, guided and independent activities, student engagement, assessment, summary, and more—ensuring your lessons are balanced, meaningful, and easy to follow. Perfect for teachers who want to plan with clarity and consistency, this template helps you document s
PreK - 12th
For All Subjects
Showing 1-20 of 20 results
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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