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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The Spark Within (Motivation) Powerpoint Presentation
Help students, educators, or professionals learn how to set meaningful goals that align with their personal mission and inner motivation with this 34-slide presentation on goal setting, purpose, and sustained drive. This visually engaging guide explores how to define goals that truly resonate, maintain motivation through challenges, and stay focused on long-term growth. Learners will discover practical strategies to ignite their inner drive, clarify their “why,” and achieve success with purpose
4th - 12th
Classroom Community, For All Subjects, Psychology
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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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