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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17th Success Principles thinking Toolkit Workbook
This powerful student workbook is inspired by the timeless work of Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Achievement—a proven framework for success, personal responsibility, and goal-oriented thinking. Adapted specifically for middle school, high school, and young adult learners, this resource helps students understand and apply these principles in their schoolwork, habits, work ethic, and everyday life. Designed as a motivating, practical workbook, this guide teaches students how to adopt the mindse
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Character Education, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: Creative Thinking Resources to Design (PBL)
Barron’s Psychic Creation Model: Project Based Learning Strategies
Unlock the creative potential of your students with this Project-Based Learning (PBL) resource exploring Barron’s Psychic Creation Model—a structured framework that guides learners through the four stages of the creative process from idea development to finished product. This resource provides a clear and practical approach to teaching creativity, helping students understand how ideas evolve through imagination, exploration, refinement, and realization. Whether used in arts, music, writing, entr
Not Specific
Also included in: Creative Thinking Resources to Design (PBL)
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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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