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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Guitar Class Activities for General Music
This fully-loaded, classroom-tested system designed to help students play, create, collaborate, and build confidence on guitar—whether they’re absolute beginners or developing players. Packed with hands-on guitar activities, creative challenges, games, composition labs, ensemble projects, and assessments, this resource keeps students engaged while giving teachers clear structure, flexibility, and classroom management support. This curriculum includes step-by-step guitar instruction plus dozens o
4th - 12th
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
Step-by-Step, Start-to-Finish Trailer Workflow (Music Production)
A start-to-finish guide to composing, producing, and delivering professional epic trailer music that stands up to modern industry standards. This resource walks composers through the entire trailer workflow, from the first creative decision to final, library-ready exports—no guesswork, no filler. You’ll learn how to pick a clear trailer lane, set the right tempo, and build a powerful 3-act structure using motifs, chord progressions, rhythm engines, and cinematic trailer drums. The guide breaks d
9th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Trailer Music 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
BandLab Introduction and Lessons for Distance & Remote Learning
This resource introduces students to BandLab, a powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) that allows them to create music and share compositions for peer assessment. Students learn that most DAWs share a similar design, building transferable music production skills. The lessons guide students step by step through composing with BandLab, from basic navigation to creating original tracks. This resource combines hands-on learning with creativity and collaboration. 27-pages.
4th - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
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)
Comprehensive Music Production Curriculum (Music Technology)
This seven-unit music production curriculum includes ready-to-use lessons, activities, and homework assignments that guide students through the fundamentals of creating and producing music. Designed with flexibility in mind, it works with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) since the strategies taught are universal and can be applied across multiple platforms. Perfect for middle school, high school, and music technology programs, this resource helps students develop skills in beat-making, melody
7th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Music, Music Composition, Other (Performing Arts)
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
Motivational Quotes for Student Achievement (PowerPoint) SEL|Growth Mindset
Inspire your students all year long with this collection of 52 motivational quotes focused on effort, empowerment, and positive thinking. Each quote is thoughtfully selected to motivate achievement and confidence, making it a great addition to any elementary, middle, or high school classroom. Use them weekly, display them around the room, or include them in journals and SEL lessons to build a culture of positivity and determination.Quotes encourage a growth mindset and remind students that hard
4th - 12th
Character Education, Classroom Community
Also included in: Creating Super Hero Students through Motivation
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
Not Specific
Character Education, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Also included in: Creative Thinking Resources to Design (PBL)
Melodic Direction Activities | Elementary Music Theory
Melodic Direction with Visuals and Movement is an engaging elementary music resource designed especially for K–2 students. Packed with 40 interactive activities, this resource helps young learners explore and understand melodic direction through fun, hands-on lessons using visuals, movement, and music-making. Key Features: 40 melodic direction activities for K–2 music studentsCombines visual aids, movement, and listening to reinforce pitch directionFlexible for 1–3 class periods or adaptable int
K - 2nd
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Music Theory Bundle
SCAMPER for Writing Music
These SCAMPER Music Lesson Plans introduce students to SCAMPER as a creative strategy for music writing. Through hands-on experimentation, students learn how to apply SCAMPER techniques to composition, music writing, and performance, encouraging deeper creativity and problem-solving in the music classroom. These lesson plans give students tools to think outside the box while building skills in composition, improvisation, and musical creativity. Introduces SCAMPER strategy for music composition a
5th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Music, Music Composition, Other (Performing Arts)
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
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)
Playing the C Blues: Piano/Keyboard Lesson, Guides and Class Worksheets
This C Blues Chord Progression Resource introduces students to playing chord progressions while developing a foundation in chord inversions and voice leading. Using the familiar structure of a C Blues, students learn how to connect chords smoothly through stepwise movement, building both performance and theoretical skills. Teaches chord progressions through a C Blues frameworkIntroduces chord inversions for smoother transitionsDevelops voice leading skills using stepwise movementPerfect for begi
4th - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Creating a Music Production Portfolio (Instructions/Guide)
Creating a music production portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills, style, and expertise to potential clients, employers, and collaborators. A strong portfolio highlights not only your technical abilities and creative style, but also your professionalism, attention to detail, and growth as a music producer. This step-by-step guide walks you through building a comprehensive, engaging, and professional portfolio that reflects your unique sound. Learn how to organize tracks, present proj
9th - 12th, Adult Education, Higher Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
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
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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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