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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Writing Lyrics Bundle
Editable Lead Sheet Templates - Lyrics, Melodic & Rhythmic - SongwritingThis resource includes a variety of song form templates designed to support songwriting, composition, and music production across multiple musical roles. The collection features lyric-form lead sheets, as well as melodic, rhythmic, guitar, bass, and drum set lead sheet templates, giving students and creators a clear framework for building complete songs. Song Form Series - Storytelling Lyrics (Activities/Worksheets)Song Form
3rd - 12th
Music, Other (ELA)
Songwriting & Creative Music Production Bundle
Songwriting & Creative Music Production Lessons Empower your students to become confident songwriters, creative producers, and collaborative musicians with this comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum designed for Grades 6–12. This full-unit songwriting and music production course guides students from foundational lyric writing and rhythm development to advanced genre exploration, remixing, media composition, and portfolio creation. Perfect for general music, music technology, creative arts,
6th - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Music & Movement Fitness Pack | Elementary Music
Turn your music classroom into an active, high-energy learning environment! Printable/digital resource combines music education, movement games, rhythm training, fitness challenges, and classroom management systems into one complete interactive pack. Music & Movement Fitness Pack improves: Rhythm skillsCoordinationListeningFocus Teamwork Physical movement through musicThis structured system teaches students how to:Keep a steady beatImprove rhythm accuracyBuild body coordinationStrengthen liste
1st - 6th
Music, Physical Education
Also included in: Elementary Music Movement Bundle
Fitness + Mental Health Journal (SEL-Focused)
This is a guided Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) tool that combines mindfulness, reflection, and habit tracking to help you reset, refocus, and grow—mentally and physically. This journal gives you a simple, repeatable system that actually sticks.5-Minute Daily Check-Ins → No overwhelm, just consistencySEL-Focused Prompts → Build emotional awareness and resilienceFitness + Mental Health Integration → Track both mind and bodyBuilt-In Reset System → Handle bad days instead of ignoring themProgres
5th - 10th
Classroom Community, School Counseling, Social Emotional Learning
Songwriting & Expression Toolkit: Creative Cards | Grades 4-12
The Songwriting & Expression Toolkit: Creative Cards is a ready-to-use, no-prep resource designed to help students develop songwriting, creative writing, and self-expression skills through structured, engaging questions. Clear, actionable promptsStructured songwriting practiceBuilt-in differentiation (easy to advanced)Engaging, game-based learning opportunitiesStudents don’t just write—they build real songwriting skills. Ready-to-use activities for:Bell ringersCenters & stationsGroup songwritin
4th - 12th
Music, Other (ELA), Social Emotional Learning
Music Theory Workbook (Worksheets, Handouts & Activities)
This resource is a complete collection of music theory worksheets and activities that guide students step by step through essential music concepts. Beginning with the musical alphabet, note values, and rhythms, students gradually build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and understanding music. Worksheets such as Notes on the Staff, Dynamics and Tempo, and Rhythm Builder ensure students develop fluency in the basics before moving into more advanced concepts. As students progress, they’ll e
3rd - 10th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Music Theory Bundle
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
Middle School Fitness Challenge Pack
Get your students moving with this Middle School Fitness Challenge Pack, a ready-to-use set of 30 fitness activities designed for grades 6–8. Perfect for PE, health, advisory, homeroom, classroom movement breaks, and wellness programs, this pack helps students build strength, endurance, flexibility, and healthy habits in a fun, motivating way. This resource includes: 30 fitness challenges Student tracking sheets Reflection pages Class progress tools Certificate templates Teacher tips and imple
6th - 8th
Physical Education
30-Day Fitness Challenge
Build consistency, discipline, and healthy habits with this 30-Day Fitness Challenge: Daily Movement Tracker—a simple, no-prep printable designed to get students moving every single day. Develops: StrengthEnduranceConfidence through short, achievable daily challengesPerfect for:Elementary and middle school studentsPE and health classesClassroom brain breaksMusic & movement activitiesHomeschool fitness routinesSubstitute teacher plansSubscribe to my list/Blog for notifications of tips and freebie
4th - 8th
Health, Physical Science
SEL Lyric Writing Templates
Help students express emotions, build resilience, and strengthen self-awareness through creative songwriting. SEL Lyric Writing Templates is a ready-to-use collection of structured songwriting worksheets designed to integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with music education, creative writing, and reflective practice. This resource makes it easy for students to turn feelings into lyrics while developing emotional vocabulary, empathy, and self-expression skills. W hat Students Will LearnIdenti
4th - 12th
Music, Social Emotional Learning, Vocal Music
Hook Builder Map (Activities, Worksheets & Posters)
This Hook Builder Worksheet Pack is a step-by-step songwriting system that teaches students how to create catchy, memorable, and emotionally impactful hooks using proven techniques from pop and hip-hop music. Instead of guessing, students follow a structured process to build hooks that are: Simple, Rhythmic, Repetitive and Emotionally engaging. If it’s not hitting all four—your students fix it. STUDENTS WILL LEARNHow to generate strong hook ideas quicklyHow to apply rhythm and phrasing to lyric
5th - 12th
Creative Writing, Music
Class Certificates (Elementary Classroom)
Celebrate student success with these printable Class Certificates for the Elementary Classroom!Perfect for grades Pre-K through 5, these printable, kid-friendly certificates are designed to motivate, reward, and recognize students for academic achievement, positive behavior, effort, participation, and growth. 29 Certificates: Certificate of Responsibility - Cleanup MonitorCertificate of Helpfulness - Helpful MonitorCertificate of Leadership - Super Line LeaderCertificate of Excellence - Respons
K - 5th
Classroom Community
Lyric Lab: Lyric Writing Workbook
Lyric Lab: Lyric Writing Workbook is a structured, student-friendly songwriting guide designed to help young songwriters, music students, and creative writers confidently craft meaningful lyrics from start to finish. This workbook breaks lyric writing into clear, manageable steps — moving students from understanding the basics to completing and sharing their own original song. Perfect for: General music classesChoir & songwriting unitsCreative writing classesMusic technology (BandLab, GarageBand
4th - 12th
Music, Vocal Music
Modern Rock Band Guitar Lesson Plans
Rock Band Starter Lesson Plan – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboard, Vocals & Songwriting This all-in-one rock band lesson plan is perfect for starting a rock band in general music classes. Designed for middle and high school students, this beginner-friendly resource covers the essentials of guitar basics, chord building, and how to play rock instruments like bass, keyboard, drum set, and vocals. What’s included: Step-by-step lessons on guitar fundamentals and chord constructionIntroductory guidance o
4th - 12th, Adult Education
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Also included in: Rock Band - Popular Curriculum Track Bundle
Music Lesson Template | Explanation for Integrating the Danielson Rubric
Whether you’re preparing for teacher evaluations, portfolio submissions, or administrative reviews, this resource provides ready-to-use materials and guidance that connect directly to Danielson’s expectations—while being tailored to the unique needs of music education. Support and showcase your effectiveness as a music educator with this Music Lesson Plans and Resources for the Danielson Framework. This 21-page resource is designed to help music teachers align their practice with the Danielson
K - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Vocal Music
Quarter vs Eighth Notes | 5-Minute Rhythm Fix (No Prep Pack)
Quarter vs Eighth Notes | 5-Minute Rhythm Fix (No Prep Pack) designed to help students quickly master the difference between quarter notes and eighth notes—without overwhelming lessons or extra prep time. This resource is ideal for:Quick rhythm interventionCenters and small group instructionSub plans and emergency lessonsReinforcement of foundational rhythm skillsWith only 5 targeted pages, this pack eliminates confusion and helps students confidently identify and perform quarter notes and eigh
K - 5th
Music
Rhythm Activities & Charts (Games and Activities)
Rhythm Activities & Charts is a fun and engaging elementary music resource packed with interactive games and activities to help students build strong rhythm skills. Designed for young learners, this resource combines visual rhythm charts, clapping games, and interactive exercises to make learning rhythm active and enjoyable. Printable rhythm charts for classroom practiceInteractive rhythm games to reinforce beat and patternsHands-on clapping, movement, and body percussion activitiesPerfect for e
K - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Music Vocabulary-Word Wall & Worksheets (Elementary Music)
Build strong music literacy skills with this engaging set of Music Vocabulary Lists and Puzzle Worksheets, designed to help students learn and retain essential musical terms. Each category includes three different puzzles, giving learners multiple, fun ways to review and apply vocabulary while strengthening their understanding of foundational music concepts. These activities support a variety of learning styles and provide excellent reinforcement for general music, band, choir, or music theory c
1st - 5th
Instrumental Music, Music, Other (Performing Arts)
Editable Lead Sheet Templates - Lyrics, Melodic & Rhythmic - Songwriting
This resource includes a variety of song form templates designed to support songwriting, composition, and music production across multiple musical roles. The collection features lyric-form lead sheets, as well as melodic, rhythmic, guitar, bass, and drum set lead sheet templates, giving students and creators a clear framework for building complete songs. All templates are fully editable in Microsoft Word, allowing teachers and students to customize layouts, add sections, and adapt the sheets to
4th - 12th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Also included in: Writing Lyrics Bundle
Music Classroom Rules in Dynamics (Poster for Classroom Management)
Make classroom expectations musical and memorable with this unique set of Music Classroom Rules presented through dynamic vocabulary! Uses familiar music dynamics—like piano, mezzo forte, forte, and more—to creatively communicate behavior expectations and classroom culture in a way that resonates with music students.Includes a teacher guide explaining how to introduce and reinforce the conceptsFive-part poster set provides a colorful, engaging visual display connecting musical learning with pos
PreK - 6th
Instrumental Music, Music, Music Composition
Showing 1-20 of 64 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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https://vinci-elearn.com
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