What kind of classes related to the guitar do
you teach? We offer guitar I-IV. We incorporate solo, ensem- ble, and modern band works into our guitar program. I believe in teaching a wide variety of music including popular, classical, and jazz styles. We also compose our own guitar music and I think composition needs to be encouraged more in music educations. Currently, com- position is the least practiced music education standard but I’m hoping to do my part to improve this endeavor.
yearly at the Union County Teen Arts Festival and are regularly invited to the Union County Teen Arts Showcase and NJ State Teen Arts Festivals. Some of my guitar stu- dents have been members of the NJMEA Honors Gui- tar Ensemble. My students entered the NJMEA Music Technology Expo and received top awards and also per- formed at the Expo at Rutgers University. We entered the Little Kids Rock Songwriting Competition and won at least one category in the last three years. Additionally, my program has developed successful
outreach events with notable artists like Jorge Cabellero, Joao Luiz, Ana Maria Rosado, Francisco Roldan, and the Newman & Altman Duo. I think it is very important for high schools to invite outside artists to interact, perform, and coach students because if fosters ongoing learning and growth from an outside perspective.
What do you tell your talented students who are planning to pursue music or guitar studies in high school or college after they finish with you? Many of my students study music at college and I’ve
What would you like to say to the non-guitarist music educator that is about to or interested in incor- porating the guitar into their program?
I think it is important today to incorporate guitar into music education programs because guitar is likely to attract more students to participate in music classes. The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world and is very portable. I think at the very least, music educators can use guitar as a chordal or accompanying instrument for student concerts. Additionally, the guitar can cover a wide variety of repertoire and is very affordable compared to orchestra and concert band instruments.
helped prepare for their auditions or music technology/ composition portfolios. It is important for students to check and adhere to each school’s admission require- ments. It is critical for students to meet the school’s pro- fessors, tour the school’s facilities, and try to sit in on les- sons and classes. One reason why I set up outreach events with local colleges is to provide an opportunity for my students to interact with college professors and sample what they have to offer. High school students should also talk to students and watch them perform at the college to see if the school is right for them. Taking the extra initiative to ask questions, visit, and see what the college really has to offer students is critical because it can reinforce the correct choice.
Do you have any networking or advocacy tool
that have worked for you promoting your program that would help other educators?
continued on page 22 Do you have any success stories you would like to
share about students (musical & non-musical) We’ve managed to build a successful program over
the years. We perform regularly at school concerts and help with the fall play and spring musical. We perform
MARCH 2018 29
I think teachers that model desirable educational out- comes themselves are the best advocates. Teachers that set high standards of conduct resonate with other profes- sionals, administrators, families, and students. In return, their professionalism often triggers respect for their craft.
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