every morning when I woke up and I drove into work. I was like, man. How awesome is this. I’m getting paid to do this. And that’s a magical feeling that when you’re doing work, but it is fun work.
Author: criticalpedagogyelectrified
Angela Ammerman, known for her innovative and energetic teaching style, earned Music Education degrees from the University of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music, Boston University, and her PhD from George Mason University. Dr. Ammerman has been featured in the Washington Post for her innovative and energetic teaching style and was referred to as the first “music teacher prodigy.” Recognized by the Virginia House of Delegates in 2016 for her dedication to instilling a life-long passion for music in all of her students, Angela Ammerman diligently works to now pass along these teaching and mentorship qualities to her own Music Education students. Dr. Ammerman has been named the Virginia Orchestra Director of the Year in 2016, was recognized as Fairfax County’s Top Teacher and finalist for the Washington Post Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award in 2017.
Dr. Ammerman's studies and experiences have laid the groundwork for her philosophy of music education: that Critical Pedagogy provides students with a transformative and synergetic learning environment. Dr. Ammerman loves to guide students toward the realization that music is a culturally valuable activity for everyone's enjoyment; that music is historically relevant, provides a lab for students to apply the scientific method, and is a universal form of self and group expression. With a heart for serving the community, Ammerman takes full advantage of the area’s cultural surroundings in making music a relevant part of the local landscape; and in sharing her philosophy with students, guiding them in their growth and studies.
An engaging and dedicated music educator, Ammerman has been featured as a guest conductor for All County, All City, and Regional Orchestras in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Ammerman is a passionate and dedicated music education professor and music educator and is in high demand as a clinician for sessions and workshops at local, state, national, and international conferences and in-services. Dr. Ammerman is known for an emphasis on play-based learning, humor, a unique style, and for the creation of the first ever Future Music Educators Camp as well as her Music Education Podcast: #MusicEdLove.
Dr. Ammerman’s research has been published in Teaching Music, American String Teachers Journal, Stringendo Publication, and the Fingerboard Publication. Ammerman lives in Martin, Tennessee and is married to financial guru: Dr. David Allen Ammerman. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking her dogs, and writing “orchdork” song-parodies.
Just Ask: Making Connections Where You’re Planted with Dr. Blair Williams
Welcome to our New Years Eve Special Episode with Dr. Blair Williams! Dr. Williams is Assistant Professor of String Music Education at Texas Tech University and Director/Master… Read more “Just Ask: Making Connections Where You’re Planted with Dr. Blair Williams”
8 Minutes Can Save you Hours of Rehearsal Time with the Round Robin Rehearsal
Far too often, I have spent so much time drilling one section of an orchestra while the rest of the ensemble sits unengaged and bored. With my Round Robin Rehearsal techniques, you will save countless hours of unengaged time.
The Round Robin Rehearsal
All too often, I observe young teachers who spend the bulk of a very short class period working with just one section. This leaves the other students… Read more “The Round Robin Rehearsal”
Making My Dreams: Tips for Majoring in Music from current Music Majors
They discuss the credit hour myth in music, knowing your worth, the immense power of your studio professor, and provide suggestions as high school students begin the decision-making process of selecting a school of music.
Ooh Wah Ooh Wah Oh Ah: Getting Baby Dressed Song
Does your baby also get frustrated during times of transition? When David Michael was first born, he DESPISED getting changed in the morning and in the evening.… Read more “Ooh Wah Ooh Wah Oh Ah: Getting Baby Dressed Song”
Music Teacher Parents: It’s Okay to Say No
This week, we meet with some music teachers who are also parents to chat about managing it all. Erin Stavropolous and Kelley McNamee discuss time management, recruitment,… Read more “Music Teacher Parents: It’s Okay to Say No”
Establishing a Creative Culture for Musical Growth with Keith Hodgson
I think people think of assessment as testing. But really, Assessment needs to be a culture, you know, it’s about developing a culture in your in your class of of constant improvement you know and and just setting goals.
Teaching Orchestra in the Time of Covid with Charles Laux
We are so excited about this episode of #MusicEdLove featuring Dr. Charles Laux! Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School where his… Read more “Teaching Orchestra in the Time of Covid with Charles Laux”
So Your Child Wants to Major in Music: 8 Tips from Dr. Ammerman
You can seriously do ANYTHING with a music degree. Rather than thinking of this degree as limiting, Dr. Ammerman recommends that you see all of the potential and flexibility of a music degree. Businesses across the country are actively seeking music majors as they are found to be disciplined, hard working, excellent thinkers, and creative.
