“One of the best ways I do this is by using rhythmic speech, so when we are getting ready to brush our teeth, I simply put it into a little chant it doesn’t even have to rhyme, But putting your words and instructions and praise into rhythm gives your children this sense of momentum forward momentum with whatever task they’re doing, and it also allows them to start to really learn musical patterns and rhythmic patterns that will benefit them for the long haul!”
Author: Angela Ammerman
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.
Teacher Evaluations: From Dread to Delight with Dr. David Allen Ammerman
Dr. David Allen Ammerman, delves into pacing, building rapport, differentiation, gamification, repetition, and so much more!
People to Make Music With: How Annie Ray Started a Strings Program for Children with Disabilities
“And so I let him borrow the cello and he started going back and forth, and he started his eyes started welling up with tears they started crying because he thought it was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever heard.”
Passing the Baton: Empowering ALL Students with Theresa Hoover and Kathryn Finch
“If I could flip it a little bit and empower the kids and you know, intrinsically motivate them … So the idea of shifting just a little bit of your thinking to you know, giving the kids a little bit more of the ownership of the learning. If we give them autonomy, mastery, and purpose… that’s where they are intrinsically motivated and ready to you know take on their learning.”
Did I Miss This Class? Making Your Money Work for You with Nick Averwater
You spend and the goal really is to have an effective budget is you tell every single dollar what you want it to do for you. Right like if the goal is to pay off debt, then you need to assign that dollar to pay off debt!
How the First Few Years Might Be Everything with Stringrise Founder: Nicole Melrose
“she said ‘I’m sorry, you have no choice. You’re playing violin. You are a violinist you just don’t know it yet.’ And that moment changed the trajectory of my life.”
There’s Only One You with the Edupreneur: Jessica Peresta
There’s only one you… know that we need your voice in your work.
What’s Your Journey? with Dr. Linda Apple Monson
In this episode of #MusicEdLove, Dr. Linda Apple Monson shares strategies for memorizing music, overcoming significant obstacles, and recruiting international students. This episode is packed with helpful… Read more “What’s Your Journey? with Dr. Linda Apple Monson”
The Middle Schooler That Never Grew Up & The Infamous Cup of Doom with Mark A. Hensler
“We had something that I call the cup of doom, where we put all the kids names on the popsicle stick. I would alternate the test one week we would go Alphabetically you know by last name A to Z and then the next, it was random. But the kids they would start chanting ‘Cup of Doom! Cup of Doom!’, like they couldn’t wait to take the playing tests!”
Toward Something More: Empowering ELLs with Monica Guido
Monica Guido joins us on #MusicEdLove to share her suggestions for raising the bar, engaging ELLs, and stirring up the seating. Monica is also a contributor for… Read more “Toward Something More: Empowering ELLs with Monica Guido”
MusicEdLove 