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.

Toddlers & Music: 5 Considerations for Your Toddler Musician

“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!”

by Angela Ammerman

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.”

by Angela Ammerman