And it’s not really that we have perfected all of the notes and rhythms… Because there are definitely still some rough passages… But, there has been a culture shift in my program and it is really coming to light as we prepare for our concert.
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.
Assessment: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly PART II
The third school that really struck me was the most frustrating. It was a group of students from a poor school. So many of their issues had to do with crummy instruments, an unfortunate lacking of a bass player, and just poor circumstances. This was really ugly and frustrating. And so… I decided to write about it…
Assessment: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly… Part I
I still dread Assessment and I still am not 100% sure where I stand on the entire process. But I would like to share some thoughts with you from the perspective of a student, a leader in front of an ensemble on the podium, as well as thoughts from behind the adjudication table.
Snow Day Strategies for Developing Musical Identities!
Posting on social media is so easy. And somehow, it seems to engage some of the students who are just sitting around on their computers. Even if they don’t touch their instruments, at least they are seeing the posts. Perhaps these posts will spark a “rabbit hole” effect in which they search for additional musical cartoons, stories, and pieces of randomness.
Hall Duty Horrors: Take a New Spin on Hall Duty and Improve Your Program!
Bellies and buttcracks and wayyyyy too much skin pouring over jeans…. I had NO idea…. Now I do… Now I realize why my students think it’s ridiculous when I ask them to wear longer shorts… I understand that cursing is the norm rather than the exception within my school… And that my students are kind of angelic in comparison! This gives me so much insight into what my own students deal with every day and how drastically things have changed
My Best Year Yet (fingers crossed)!
They listened to me! All of these years, they have been listening and are communicating a story without my help. It was perhaps the most beautiful thing I have experienced as an educator.
Three Enrollment Issues & How to Deal with Them
With school starting, we should already be thinking about how we can keep our students interested in our program & these are a few small ways to do it. Isn’t it interesting that very little of it has anything to do with music making? When it comes to music making, just keep it enjoyable!
Music Teacher Exodus: A Quick Article Recap
The most cited reason for leaving the field of music education included a lack of perceived support from administration & dissatisfaction with STUDENT BEHAVIO
LIFT OFF! Stats and Tips to Starting your New String Program!
thinking about starting up a new strings program in your district?…. 90% of the participants reported an increase in the overall enrollment in music programs within their district once a new strings program started
Teacher Attitudes Toward English Language Learners
I have been interested in doing an article on music teacher attitudes toward recruiting (as we have all experienced interesting attitudes from blatant territorialism to a complete lack… Read more “Teacher Attitudes Toward English Language Learners”
MusicEdLove 