FHJ Prep K–8 Strings Program
At F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School (an ESA-approved institution in Nashville), I helped develop and direct a K–8 strings program that gives students a well-rounded introduction to violin, viola, and cello. Designed for those with no prior experience, the program offers a diverse, accessible, and engaging foundation in string education.
From 2023–2026, I taught K–8 strings at FHJ Prep in Nashville, helping more than 100 students each year begin their musical journey through a curriculum rooted in the globally recognized Suzuki Method, an approach built on the belief that every child can learn music as naturally as they learn language. Students explored violin, viola, and cello through ensemble playing, creativity, listening skills, and foundational technique, with access to quality instruments through the Baroque Violin Shop’s school rental program.
In kindergarten through second grade, students developed creativity and musical confidence through Alice Kay Kanach’s Playing From the Heart Violin Method playing mostly by ear. In grades 3–8, students could select violin, viola, or cello and participate in grade-level orchestras using Habits of a Successful String Musician alongside curated supplemental materials.
With a background in classical string education and graduate research focused on integrating technology into string pedagogy, I brought a creative and student-centered approach to the classroom. I incorporated live looping to foster engagement while helping students develop rhythmic, technical, listening, and improvisational skills, and used guitar to introduce harmony while blending elements of folk, jazz, and pop into the classical foundation. Drawing from my work as a session musician, I also introduced students to music production tools such as Logic Pro, helping them rehearse creatively and understand how their playing connects to modern recording environments in preparation for our concerts.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was witnessing all of our students with no prior string background develop ownership over their creative voices through their instrument. Their joy, creativity, and curiosity deeply shaped my own practices as both a musician and educator, reinforcing my belief that music education can be approached in so many ways and can be both artistically rigorous and creatively fun.