MUSIC EDUCATOR
Fostering community, empowering students, and spreading joy through the sharing and creation of music. Bringing a culturally relevant and SEL-centered pedagogy to the classroom to create safe, kind, professional, and exciting environments that support future generations of humans and musicians while creating high-quality music and musical experiences. I believe in uplifting the musicianship and bolstering the love of music inherent to every child. I center Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in my teaching and curriculum. It is my mission to meaningfully share music that students might not encounter on their own musical journeys otherwise, and to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the music that they seek out independently.
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My teaching specializations are:
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Choral Music
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General Music
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Musical Theatre
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A Cappella & Vocal Jazz
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Modern Band (Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards)
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Music Technology/Production
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Composition
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Contact me at davidsoper720@gmail.com for teaching samples and any further inquiries.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
SAUGATUCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Westport, CT
Long-term Substitute Strings Teacher
2 months, full-time. Ran the Orchestra program. Collaborated with teachers throughout the district during in-service and summer trainings. Prepared post-renovation classroom spaces and the logistical framework for 4th Grade and 5th Grade Orchestras. Recruited 4th Grade students. Coordinated the rental, delivery, pickup, and storage of instruments for all ensembles. Led sectional and full-orchestra rehearsals. Collaborated closely with Band and Chorus/General Music instructors. Created and executed lesson plans for all instrument groups and a wide variety of skill levels. Provided extra individualized support for students with exceptional needs.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MUSE Mentorship
Musicians United for Social Equity
Two-time participant. An equity-focused 6-month mentorship program during which mentees of color are paired with Musical Theatre industry professionals to work on goals and advance their careers, with future work opportunities possible. Mentored by Darryl Archibald (SOME LIKE IT HOT, MOTOWN) and Alvin Hough Jr. (MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, NEW YORK, NEW YORK).
MUSICAL THEATRE CONDUCTING INTENSIVE
New York University (Ted Sperling, Instructor)
A 1-week intensive course studying theatrical conducting techniques with a prominent Broadway Music Supervisor, Music Director, and Conductor. Podium masterclass opportunities with a professional ensemble, working on repertoire from Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George.
POP/ROCK KEYBOARD STYLES
Berklee Online (Dave Limina, Instructor)
Took a 10-week course covering a wide variety of keyboard techniques in popular music styles. Participated in group discussions, submitted weekly video recordings.
THE MUSICAL THEATRE CONDUCTOR: LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE
Will Curry (Conductor, Instrumentalist, Teacher)
Actively participated in 10-week program preparing musical theatre conductors to lead pit orchestras. Developed essential techniques. Performed intense score study and weekly conducting performances. Received coaching and feedback, provided feedback to peers.
SINGLE STORY, INC.
SEED 101 (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity)
Collaborated in a whole year of a multifaced diversity training program with 2.5 hour long monthly seminars. Collaborated with facilitators and educators to create, develop and implement strategies that foster respect for all people while exploring current theories on topics such as race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, privilege, systems of oppression, etc.
MUSIC WILL (FORMERLY "LITTLE KIDS ROCK")
Modern Band Workshop 101
Participated in the full-day workshop for teachers on-track to establishing modern band programs at their own schools. Received training and materials to teach guitar, electric bass, drum kit, keyboard, and songwriting. Engaged with a culturally relevant curriculum focused on embracing and teaching music as a language.
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Philosophy of Music Education
Advanced Choral Conducting
Choral Methods I-II
Instrumental Methods I
General Methods I
World Music Pedagogy
Teaching Composition
Teaching Music to Exceptional Learners
Teaching Jazz (Seminar)
Developmental Psychology
Music Technology
Recording Techniques
Music Directors' Seminar
Jazz Composition and Arranging I-III
Arranging Pop A Cappella
Theatrical Orchestration
Musical Design