Welcome!
Welcome to my Teaching in Schools page. "Teaching in Schools” means two things. FIRST, as an artist and a teacher, I can come into your school and do a one day, up to a whole week-long, music workshop. Depending on age and discussion with administrators, we can sing songs, create music groups, learn how to program and record music, (including learning to write our own songs) and/or do rhythm making activities on percussion instruments. Let’s explore each of these a bit.
Singing songs includes: nursery rhymes and “super simple songs” for the little ones (3K - 1st grade), folk and traditional songs from American culture as well as from around the world for 2nd - 5th graders, and when they hit 6th - 12th grades, we get into popular songs that the students choose themselves. After they choose songs, we engage in the democratic process by voting on which ones we will sing.
The older students, (6th - 12th grade), also have the opportunity to create and participate in their own Rock, R&B, and/or Hip-Hop groups. In it, students learn to play guitar, bass, keyboards/piano, and sing or rap songs of their choosing. This has become an extremely popular trend in Public, Charter, and Private schools across the country and I’m part of this movement. As long as the kids are inspired and motivated it simply doesn’t matter the music style, as ALL music is made out of the same fundamental musical elements: The Steady Beat (beat-pulse-time), Rhythm, and Sounds (i.e. pitched notes). Let’s get them into it by including their choices, and their voices.
I also teach the older students the basics of Music Production. In this class we learn the basics of how to operate a Digital Audio Workstation (known as a DAW in the professional recording industry). In so doing, we learn to create tracks, use DAW supplied synthetic instruments, lay down (record) music on the selected tracks (including pre-recorded “music loops”), record vocals, make beats, and finally, we learn how to “mix” it all down and make renderings (mp3s/mp4s) to listen to themselves, and/or share with friends, family or even the world!
When learning to Write Our Own Songs, (the most advanced level of musical creativity), students make deep connections to the music the are making. Students also write their own lyrics. This connects students to the cross-curricular activities of engaging in grammar, spelling, poetry, and historical, societal, or personal knowledge. Such deep and substantial knowledge is crucial for human development and growth. Song writing provides yet one more way such growth can occur.
At last, we can simply join together in a Drum Circle where I teach basic rhythm making skills based on feeling and establishing The Steady Beat (beat-pulse). We then have fun playing rhythmic patterns. The more advanced we get, the more we can play multiple parts at the same time. Such activities aid in the student’s development and growth.
Eventually we learn to sing songs while playing rhythms. This is the most difficult music making and learning task but it’s ok because I guide them with loving care, compassion, and my expertise in music making. Through such guidance, a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment is created.
Singing and Rhythm Making are the primary in-roads that I bring to students when I am Teaching in Schools.
The SECOND thing that Teaching in Schools means is that I may be available to become a faculty member in your school. Upon obtaining my NYS Music Certification in June of 2024, I am now certified to teach in public schools throughout the great state of New York. I am also open to teaching in private and charter schools as well. In either cases, I will implement my year-long curriculum, per grade. Class options include: core music, chorus, pop music ensembles, and instruction in guitar, electric bass, keyboards/piano, and vocals.
Currently, I am a full-time, (substitute) Music Teacher in a Special Education school. In this very precious setting, I work with children whose mental dispositions range from from moderate to severe autism, cognitive learning challenges, and moderate to severe behavioral disorders. Whatever the disposition, I have a very deep philosophy that every student deserves the same level of care, love, and quality of education as any one else. This is our Human Right.
At this point, I am going to invite you to watch a 7 minute video of me working with my kids in this special ed. school. The first 5 minutes, are of me with Ms. Doreen’s class all of whom have severe autism. Watch and listen HOW WELL THEY LEARN and PLAY! : )
The last few minutes are with Ms. Batista’s class who are much closer to typical dispositions. Here we play some amazing rhythmic patterns. Listen to how much fun we are having, how attentive they are to my instruction and how we NAIL the ending! No really, it’s pro-like.
Please watch, listen, and enjoy. Thank You
Here I am with Ms. Doreen’s 6th - 8th graders in a Special Ed. setting, then with Ms. Batista’s Kindergarteners. Much music teaching and learning is taking place as is much fun. These kids can really play!
Itinerary always written on the whiteboard for our students’ sense of organization and purpose, (which helps create a peaceful feeling for them), I demonstrate rhythms. We then play together. Then they play without me (A.K.A. “I play, We play, You Play”). This method is TRULY my favorite teaching technique and strategy…..and it’s so much fun!
Here I am helping Kylie play the more complicated rhythms that we were learning.
Kylie is a total natural and so good at rhythm making! She quickly learns the pattern and plays it PERFECTLY.
Here’s Lucas trying to get the gist of using two mallets (instead of one) and hitting two different woodblocks. The woodblocks are Lucas’s favorite percussion instruments. : )
Lukey, (as he is affectionately known) gives me his undivided attention, which always just makes me beam with joy and happiness. Thanks Lukey!!
Btw: (Of course) I “painted out” Lukey’s face to protect his identity. Notice how I never said the name of my school or where I work either. Safety and privacy are deeply and incredibly important to me.
LESSON PLAN RESUME CERTIFICATES COVER LETTER
Here is one of the lesson plans used for the video, my current resume, several certificates based on important trainings we as teachers need, and the cover letter for the school in which I currently am employed.
Like what you see? Contact me! I LOVE talking with people about music and their view and vision of educating people musically. From 3K through 12th grade, I will bring to your students a deep musical experience through listening, exploring the vast amount of styles within our country as well as around the world (both traditional and pop). Let’s talk. Let’s see what I can bring to you, your family, your school, or your district.
Meanwhile, please take a look through the rest of my Teaching in Schools page. In it you will find my current resume, the cover letter used for my current employment, and the many certificates required to be a professional teacher.
I also invite you to check out the rest of my website so you can hear and see what i am like as a musical artist in both performance and music production. Did I mention? I’m a professional band, ensemble, and solo, guitarist of all Euro-American Styles (and some Asian as well).
Also, all the song recordings listed on my MUSIC PAGE (click “music page” to listen) are written and produced by me. Of course, I had brought in the appropriate singer depending on the style but you can hear me singing the male Rock tunes too! Haha… Go check it out. I think you’ll like it.
WITH THAT . . .
Explore - Have fun - Enjoy - and - Always - BE INSPIRED!!
Music is the unique human gift to the world and all beings within it. Every human being is entitled to their natural born right to participate in and learn how to make music. Together let’s make a world of music makers. Let’s MAKE MUSIC! Thank You!! - Dan Zellan
Click on any of these links to see more of who I am and what i do musically, and with FB even on a more personal side. : )
Also, PLEASE don’t hesitate….contact me! I can’t wait to chat and here your ideas!! Thank You So Much!!!
YouTube: @Dan Zellan Instagram: @danzellan Facebook: @Dan Zellan
danzellanmusic@gmail.com
646 623 0317