Aaron Cardenas
Honolulu,United States
Summary
A highly accomplished and dedicated Educator with diverse experience in teaching, administration, community relations and arts organization. Recipient of full ride scholarship for two masters degrees from the prestigious Yale University, demonstrating my commitment to excellence. Privileged with teaching over 1,000 students in my career ranging from primary to graduate level as well as owning my own music school in central Honolulu. Seeking to utilize my skills and knowledge to promote effective learning strategies and innovative educational methodologies.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor
Leeward Community College
06.2023 - Current
- Teach early college course, Music 107 Music in World Cultures to High School students from Waiʻanae and Nānākuli.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Owner and Founder
Cardenas Music School
08.2022 - Current
- Instructor of over 30 students
- Grew business over 300% in the first year
- Web design and management
- Marketing via traditional and digital media
- Grew instagram and youtube account
- Financial planning and bookkeeping
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Event coordinator for student concerts
- Curriculum coordinator
- Studio management and Schedule coordinator
Adjunct Professor
Hawaii Tokai International College
04.2021 - Current
- Instructed small class sizes (8-16) geared towards in intimate learning experience
- Presented lectures twice a week for classes that were over 2 hours in length
- Helped international students not only learn about music, but also acclimate to schooling in the United
- States
- Worked together with program coordinators to work on creating new courses that held a standard for accreditation
- Participated in meetings with staff and faculty to work on curriculum and admissions goals
- Lectured the following courses:
- Music 106 Introduction to Music Literature
- Music 107 Music in World Cultures
- Music 108 Fundamentals in Music
- Music 121 Ukulele
- Marketing, Communications
Community Relations Officer
Hawaii Tokai International College
10.2021 - 08.2023
- Researched, prepared information, presented, and advocated for a lower tuition rate on behalf of
- Kamaʻaina students (local students of Hawaii) to the University system’s Executive Committee to make college more affordable
- Stayed within budget for marketing expenses.
- The lower tuition rate was granted by the Executive Board
- Wrote several press releases with Stryker Weiner and Yokota Publications, a Public Relations company, to create awareness of college scholarships and concert series
- Assisted the Chancellor in various tasks to coordinate events, creating brand awareness, establishing donor relationships, and organizing data for the staff on a monthly basis
- Established new relationships with over 30 high schools on ‘Oahu through cold-calls, setting up meet and greets, and giving public presentations in person or online, at high schools, language classes, conferences, colleges, and other local or international organizations ‘Oahu and neighbor islands
- Increased the schools social media following 200 to 800+ followers through engagement, planning and executing frequent and thoughtful posts, and reaching out to community businesses to run giveaways
- Created, wrote, designed, and illustrated promotional materials including online and social media marketing; print material such as brochures and informational pamphlets; email campaigns; and material goods such as hats, shirts and masks using Canva and 4Imprint
- Present community outreach initiatives and accomplishments and organized data to the staff on a monthly basis.
Adjunct Professor
Honolulu Community College
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Lectured the following courses:
- Music 107 Music in World Cultures
- Music 121D Guitar 1
- Music 121Z Ukulele 1
- Artistic Director of HTIC Concert Series
Artistic Director of HTIC Concert Series
Hawaii Tokai International College
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Curated and managed Hawaii Tokai's first ever concert series to be featured in their auditorium.
- Duties also included advertising initiatives through social media and traditional media.
- Concerts included Ian O’sullivan (Classical Guitar), Darin Miyashiro (Koto), Kevin Morita ( Finger-style
- Guitar) , Eden Kai (Fingerstyle-guitar)
- A number of musicians ranging from classical to contemporary were featured at the auditorium drawing in the public and prospective students to the campus
- Successfully negotiated a 6 month contract with Hawaii Public Radio to promote the concert series that was favorable to HTIC and HPR.
Secondary Guitar Instructor
Yale University
08.2016 - 05.2019
- Provided guitar instruction for Yale School of Music graduate students.
- Developed lesson curriculum based on student skill level.
Education
Master of Arts - Music Performance
Yale University
New Haven, CT05.2019
Master of Arts - Music
Yale University
New Haven, CT05.2018
Bachelor of Music - Music
University of Hawaii
Honolulu, HI05.2015
Skills
- Excellent ability in educational program design and management
- High proficiency in curriculum development
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to inspire and motivate students
- Proficient in marketing and community relations
- Advanced knowledge of musical theories and practices
- Excellent budgeting and financial management skills
Accomplishments
Notable Performances
Aaron has performed throughout the United States including Carnegie Weill Recital Hall; The New England Guitar Society; Yale's Morse Hall; Yale British Art Museum; University of Hawaii at Manoa and Maui campuses and Hawaii Public Radio Atherton Studios.
References
1. Dr. Gene Awakuni
Former Chancellor of Hawaii Tokai International College and UH-West 'Oahu
Phone: 808-366-4433
Email: gene@tokai.edu
2. Ian O'Sullivan
Director of Guitar and 'Ukulele at Kamehameha Schools
Phone: 808-230-6930
Email: ianoguitar@gmail.com
3. Benjamin Verdery
Professor of Guitar at Yale School of Music
Phone: 917-613-5130
Email: benverdery@gmail.com
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Leeward Community College
06.2023 - Current
Owner and Founder
Cardenas Music School
08.2022 - Current
Community Relations Officer
Hawaii Tokai International College
10.2021 - 08.2023
Artistic Director of HTIC Concert Series
Hawaii Tokai International College
10.2021 - 06.2022
Adjunct Professor
Hawaii Tokai International College
04.2021 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Honolulu Community College
08.2019 - 08.2022
Secondary Guitar Instructor
Yale University
08.2016 - 05.2019
Master of Arts - Music Performance
Yale University
Master of Arts - Music
Yale University
Bachelor of Music - Music
University of Hawaii
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