Amanda Guilfoyle
Houston,TX
Summary
Dedicated and seasoned music educator with over 15 years of experience, offering expertise in teaching music courses and cello lessons at the community college level. A professional cellist for nearly 25 years, with a rich background studying under cello soloist Andrés Díaz and performing across the United States and Europe. Passionate about inspiring students through comprehensive musical instruction and fostering a love for music appreciation.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Orchestra Director
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced orchestra performance quality by conducting comprehensive rehearsals and providing constructive feedback to musicians, including 2 ensembles and 2 beginner strings classes.
- Developed tailored rehearsal schedules for optimal preparation and efficient time use, resulting in improved concert performances, including varsity and non-varsity UIL.
- Supported musician development through ongoing evaluation processes, offering targeted advice on enhancing skills or overcoming challenges.
- Increased audience engagement by designing innovative concert programs that catered to diverse tastes and interests.
Founder and Director
Texas Music Institute
08.2020 - Current
- Established successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Attracted top talent for company, fostering collaborative and high-performance work environment and managing over 18 faculty members during pandemic.
- Led strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
- Implemented efficient operational processes to optimize productivity and resource allocation.
- Private cello lessons for advanced students.
Music Teacher
Rockwall School Of Music
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Improved student musicianship by incorporating various teaching methods and techniques for students ages 4 through adulthood on violin, viola, cello, piano, ukulele, and general music.
- Developed individualized lesson plans for diverse students, resulting in increased motivation and progress.
- Created lesson plans, activities, and budgets, and ultimately taught school’s “music sampler” camp for two years, teaching groups of students in 2nd-4th grade how to play piano, ukulele, and drums, and included rich curricula of music theory, global music, and interactive listening and art activities.
Music Teacher
Self-Employed
01.2009 - 08.2020
- Improved student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
- Developed individualized lesson plans for 20-45 diverse students simultaneously, increasing motivation and progress.
- Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students' talents and hard work.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
Education
Master of Music - Music Education
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX05.2016
Skills
- Music Interpretation
- Education Programming
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Online Teaching
- Instrumental Proficiency
- Sight-Reading Mastery
- Chamber music
- Music Business Acumen
- Proficient in cello
- Recruitment Strategies
- Student Mentoring
- Performance Techniques
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with members of the Silk Road Ensemble at the inaugural and second-ever Global Musician Workshop.
- Performed the Ibert Cello Concerto as a soloist with the Blue Ridge Orchestra in Asheville, NC, in 2020.
- Performed with orchestras, including the Fort Smith Symphony, Blue Ridge Orchestra, Dallas Pops, and SMU Meadows Symphony.
Affiliations
- Texas Music Educator's Association
Timeline
Orchestra Director
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2023 - Current
Music Teacher
Rockwall School Of Music
08.2022 - 07.2023
Founder and Director
Texas Music Institute
08.2020 - Current
Music Teacher
Self-Employed
01.2009 - 08.2020
Master of Music - Music Education
Southern Methodist University
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Southern Methodist University