Hi, I’m
Ashley Miller
Educator, Advocate, Project Manager, Event Planner, Music Coach, Music Consultant
Saint Peters,MO
The problem is not to find the answer; it’s to face the answer.
Terence McKenna
Summary
Dynamic and passionate facilitator of music education and engagement through coaching, consulting, professional development, mentorship, and relationships. Strong facilitator of musical experiences widely recognized for building and elevating music programs and morale through innovative programming, relational intentionality, and exceptional training. Skilled in planning, organizing, collaboration, communication, and instructional design and implementation, a focus on musical experiences is prioritized. Committed to outcomes, I drive program growth and excellence.
Overview
16
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Parkway SchoolSt Louis, MO
Choir Director
08.2020 - 06.2025
Job overview
- Inspired a love of choral music in students, leading to an increase in choir participation, student retention, and overall program growth and morale.
- Planned, arranged, organized, and provided oversight and administration for all choir music programs.
- Conducted rehearsals to prepare and keep performers prepared for performances.
- Educated students on proper vocal techniques, and vocal warm-ups.
- Submitted, managed and complied with established budgets.
- Arranged music, solos and instrumental accompaniment for special performances.
- Composed and led performances for both vocal and instrumental music.
- Organized and led recruiting initiatives to maximize program outreach.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration among choir members.
- Coordinated concert logistics, ensuring seamless execution of on-stage transitions and backstage preparations.
- Championed innovative programming ideas that showcased unique combinations of voices, instrumentation, and musical styles for memorable performances.
- Mentored assistant directors, fostering professional growth and sharing leadership responsibilities effectively.
- Fostered connections with alumni choir members to promote ongoing support for the ensemble''s endeavors.
- Facilitated workshops focusing on sight-singing skills to improve overall musicianship across all levels within the ensemble.
- Selected diverse repertoire to showcase the choir''s versatility and musical abilities in various performances.
- Developed comprehensive rehearsal schedules for optimal time management and preparation.
- Conducted auditions to identify talented singers and maintain high-quality vocal standards within the ensemble.
- Guided students through challenging pieces, developing their confidence as performers along the way.
- Managed budgetary constraints while procuring necessary sheet music, costumes, and other essential materials for performances.
- Enhanced choir performance quality by implementing effective vocal techniques and exercises.
- Increased membership retention with engaging rehearsals and tailored coaching sessions.
- Strengthened communication skills among choir members by emphasizing proper diction in singing techniques used during rehearsals.
- Collaborated with music educators to integrate choral activities into the school curriculum efficiently.
- Nurtured a culture of excellence in musicianship through continuous feedback during rehearsals and individual coaching sessions.
- Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.
- Determined voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos and tone balances required to achieve effects desired in each musical composition.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Wrote and arranged a variety of music in original styles.
- Rewrote original scores to adapt to different musical genres and styles.
- Selected and arranged music for multiple performances and special events yearly.
- Expanded the choir's regional reputation by participating in competitive choral festivals successfully.
Leopold School DistrictLeopold, MO
Music Director
08.2014 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Led live music performances and rehearsals, directing musicians to achieve top-notch performances.
- Developed musicians' skills through focused rehearsals, ensuring high-quality performances.
- Built strong relationships within the community and with other stakeholders.
- Organized seasonal programming schedules that catered to varied audience preferences, backgrounds, etc.
- Selected and arranged music for multiple holiday performances, competitive festivals, and special events.
- Fostered a positive rehearsal environment, promoting open communication and constructive feedback among musicians.
- Oversaw auditions, recruiting talented musicians to expand the ensemble's capabilities.
- Composed and arranged original music successfully for various projects.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Studied scores to learn music in detail and develop interpretations.
- Managed budgets effectively, allocating resources to support various music department needs.
- Enhanced concert performances by selecting diverse and engaging musical pieces.
- Evaluated musician performance regularly, offering guidance on areas requiring improvement or adjustment in technique or interpretation.
- Utilized recording technology to review rehearsals critically and make necessary adjustments before performances.
- Collaborated with musicians for seamless coordination and optimal execution of live events.
- Scheduled and coordinated auditions to select performers for musical presentations.
- Maintained an organized music library, streamlining access to scores for rehearsals and performances.
- Coordinated logistics for touring engagements, ensuring smooth transportation of personnel and equipment between locations.
- Established partnerships with local schools, providing performance opportunities for young musicians in the community.
- Determined voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos, and tone balances required to achieve the effects desired in each musical composition.
- Attended regular practices and private lessons to hone skills.
- Assigned and reviewed staff work in such areas as scoring, arranging, and copying music.
- Transposed pieces from one instrument to another and one key to another to accommodate client and musician preferences.
- Rewrote original scores to adapt to different musical genres and styles.
- Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Wrote and arranged music in a variety of styles.
Prodigy Leadership AcademyCape Girardeau, MO
Music Teacher, General Education Teacher
08.2011 - 07.2014
Job overview
- Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students'' talents and hard work.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of music theory through engaging activities and exercises.
- Mentored students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills.
- Fostered creativity by encouraging improvisation, composition, and arrangement within the classroom setting.
- Motivated students to practice consistently through goal-setting, tracking progress, and providing constructive feedback.
- Improved student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
- Mentored students of different ages and backgrounds in music theory, composition and performance.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.
- Contributed to school-wide events such as musicals or talent shows by providing expertise in rehearsals and performances.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formal assessments, adjusting instruction as needed for continual improvement.
- Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to guide progress.
- Developed individualized lesson plans for diverse students, resulting in increased motivation and progress.
- Mentored struggling students with an individualized approach to enhance learning.
- Utilized current technology and interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback to support their development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate music into cross-curricular activities, enriching overall educational experience.
- Enhanced school's music library by securing grants for new resources, including instruments and sheet music.
- Orchestrated annual school concerts to showcase student achievements, enhancing school's reputation in community.
- Conducted one-on-one sessions to address individual student needs, significantly improving their musical proficiency.
- Streamlined lesson planning and resource allocation by utilizing music education software, increasing instructional time.
- Encouraged creative expression among students by introducing them to wide range of musical genres and instruments.
- Developed students' skills in reading music through innovative teaching techniques.
- Enhanced students' understanding of music theory by creating and implementing engaging curriculum materials.
- Cultivated love for music in children of all ages with diverse, interactive lessons.
- Organized workshops with professional musicians to provide students with real-world insights into music industry.
- Fostered positive and inclusive classroom environment, enabling students to confidently express their musical talents.
- Guided students in composing their original pieces, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
- Facilitated student-led performances, empowering them to take ownership of their musical growth.
- Implemented peer mentoring program in music classes, promoting leadership skills and teamwork among students.
- Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
- Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning.
- Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
- Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
- Provided feedback and grades to provide regular feedback on student progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments to foster positive classrooms that support student growth and learning.
- Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, creating an inclusive environment conducive to learning.
- Assisted in the selection and acquisition of instruments, sheet music, and equipment to support the music program's growth.
- Encouraged social interaction and collaboration among students to foster camaraderie and teamwork.
Education
Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID
No Degree from Professional Learning And Development
University Overview
- Honoree of 4.0 GPA
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO
Master of Arts from Elementary Education
12-2011
University Overview
- Honoree of Summa Cum Laude
- Dean's List Spring Spring 2010-Fall2011
- Relevant Coursework: Autism Education, Applied Behavior Analyst Studies
- Professional Development: DEI, Social- Emotional Learning (SEL), Trauma-Informed Learning
- 4.0 GPA
- Extracurricular Activities: Campus Outreach, Campus University Choir, Student Ambassador, President's Ambassador, Financial Literacy Program
- Alpha Theta Omega, Christian Sorority, Inc. Member
- Thesis: Exemplary Teaching in Urban Education
Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau, MO
Bachelor of Arts from Music Education
05-2009
University Overview
- Honoree of Cum Laude
- Dean's List Spring 2006-Spring 2009
- Music Educator's Scholarship Recipient
- Relevant Coursework: Autism Education, Applied Behavior Analyst Studies
- Professional Development: DEI, Social- Emotional Learning (SEL), Trauma-Informed Learning
- 3.6 GPA
- Extracurricular Activities: Campus Outreach, Campus University Choir, Student Ambassador, President's Ambassador, Financial Literacy Program
- Alpha Theta Omega, Christian Sorority, Inc. Member
Skills
- Rehearsal, program, and event planning
- Choral conducting and directing
- Ensemble building, program growth, program development
- Musical training; vocal, instrumental, theory, rehearsal, performance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Creative problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Reliability and professionalism
- Excellent communication
- Strong and efficient organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building and maintenance
- Creative vision
- Rehearsal planning
- Choral conducting
- Ensemble building
- Teaching experience
- Vocal technique
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Collaborative skills
- Task prioritization
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Achieved superior ratings through effectively helping with rehearsal and performance modification.
- Successfully built three choral programs through relationship building and intentional instruction, both individual and collective.
- Strategically implemented a variety of teaching and rehearsal strategies which led to multiple exclusive invitations to premier performance opportunities.
Certification
- Certified Music Educator Vocal & Instrumentl (K-12)- 14+ years
Languages
English
Spanish
Elementary
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company Retreats401k matchPaid sick leaveCareer advancementAvailability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Affiliations
- Missouri Music Educators Association
- American Choral Directors Association
Software
Google Workspace Microsoft Office Suite Scheduling & calendar tools Spreadsheet tracking and reporting Learning management / education platforms Canva Zoom / virtual training platforms
Interests
Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Program Development, Creative Design, Travel, Event Planning, Education Reform
Timeline
Choir Director
Parkway School
08.2020 - 06.2025
Music Director
Leopold School District
08.2014 - 12.2019
Music Teacher, General Education Teacher
Prodigy Leadership Academy
08.2011 - 07.2014
Idaho State University
No Degree from Professional Learning And Development
Southeast Missouri State University
Master of Arts from Elementary Education
Southeast Missouri State University
Bachelor of Arts from Music Education