Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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CASSANDRA FIRMIN

Oakland,CA

Summary

Seasoned K-8 Music Teacher with a proven track record at Rhythm & Moves, earning emerging teacher of the year award, and showcasing expertise in lesson planning and individual music teaching. Renowned for blending pedagogical knowledge with extensive performance experience to inspire student musicianship.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

K-8 Music Teacher

Rhythm & Moves
Alameda, CA
03.2022 - Current
  • Formulated and implemented lesson plans on principles of music, musicianship, music theory and history.
  • Maintained students' progress by evaluating and adjusting strategies.
  • Helped students appreciate arts with instructional and immersive techniques.
  • Organized special events, school concerts, music competitions, and music assessments.
  • Facilitated student-led performances, helping to build confidence and public speaking skills.
  • Incorporated a broad range of musical genres into the curriculum to cultivate an appreciation for diverse musical traditions.

Musician

US Army Reserve
Camp Parks, CA
10.2018 - 11.2024
  • Percussionist for the 191st Army Band.
  • Collaborated with other musicians to plan rehearsals and performances.
  • Chose music appropriate to specific performance requirements.
  • Traveled to perform at venues and rehearsed to prepare for performances.

Lesson Instructor

Guitar Center
Emeryville, CA
02.2022 - 06.2024
  • Communicated with students to identify their needs and goals.
  • Responsible for customizing each lesson plan around the needs of the students.
  • Made contact with students’ parents to explain the lessons and the progress of each student.

Marching Band Percussion Instructor

Century & Aloha High schools
Portland, OR
08.2018 - 11.2021
  • Taught percussion and music theory and delivered practical instruction percussion performance in a marching band setting, resulting in the Aloha High School Marching Band receiving their highest score in a statewide competition in over a decade.
  • Worked with a diverse group of instructors and students to update the band facilities, improving the overall wellness of the program.
  • Wrote full percussion ensemble musical arrangements for Century High School.

Education

Teacher Certification Program -

Moreland University
Washington, DC
04-2025

Certificate in Music Education -

Cal State East Bay
Hayward, CA
05.2024

Bachelor of Music - Music Performance

Portland State University
Portland, OR
03-2022

Army School of Music
Norfolk, VA
08.2020

Skills

  • Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze experience
  • Lesson planning
  • Individual music teaching expertise
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Extensive performance background
  • Music arrangements
  • Musical composition
  • Conducting proficiency
  • Program administration
  • Pedagogy and music theory

Timeline

K-8 Music Teacher

Rhythm & Moves
03.2022 - Current

Lesson Instructor

Guitar Center
02.2022 - 06.2024

Musician

US Army Reserve
10.2018 - 11.2024

Marching Band Percussion Instructor

Century & Aloha High schools
08.2018 - 11.2021

Certificate in Music Education -

Cal State East Bay

Bachelor of Music - Music Performance

Portland State University

Army School of Music

Teacher Certification Program -

Moreland University
CASSANDRA FIRMIN