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, DC04-2025
Certificate in Music Education -
Cal State East Bay
Hayward, CA05.2024
Bachelor of Music - Music Performance
Portland State University
Portland, OR03-2022
Army School of Music
Norfolk, VA08.2020
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