Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Performance Experience
Timeline
Generic

Danielle Olson

Alexandria,MN

Summary

Personable Music Educator teaches custom tailored private music lessons and small groups in a flexible and supportive environment. Plays a variety of instruments with many years of practical experience and commitment to instructional excellence. Meets students where they are at and works with them to achieve their goals and foster a lifelong love of music.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Private Lesson Instructor

Self-employed
05.2024 - Current
    • Fostered a passion for lifelong learning among students by modeling enthusiasm and dedication to the subject matter at hand.
    • Evaluated progress regularly, adjusting instructional strategies to ensure consistent improvement in performance.
    • Adapted traditional teaching methods by incorporating tools such as Finale to individualize music content for improved student learning experiences.

Private Piano Instructor

Self-employed
01.2016 - 07.2016
  • Enhanced student performance by tailoring individualized lesson plans based on each student's unique learning style and needs.
  • Established clear expectations for practice time outside of lessons, resulting in accelerated progress and stronger technical skills among students.
  • Inspired a love for music in students through engaging activities that foster creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.

Band Teacher (long Term Substitute), 4th-8th Grade

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
12.2015 - 06.2016
    • Established a positive learning environment by setting clear expectations and fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff.
    • Increased student participation in the band program through engaging classroom practices.
    • Developed a comprehensive band program by selecting appropriate music, teaching instrumental skills, and organizing performances.
    • Increased performance opportunities by arranging music for students to perform at weekly mass.
    • Spent extra time with students one-on-one and in small groups to foster individual musical growth and interests.

Paraprofessional

St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
01.2014 - 06.2014
    • Improved classroom management by helping students stay regulated and monitoring student progress.
    • Provided individual and small group academic, social, and emotional support for students.
    • Assisted with behavior management, mobility, testing, and other areas as needed.
    • Facilitated an after school tutoring program and helped design a platform for testing room accommodations.
    • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.

Substitute Teacher, K-12, Paraprofessional

District 206
10.2013 - 01.2014
    • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
    • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
    • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
    • Requested as a long-term substitute paraprofessional by transitional tech program.

Graduate Assistant

St. Cloud State University
08.2011 - 08.2013
    • General office administration for Teacher Development and Special Education departments.
    • Managed administrative tasks such as designing, editing, and finalizing official department documents and reports, created databases for advising and class scheduling, updated online databases and websites to ensure smooth operations within academic departments.
    • Advised students and served as a substitute teacher for classes in the College of Education.
    • Supervised and evaluated student teachers in special education placements, providing constructive feedback.
    • Organized the annual Global Social Environment Conference by recruiting speakers and organizations, introducing keynote speakers, compiling conference data and statistics, organizing volunteers, designing and managing marketing materials including social media, collaborating with other colleges, departments, and organizations, and training new graduate assistants and conference committee members.
    • Served as a liaison between faculty members and students for addressing concerns or issues related to coursework or academic policies.
    • Facilitated student success by identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback on assignments and exams.
    • Developed and managed organized, orderly student databases and tracking systems.

Customer Service Representative

MakeMusic, Inc.
10.2010 - 08.2011
  • Exercised proficiency in the company's music notation software.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.

Peer Tutor

Minnesota State College Southeast
09.2009 - 05.2010
    • Helped fellow students prepare for quizzes and examinations.
    • Assisted other students with homework and provided supplementary instruction.
    • Promoted development of good study habits and learning skills.
    • Served as a mentor to struggling students, providing emotional support alongside academic assistance when necessary.
    • Organized and maintained a safe working environment in the band instrument repair workshop.

Junior High Band Teacher

Crestwood Junior High School
08.2004 - 08.2009
  • Developed a comprehensive band program by selecting appropriate music, teaching instrumental skills, and organizing performances.
  • Enhanced student musicianship through individualized instruction.
  • Fostered student growth by developing additional ensembles (jazz bands, jazz combos, pit orchestra, community performances) and arranging music tailored to students' needs and talents.
  • Increased student participation in the band program through effective recruitment strategies and engaging classroom practices.
  • Organized annual fundraising events to support the purchase of new instruments and travel expenses for competitions and festivals.
  • Established a positive learning environment by setting clear expectations and fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff.
  • Adapted traditional teaching methods by incorporating technology tools such as SmartMusic software or digital notation applications for improved student learning experiences.
  • Supervised student teachers, assisted other teachers as needed, and substitute taught in other classrooms.
  • Initiated collaboration with community, parents, and staff to organize events increasing opportunities for student participation.

Education

Master's Degree - Global, Social, And Environmental Justice

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
2013

Diploma - Band Instrument Repair

Minnesota State College Southeast
Red Wing, MN
2010

Bachelor's Degree - K-12 Music Education And Jazz Studies

University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
2003

Coursework - Music Education And Special Education

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
06.2000 - 05.2000

Coursework - Music Education And Special Education

Luther College
Decorah, IA
08.1997 - 05.2000

Skills

    • Adaptive Lesson Planning
    • Instrument Proficiency
    • Strong Communication Skills
    • Student Motivation
      • Performance Techniques
      • Individualized Instruction
      • Large and Small Group Instruction
      • Encouragement and Support

Performance Experience

  • Present: Saxophones in Calvary Praise Worship Band; trumpet, trombone, saxophone, et al. in various churches; vocals, trumpet, saxophone, percussion, and bass in blues duo/trio - (Alexandria, St. Cloud, and Twin Cities)
  • 2010-2018: Trumpet, trombone, flute, saxophones, keyboard, bass, percussion, and vocals in a variety of groups (blues, latin, jazz, pop, classical) - (Twin Cities)
  • 2011-2013: Trumpet in SCSU Jazz Ensemble - (St. Cloud, MN)
  • 2009-2011: Trombone and cornet in Bald Eagles Dixieland jazz combo; percussion and alto horn in Sheldon Theatre Brass Band - (Red Wing, MN)
  • 2006-2009: Vocals and trumpet in church ensembles; trumpet and french horn in brass quintet - (Decorah, IA)
  • 2004-2009: Drum set, auxiliary percussion, mallets, trumpet, french horn, and clarinet in pit orchestras - (Decorah, IA and Spring Grove, MN)
  • 2003-2010: Trumpet and trap set for Nordic Fest (Decorah, IA)
  • 1997-2003: Trumpet and percussion in wind ensembles, marching band, jazz band, jazz combo; vocals in choirs and ensembles (College Experiences)

Timeline

Private Lesson Instructor

Self-employed
05.2024 - Current

Private Piano Instructor

Self-employed
01.2016 - 07.2016

Band Teacher (long Term Substitute), 4th-8th Grade

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
12.2015 - 06.2016

Paraprofessional

St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
01.2014 - 06.2014

Substitute Teacher, K-12, Paraprofessional

District 206
10.2013 - 01.2014

Graduate Assistant

St. Cloud State University
08.2011 - 08.2013

Customer Service Representative

MakeMusic, Inc.
10.2010 - 08.2011

Peer Tutor

Minnesota State College Southeast
09.2009 - 05.2010

Junior High Band Teacher

Crestwood Junior High School
08.2004 - 08.2009

Coursework - Music Education And Special Education

St. Cloud State University
06.2000 - 05.2000

Coursework - Music Education And Special Education

Luther College
08.1997 - 05.2000

Master's Degree - Global, Social, And Environmental Justice

St. Cloud State University

Diploma - Band Instrument Repair

Minnesota State College Southeast

Bachelor's Degree - K-12 Music Education And Jazz Studies

University of Northern Iowa

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Danielle Olson