Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Jo Ellen (Jody) Kienzler

Jo Ellen (Jody) Kienzler

Bradenton,FL

Summary

At St. Joseph School, I leveraged my expertise in vocal techniques and classroom management to significantly enhance student engagement and performance in music. My approach, combining relationship building with a solid foundation in music theory, fostered a dynamic learning environment and established me as a key educator in advancing students' musical talents.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Elementary Music Teacher

St. Joseph School
08.2020 - Current
  • Developed daily lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements and use of classroom instruments.
  • Directed vocal music students in entry-level group songs such as rounds and rhythm accompaniment
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Increased student participation in school performances by creating diverse musical opportunities for students of all skill levels.
  • Organized and collected money and forms for mass group field trips and programs.
  • Prepared students for local, regional, and state-level competitions, consistently achieving high scores and recognition for outstanding performance quality.
  • Established a positive learning environment through consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior and achievement.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Instructed individuals and groups in vocal and dance movements to foster music appreciation and comprehension.
  • Instructed students on vocal performance, harmonizing, performing scales, and proper posturing.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.

Director of Music

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
08.2010 - 12.2019

The same as previous job description.

Director of Music

St. Joseph Parish/school
08.2001 - 09.2006

Directed cantors, choirs, concerts, orchestras, trips and played 5 Masses a week, taught the elementary school, played funerals, weddings and collaborated with the parish counsel on all things liturgical.

  • Selected and arranged music for performances and special events.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with artists, producers and other music professionals.
  • Built strong relationships within the community by organizing outreach programs and educational workshops.
  • Managed budgets effectively, allocating resources to support various music department needs.
  • Handled requests for specific musical selections.

Adjunct Voice Professor

Millikin University
08.1995 - 05.2001

Same as Illinois Wesleyan

Adjunct Professor of Voice

Illinois Wesleyan University
08.1995 - 05.2000
  • Taught one on one vocal lessons preparing students for juries, recitals, auditions and grad school.
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Taught German diction as a course as well as vocal pedagogy and accompanied students in recital.
  • Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Exposed students to world travel through masterclasses in Italy, Germany and Austria.
  • Brought in world renowned artists to inspire and teach students.

Education

DMA Abd - Vocal Performance

University of Illinois, Champaign, IL

Master of Music in Vocal Performance - Music Performance

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
01-1999

Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance - Music

Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
01-1973

Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Proficient in piano, organ and voice
  • Relationship building
  • Vocal experience
  • Choral conducting
  • Music theory
  • Vocal expertise
  • Music History Knowledge
  • Ear training techniques
  • Sight reading
  • Repertoire selection
  • Performance preparation
  • Kodály method
  • Vocal instruction
  • Vocal techniques
  • Safe, positive learning environment
  • Positive behavior techniques
  • Positive reinforcement

Timeline

Elementary Music Teacher - St. Joseph School
08.2020 - Current
Director of Music - Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
08.2010 - 12.2019
Director of Music - St. Joseph Parish/school
08.2001 - 09.2006
Adjunct Voice Professor - Millikin University
08.1995 - 05.2001
Adjunct Professor of Voice - Illinois Wesleyan University
08.1995 - 05.2000
University of Illinois - DMA Abd, Vocal Performance
Eastern Illinois University - Master of Music in Vocal Performance, Music Performance
Illinois Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance, Music
Jo Ellen (Jody) Kienzler