Julie Schwarz
Brentwood,TN
Summary
Results-driven music educator with extensive experience directing choirs of varying abilities. Known for strong collaboration with faculty, implementing engaging music curricula, and coaching students for honor choir auditions, driving excellence in vocal performance and music theory. Holds ILL Administrative license, K-12 vocal music endorsement, and professional tier license in the State of TN; professional vocal performer at Six Flags, Opryland USA, and the Ryman Auditorium; private piano studio instructor, cantor for St. Henry and Christ the King Churches; certified Level One in the Orff Schulwerk approach for teaching music; was the honored recipient of the Christ the Teacher award (teacher of the year) for the Diocese of Nashville in 2018. Choirs received superior ratings for both performance and sight reading at the CPA for MTVA.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Director of Choirs/AP Music Theory
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School
Hendersonville, TN
08.2024 - Current
- Implemented and instructed the curriculum for AP Music Theory, and prepared students for the AP exam.
- Direct four choirs of differing abilities. Voices uKnighted, which is a 12-person honors a cappella group, honors chamber choir, men's choir, women's choir, and middle school choir.
- Conduct daily choral rehearsals to enhance vocal performance and teamwork for winter and spring concerts, as well as for the Choral Performance Assessment.
- Instruct proper vocal technique for healthy singing.
- Rehearse strategies for sight-singing and instruct music theory concepts.
- Students learn multi-part repertoire from different genres of music.
- Coached students preparing the audition music for the MTVA Middle School Honor Choir, Freshman Honor Choir, Mid-State Honor Choir, and All-State Honor Choir.
- Taught the vocal music for the school musical in collaboration with the theater department.
Cantor/Music Minister
St. Henry Church and Christ the King Church
Nashville, TN
01.1999 - Current
- Serves as cantor for weddings, funerals, and other exceptional liturgies.
- Learns varied music and leads the congregation in song for multiple weekend liturgies.
- Serves as a substitute pianist when needed.
Music Specialist
MNPS - Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School
Nashville, Tennessee
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Implemented the district music curriculum using the Quaver Music Education online program, focusing on music theory, appreciation, and performance.
- Planned and executed showcases for grades K-5 in collaboration with the other related arts teachers.
- Led the music conservatories, where students either majored or minored in music, and planned and implemented enrichment lessons.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate music across the curriculum.
- Utilized various musical instruments to enhance learning experiences.
Choral Director/AP Music Theory
WCS - Independence High School
Thompson's Station, Tennessee
08.2020 - 07.2023
- Directed four choirs of differing abilities. Chamber Choir, Men's Choir, Women's Choir, Beginning Concert Choir
- Instructed proper vocal technique for healthy singing.
- Rehearsed and learned strategies for sight-singing and music theory concepts.
- Students learned multi-part repertoire from different genres of music.
- Conducted daily choral rehearsals to enhance vocal performance and teamwork for fall, winter and spring concerts, as well as for the Choral Performance Assessment.
- Coached students preparing the audition music for the MTVA Freshman Honor Choir, Mid-State Honor Choir, and All-State Honor Choir.
- Rehearsed vocal music for the school musical in collaboration with the theater department.
- Implemented and instructed the curriculum for AP Music Theory, and prepared students for the AP exam.
Children's Choir Director
St. Henry Church
Nashville, Tennessee
08.2001 - 05.2021
- Directed the music ministry for grades 3-8.
- Chose music to align with the Sunday mass readings and themes.
- Modeled proper vocal technique and rehearsal etiquette.
- Was chosen to direct a diocesan-wide children's choir for the ordination of the Most Reverend Mark Bishop Spalding, Bishop of the Diocese of Nashville.
Music Specialist/Ex Ed liaison
Christ the King School
Nashville, TN
08.2012 - 08.2020
- Developed engaging music curriculum for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated vocal and instrumental group music lessons, and individual instruction for students.
- Organized school-wide performances showcasing student musical talents, such as Grandparents' Day, Christmas Pageant, and Spring Concerts.
- Rehearsed and coached students to lead music for the weekly liturgies.
- Served as an exceptional education liaison, supporting students both in pull-out and classroom environment settings.
- Coordinated testing accommodations for students with needs.
Music Expedition Specialist
Valor Collegiate Academies
Nashville, TN
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Served as a music expedition specialist for grade 5
- Modeled proper vocal technique and rehearsal etiquette
- Directed fall and spring choral concerts.
- Students were chosen to perform with Grammy Award-winning artists Wu Fe and Abigail Washburn during their end-of-tour performance at Oz Arts.
Interim Choral Director
Harpeth Hall School
Nashville, TN
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Taught and modeled proper vocal technique and rehearsal etiquette for grades 5-6.
- Conducted rehearsals to prepare students for the winter and spring concerts.
- Included multi-part repertoire from differing genres of music.
Music Specialist
St. Henry School
Nashville, TN
08.1998 - 05.2005
- Designed engaging music lessons for diverse student groups.
- Directed recorder instruction for grade 4.
- Utilized various musical instruments to enhance learning experiences.
- Organized school-wide music events and performances, including Grandparents' Day, Christmas Pageant, Kindergarten Pageant, and spring concerts.
- Rehearsed and coached students to lead music for the weekly liturgies.
Education
Masters in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, TN12-2019
Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education
University of Wisconsin
Madison05-1993
Skills
- Vocal instruction
- Proficient in piano playing for rehearsals and classroom work
- Understands the music theory curriculum
- Choral conducting
- Team player who collaborates well with other faculty and staff
- Implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum, following standards aligned to the performing arts for the state of TN
- Student engagement and behavior management
Certification
Level One Orff Schulwerk approach to teaching music certificate
Timeline
Director of Choirs/AP Music Theory
Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School
08.2024 - Current
Music Specialist
MNPS - Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School
07.2023 - 05.2024
Choral Director/AP Music Theory
WCS - Independence High School
08.2020 - 07.2023
Music Expedition Specialist
Valor Collegiate Academies
09.2016 - 05.2017
Music Specialist/Ex Ed liaison
Christ the King School
08.2012 - 08.2020
Interim Choral Director
Harpeth Hall School
08.2010 - 05.2011
Children's Choir Director
St. Henry Church
08.2001 - 05.2021
Cantor/Music Minister
St. Henry Church and Christ the King Church
01.1999 - Current
Music Specialist
St. Henry School
08.1998 - 05.2005
Masters in Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership
Trevecca Nazarene University
Bachelor of Music Education - Music Education
University of Wisconsin