Overview
Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline

Kate Abercrombie

Self-Employed
Red Bluff,CA
2027
years of professional experience

Summary

Versatile music professional with experience in elementary education, private instruction, and performance coaching. Recognized for strong communication, teamwork, and student-centered teaching, with a focus on creating meaningful musical experiences and measurable growth.

Work History

Elementary Music Teacher

1 Year 2 Months
Red Bluff Union Elementary School District | Red Bluff, CA | 08.2025 - Current
  • Planned engaging lessons spanning rhythm, melody, singing, movement, and instrumental exploration.
  • Delivered elementary music instruction aligned with district standards and classroom learning objectives.
  • Assessed student progress through observation, performance, and informal checks for understanding.
  • Directed classroom management routines that supported focused, inclusive, and respectful learning.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers to reinforce cross-curricular skills and student participation.
  • Adapted instruction for diverse learners, supporting accessibility, confidence, and musical growth.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Organized musical equipment thoughtfully to develop classroom routines, managing materials efficiently with minimal loss of activity time.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
  • Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument sounds and shape.
  • Pursued continuous professional growth by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to music education trends and research findings.
  • Established a positive learning environment through consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior and achievement.
  • Coached students to play various songs and jingles on ukulele, violin, xylophones, and vocals.
  • Increased student participation in school performances by creating diverse musical opportunities for students of all skill levels.
  • Promoted inclusivity within the music program by designing accessible lessons and accommodating special needs students whenever possible.
  • Contributed to school-wide improvement initiatives by participating in professional development workshops and sharing best practices with colleagues.
  • Developed daily lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movement and use of classroom instruments.
  • Led instrumental students in playing simple ensemble songs.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate over 1200 students about the fundamentals and history of music.
  • Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adapting instructional methods as needed to address individual strengths and weaknesses.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive network for student success in the arts.
  • Served as an advisor for extracurricular music clubs, offering additional opportunities for students to explore their interests outside of the classroom setting.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in the educational process.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
  • Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
  • Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
  • Maintained instruments, supplies, and instructional materials for daily music activities.
  • Created curriculum for diverse learners in special day classes and alternative education settings for grades TK-8th.

Professional Music Teacher

Self-Employed | Redding, CA | 2005 - Current
  • Developed a professional music studio for over 50 clients.
  • Developed customized lesson plans for voice, piano, and instrument students across varied skill levels.
  • Instructed students on music theory, sight-reading, rhythm, and technical performance techniques.
  • Adapted instruction for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students to maintain engagement and challenge.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Mentored students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills.
  • Mentored students of different ages and backgrounds in music theory, composition and performance.

Associate Children's Coordinator for Music Program

1 Year 3 Months
Pathway Church | Redding, CA | 01.2019 - 04.2020
  • Managed CRM programs to make onboarding simple.
  • Managed 25 clients within this music program. Ages ranging from eight to eighteen.
  • Managed a small team of teachers.
  • Recruited, trained, and supported volunteers to maintain consistent, welcoming childcare environments.
  • Prepared lesson materials, activity supplies, and room setups for age-appropriate weekly programs.

Marketing Specialist

Contracted Services | Red Bluff, CA | 2022 - 2025
  • Improved customer retention rates by designing customized loyalty programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Tracked trade show expenses to maintain budget.
  • Updated and maintained marketing databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Managed a music education platform.
  • Increased engagement by 80%. Profits increased over 55%.

Suzuki Violin Instructor

Sacramento State University | Sacramento, CA | 2012 - 2013
  • Selected age-appropriate repertoire aligned with curriculum goals and performance readiness.
  • Taught over 100 violin students each week - beginning to advanced levels.
  • Worked with coaches, mentors, colleagues, and students to gain more professionalism and experience throughout this experience.
  • Instructed private violin lessons, tailoring technique and repertoire to student skill levels.
  • Coached bowing, intonation, and posture to strengthen performance consistency.
  • Prepared students for juries, recitals, and ensemble auditions through structured practice plans.
  • Offered sample lessons, coached school ensembles and participated in auditions to recruit violin students.
  • Collaborated with instructors and other specialists to promote commonalities, distinctions and connections in music education.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, resulting in improved communication and increased student commitment to practicing at home.
  • Partnered with local schools to provide violin instruction as part of their after-school programs, increasing access to quality music education within the community.

Education

Master of Science - Marketing

Western Governors University | Remote | 01-2024
  • WGU Specialization: Digital Marketing
  • Google Certification: Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce.
  • Google Certification: Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing.
  • Google Certification: From Likes to Leads: Interact with Customers Online.

Bachelor of Arts - Music

Simpson University | Redding | 01-2021
  • Dean's List 2020 and 2021
  • Extracurricular Activities: Soprano in Classical and Jazz Choirs, 2nd chair Violinist in Orchestra.

Associate of Arts - Arts And Humanities

Shasta Junior College | Redding | 05-2012
  • Dean's List: 2010-2012
  • Extracurricular Activities: Intern for Choir - Jazz, Classical and Contemporary. Presentations for professors, lead student rehearsals.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Participated in Jazz, Chorale, Youth Orchestra, and Bluegrass Mass Production.

Skills

Copywriting abilities
Classroom engagement
Verbal and written communication
Instrumental teaching
Relationship building
Content marketing
Search engine optimization
Vocal instruction
Music education
Musical ear training
Music appreciation
Music curriculum development

Accomplishments

  • Author of “Music Worksheets: Learn Music Quickly,” published on Amazon in 2023.
  • Released Album: "Anew" 2021
  • Released Album: "Broken - EP" 2016

Timeline

Elementary Music Teacher
Red Bluff Union Elementary School District
08.2025 - Current
Associate Children's Coordinator for Music Program
Pathway Church
01.2019 - 04.2020
Professional Music Teacher
Self-Employed
2005 - Current
Marketing Specialist
Contracted Services
2022 - 2025
Suzuki Violin Instructor
Sacramento State University
2012 - 2013
Western Governors University
Master of Science from Marketing
Simpson University
Bachelor of Arts from Music
Shasta Junior College
Associate of Arts from Arts And Humanities
Kate Abercrombie