Luis A. Villalona
Bronx,NY
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Strings and General Music Teacher
New York City Public Schools (I.S. 289)
08.2023 - Current
- Designed and taught a sequential, standards based, culturally responsive, and project based music curriculum for over 300 students.
- Instructed String Orchestra and Music Technology classes for grades 6-8, meeting the diverse needs and experience levels of students.
- Managed full inventory of string instruments, overseeing ordering, maintenance, and regular repairs to ensure readiness for instruction throughout the school year.
- Assessed student progress through regular grading, formal evaluations, and individualized feedback.
- Created and led performances, showcasing student growth and fostering community engagement.
- Employed a holistic, student-centered approach by designing lessons that connected students’ cultural backgrounds and personal experiences to music-making, fostering deeper engagement and ownership.
- Fostered whole-child development by integrating music with themes of identity, community, and current events, encouraging students to explore their place in the world through music.
Instrumental Music Director
Manhattan Youth
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted and facilitated rehearsals, guiding musicians in technique,
ensemble cohesion, and musical interpretation. - Established and led the student ensemble, that consisted of violins, cello, drum set, and piano.
- Built and sustained student enrollment through outreach, relationship building, and engaging instruction.
- Selected and arranged repertoire suitable for the ensemble instrumentation and skill level.
- Managed instrument inventory and general maintenance.
Music Teacher
Education Through Music (PS/MS 20)
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Designed and delivered a sequential, standards-based, and culturally responsive music curriculum for grades 5–8.
- Incorporated Latin American musical traditions and genres into lessons to reflect students’ cultural backgrounds and deepen engagement.
- Led a music technology class using digital audio workstations (DAWs), guiding students in composing, arranging, and producing original songs across a range of genres.
- Established and taught a ukulele program, introducing students to foundational technique, chord theory, that culminated in a student performance and video project.
Registrar/Administrative Assistant
Bronx Conservatory of Music
08.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed public inquiries and registered over 200 students for in-person and online lessons, providing bilingual support to a predominantly Spanish-speaking community.
- Maintained and organized student records and tuition tracking using QuickBooks, ensuring accurate, up-to-date client data.
- Assisted in programming student recitals, coordinating scheduling and logistics with faculty and families.
- Conducted community outreach to promote enrollment and strengthen partnerships with local organizations.
- Provided instrumental and general music instruction as a substitute teacher as needed.
- Supported website maintenance and led social media efforts to increase visibility of programs and performances.
Education
Master in Applied Teaching (MAT) - Music Education
Lehman College
Bronx, NY01-2026
Bachelor of Science - Music (Cello)
Lehman College
Bronx, NY01.2022
Associates in Science - Music Education (Cello)
Borough of Manhattan Community College
NY, NY01.2021
Skills
- String pedagogy
- Bornoff String Methodology
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Collaborative leadership
- Audition preparation
- Conducting
- Spanish
- Logic Pro X & GarageBand
- SoundTrap & BandCamp
- Music arranging & Transcription
Affiliations
- Carnegie Hall Music Educator Teacher Advisory Board
Timeline
Instrumental Music Director
Manhattan Youth
09.2024 - Current
Strings and General Music Teacher
New York City Public Schools (I.S. 289)
08.2023 - Current
Music Teacher
Education Through Music (PS/MS 20)
04.2023 - 07.2023
Registrar/Administrative Assistant
Bronx Conservatory of Music
08.2022 - 01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Music (Cello)
Lehman College
Associates in Science - Music Education (Cello)
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Master in Applied Teaching (MAT) - Music Education
Lehman College
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