Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Professional Associations
Generic

Molly zackary

Denver,CO

Summary

Innovative and versatile music educator, performer, and ensemble director with over 15 years of experience shaping vibrant learning experiences across classrooms, studios, and stages. Adept at designing forward-thinking curricula, coaching voice and instruments, arranging and composing original works, and leading ensembles with creative vision. Combines deep pedagogical expertise with hands-on professional experience in artist development, music technology, and branding. Passionate about empowering students of all ages and abilities to explore, create, and perform while fostering inclusive, engaging, and high-impact musical communities.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Adjunct Professor

Community College of Denver
01.2023 - Current
  • Designed new curriculum for department courses, including History of Jazz, which now integrates primary sources and interactive activities to foster critical thinking and engagement.
  • Redesigned Instrumental Ensemble repertoire and skills expectations to align with current commercial and professional music demands.
  • Modernized Choir Ensemble by incorporating DAW technology for rehearsal materials and evidence-based practice.
  • Expanded Applied Voice Lessons to include microphone technique and a diverse repertoire (popular, classical, and cross-training styles) to prepare students for professional versatility.
  • Improved student satisfaction and learning outcomes, as reflected in student feedback and course evaluations.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to review recital outcomes and enhance student preparation.
  • Established a culture of practice and peer collaboration within ensembles.
  • Created and continue to direct an electric-only student recital, developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) now adopted by the department.
  • Recitals have shown significantly improved performance outcomes since implementation, confirmed by department leadership.
  • Served as Music Director and Vocal Coach for two theater productions (Evil Dead: The Musical; All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten).
  • Composed original incidental music and vocal numbers for two productions (Blood Wedding; The Thanksgiving Play).
  • Collaborated with the Theater Department on a total of four productions, strengthening interdisciplinary ties.
  • Partnered with college administration to coordinate student outreach performances at campus and community events, representing CCD in public settings.
  • Taught online courses through Colorado Online, including Music Appreciation, History of Jazz, and Music Theory Fundamentals, with student passing rates consistently above program averages.

Teaching Artist, Music Creators Camp

Denver University
04.2024 - Current
  • Taught teens to create original music using Ableton Live, combining hands-on instruction with project-based learning.
  • Developed and implemented DAW-focused curriculum for diverse student groups, fostering creativity, technical skills, and critical thinking.
  • Mentored junior teaching artists and led interactive workshops, culminating in student showcases of original compositions.

Owner/Operator

Molly Zackary Music
2012 - Current
  • Managed all aspects of studio operations, including scheduling, budgeting, marketing, and community outreach, ensuring consistent growth and client satisfaction.
  • Delivered personalized instruction in a wide range of musical styles, adapting pedagogy to diverse learning needs, including neurodiverse students.
  • Pursued ongoing professional development through rehearsal, study, and continuing education, staying current with evolving musical trends and technologies.

Elementary Music Teacher

Littleton Public Schools Centennial Academy Of Fine Arts
08.2021 - 05.2023
  • Developed group piano curriculum for grades 1–5, integrating piano lab technology to create engaging, interactive learning experiences.
  • Directed two levels of elementary choir, culminating in semester-end performances for students’ families.

Voice Teacher

Swallow Hill Music Association
2011 - 2021
  • Developed customized vocal training programs for students of all ages and skill levels, enhancing performance skills and confidence from beginners to professionals.
  • Designed group singing curriculum for adults, still in use today, fostering collaborative learning and vocal development.

High School Music Teacher

Denver Public Schools, Compassion Road Academy
2015 - 2020
  • Founded and developed a comprehensive high school music program for underserved students, designing group piano and rock band ensembles from the ground up with limited resources, fostering creativity, collaboration, and musical skill.

Owner/Operator

Growler Distro and Record Store
2005 - 2012
  • Managed daily operations, including inventory, customer service, and vendor relations, ensuring smooth workflow and sustainable business growth.
  • Curated a boutique selection of records, CDs, zines, and artwork, sourcing directly from labels and artists to reflect a distinct and influential vision.
  • Strategized business goals and fostered partnerships with the Santa Fe Arts District Council, local businesses, and artists to strengthen Denver’s creative economy.
  • Operated as a successful pop-up (2005–2011) before opening a storefront, earning recognition as Westword Best of Denver 2012 for “Best New Record Store” and “Best Punk Film Festival.”

Paraprofessional and Teacher, General Ed and SPED

Denver Public Schools, Various
2002 - 2012
  • Supported classroom teachers and students (grades 6–12), including special needs and physically disabled learners, through co-teaching, pull-out interventions, and substitute instruction across all subjects.
  • Participated in international experiential learning, co-teaching an educational field trip to Honduras, and contributed to classroom management and student achievement initiatives.

Education

Master of Vocal Pedagogy - Music

Westminster Choir College At Rider University
Princeton, NJ
12-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Music

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO

Skills

  • Strengths: Curriculum design & arts integration, student engagement & mentoring, creative leadership, collaboration & team facilitation, organization & problem-solving, performance assessment
  • Voice: Classical, diction (Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish), music theater, jazz, pop, rock, cross-training approaches; vocal health, voice science, pedagogy, performance coaching, microphone technique, ensemble and solo training, repertoire across genres, artist branding and business development
  • Instruments & Arrangement: Piano (accompanying and instruction), basic guitar and drums/percussion, music arranging, original composition, and conducting for ensembles and vocal groups
  • Technology & Software: DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, SoundTrap), notation software (MuseScore), digital recording, rehearsal tech, audio editing, live sound

Accomplishments

  • Founded and grew a music studio serving students of all ages since 2012, developing innovative curricula and cross-training programs.
  • Created and directed original ensembles, including electric-only recitals and theater productions, with full arranging, composition, and conducting responsibilities.
  • Developed DAW-based and voice-focused curricula for teens and adults, integrating technology, pedagogy, and performance coaching.
  • Co-directed international experiential learning programs, mentoring students on field trips and performance projects abroad.
  • Operated a boutique record store and pop-up (2005–2012), curating unique collections, managing operations, and earning Westword Best of Denver awards.
  • Taught in K–12 public and private schools, supporting diverse learners, special needs students, and interdisciplinary arts programs.

Timeline

Teaching Artist, Music Creators Camp

Denver University
04.2024 - Current

Adjunct Professor

Community College of Denver
01.2023 - Current

Elementary Music Teacher

Littleton Public Schools Centennial Academy Of Fine Arts
08.2021 - 05.2023

Owner/Operator

Molly Zackary Music
2012 - Current

Voice Teacher

Swallow Hill Music Association
2011 - 2021

High School Music Teacher

Denver Public Schools, Compassion Road Academy
2015 - 2020

Owner/Operator

Growler Distro and Record Store
2005 - 2012

Paraprofessional and Teacher, General Ed and SPED

Denver Public Schools, Various
2002 - 2012

Master of Vocal Pedagogy - Music

Westminster Choir College At Rider University

Bachelor of Arts - Music

Colorado State University

Professional Associations

National Association of Teachers of Singing

Jazz Education Network

Women's Audio Mission

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