Nathan Maher
Arlington Heights, IL,United States
Summary
Dynamic Band Director at Hampshire High School with a proven track record in curriculum development and innovative teaching methods. Skilled in fostering a positive culture and music-making by enhancing student performance through effective communication and collaboration.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Band Director
Hampshire High School
Hampshire, IL
06.2024 - Current
- Selected appropriate musical selections for concert programming based on student abilities and interests.
- Utilized innovative teaching methods such as improvisation exercises or composition projects.
- Incorporated technology into rehearsal sessions, including recording software and other fundamental educational programs.
- Collaborated with the music department chair to plan out concert programs.
- Communicated regularly with parents about their child's progress within the band program.
- Provided individual instruction to students on instrument technique and performance skills.
- Assisted in fundraising activities to support the band program's needs financially.
Teaching Assistant
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Instructed students individually or in groups to reinforce marching and music fundamentals.
- Enforced rules for behavior and established expectations for student conduct in accordance with the culture of the ensemble.
- Facilitated group discussions among students to encourage critical thinking skills and group de-escalation tactics.
- Encouraged students to take an active role in their own learning process.
- Provided one-on-one support for special needs students.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the varying needs of individual students.
Teaching Assistant
University of Illinois Saxophone Ensemble
Urbana, United States
08.2019 - 11.2023
- Instructed students individually or in groups to reinforce the current repertoire.
- Collaborated with other instructors in creating lesson plans and providing instructional materials.
- Assisted with the setup and teardown of rehearsal spaces and performance halls.
- Contributed to positive, educational setting by delivering gentle discipline and promoting student success.
- Assessed student learning styles and understanding of material to redirect and optimize teaching strategies.
Private Lesson Teacher
Self-Employed
Arlington Heights, United States
06.2020 - 08.2023
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students.
- Conducted regular practice sessions with students to reinforce concepts learned during lessons.
- Provided guidance on instrument selection for students seeking advice on purchasing decisions.
- Collaborated with parents to ensure successful implementation of lesson plans at home.
- Provided feedback on student performance and progress in private lessons.
- Utilized various teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
- Created a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks in their learning.
Student Teacher
Wheeling High School
Wheeling, United States
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Monitored student behavior during class sessions and field trips.
- Implemented assessment tools to identify fundamental gaps or needs among students.
- Integrated hands-on activities into instruction whenever possible.
- Developed lesson plans and activities to engage students in the learning process.
- Facilitated group discussions among students on relevant topics.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills by posing open-ended questions during lessons.
- Encouraged positive relationships between students by promoting collaboration within groups.
- Collaborated with faculty members to discuss student progress and develop strategies for improvement.
Student Teacher
Wood Oaks Junior High School
Northbrook, United States
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss students' progress and strategies for improvement.
- Utilized technology and educational software to enhance teaching and student learning.
- Implemented questioning and discussion techniques to encourage student participation and knowledge acquisition.
- Led classroom instruction, engaging students through interactive learning methods.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a productive and respectful learning atmosphere.
- Coordinated small group and one-on-one pull out lessons for students requiring extra assistance.
- Participated in school events and extracurricular activities to support school community.
Education
Master of Music - Saxophone Performance and Literature
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05.2024
Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental Music
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05.2022
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Musical Performance Organization
- Field Trip Planning and Execution
- Leadership and Team Management
- Audition and Competition Preparation
- Classroom Management
- Instrumental Proficiency
- Proficiency in Music Theory
- Fundraising
- Budget Oversight
- Patience and Empathy
- Creative Student Centered Teaching
- Communication and Presentation
- Positive Culture Development
Certification
Professional Educator's License, State of Illinois, 06/01/22
Accomplishments
- A.A Harding Award, University of Illinois Bands, 05/01/24, Awarded annually to the most outstanding members of the University of Illinois bands program for their musical and personal contributions.
- NASA 2024 Quartet Competition Finalist, North American Saxophone Alliance, 03/01/24, Chosen as one of six finalists in the live round of the North American Saxophone Alliance Quartet Competition as a member of the al fine Saxophone Quartet.
- Silver Medal, Music Teacher's National Association, 03/01/23, Awarded the Silver Medal at the MTNA Chamber Ensemble Competition as a member of the Eos Saxophone Quartet.
References
- Barry L. Houser, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 217-333-3027, Provided support to students from diverse backgrounds with patience and accommodations., 08/01/17 - 05/01/24
- Kevin Geraldi, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 217-244-1177, 08/01/22 - 05/01/24
- Debra Richtmeyer, Professor, University of Illinois, 217-840-3319, Past-President, Honorary Life Member, North American Saxophone Alliance. Artist, Conn-Selmer Inc. UI Campus Award, 'Excellence in Teaching'., 08/01/17 - 05/01/24
- Michael Malek, Cooperating Teacher, Wheeling High School, 847-718-7111, 01/01/22 - 05/01/22
- Wayne Gordon, Cooperating Teacher, Wood Oaks Junior High, 847-272-1900, Co-Founder, All-Illinois Junior Band. Illinois State Chair, National Band Association., 01/01/22 - 05/01/22
Timeline
Band Director
Hampshire High School
06.2024 - Current
Teaching Assistant
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
05.2022 - 05.2024
Student Teacher
Wheeling High School
01.2022 - 05.2022
Student Teacher
Wood Oaks Junior High School
01.2022 - 05.2022
Private Lesson Teacher
Self-Employed
06.2020 - 08.2023
Teaching Assistant
University of Illinois Saxophone Ensemble
08.2019 - 11.2023
Master of Music - Saxophone Performance and Literature
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Music Education - Instrumental Music
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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