Nicola Kelly
Carmel,NY
Summary
Innovative music educator with a focus on creating a supportive and enriching classroom environment. Inspired by the methodologies of Suzuki, Kodály, and Dalcroze, learning is done through hands-on activities and personal exploration. Experienced in communicating with diverse student populations and preparing them for strong performances.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
12-1900
12-1900
12-1900
09.2025 - 03.2026
12-1900
Student Teacher
Florida Ruffin Ridley School
Brookline, MA
09.2025 - 03.2026
- Teaching 4th grade beginner violin.
- Rehearsing 6th-8th grade orchestra and lower string sectionals.
- Ran bow hold and posture lessons that saw an increase from 20% to 80% of 4th graders holding instruments with proper technique.
Student Teacher
Lt. Job Lane
Bedford, MA
03.2026 - Current
- Teaching 3rd through 5th grade general music.
- Developing lessons for ukulele, recorder, piano, and songwriting.
- Differentiating lessons to accommodate students' IEPS and 504 plans.
- Assisting in vocal rehearsals for the afterschool musical.
Head Junior Strings Teacher
Longy Side by Side Orchestra
Cambridge, MA
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Leading rehearsals for the junior strings group, consisting of beginners ages 5-11.
- Designing lessons and games to teach posture, technique, and music literacy.
- Preparing students for the end of session group recital and full orchestra concert.
- Differentiating instruction for students of different ages and skills levels.
Violin and Viola Teacher
Through the Staff Non-Profit
New York, NY
06.2023 - Current
- Teaching 30 to 60 minute zoom lessons per week for beginner to advanced students with financial needs.
- Communicating with families via email and over the phone.
- Preparing students for end of semester virtual recitals.
Private Violin Teacher
Self Employed
New York
09.2022 - Current
- Teaching beginner to advanced students in both one-on-one and group lessons.
- Instructing students through proper technique and effective practice skills.
- Preparing students for NYSSMA festivals and youth orchestra auditions.
Head Girls Counselor
Lyra Music Festival
Cornwall On Hudson, NY
07.2025 - Current
- Overseeing girls dormitory.
- Monitoring practice and rehearsal rooms to ensure student productivity.
- Planning enrichment activities to foster community building and physical movement for afternoon and evening.
Spanish Language Tutor
SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz, NY
09.2023 - 05.2025
- Tutoring groups and one-on-one students in Spanish ranging from Beginners to Intermediate.
- Composing, compiling, and producing lesson materials.
Rock Band Specialist
Timber Lake Camp West
Roscoe, NY
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Reviving and running the Rock Band Program at summer camp.
- Creating engaging activities for ukulele, guitar, drums, piano, and voice.
- Hosting and running camp performances and talent shows.
Education
Master's of Music - Music Education
Longy School of Music
Cambridge, MA05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Music Performance
SUNY New Paltz
New Paltz, NY05-2025
Skills
- Leadership
- Self-starter
- Social Media Management
- Organization
- Creativity
- Communication
- Technology (Google Classroom, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop)
- Bilingual English and Spanish
Certification
Massachusetts Music Teacher Certification - Expected June 2026
New York Music Teacher Certification - Expected June 2026
Leadership
New Paltz Session 2023-2025
President and Founder
- Founded club dedicated to learning and performing folk music of various cultures.
- Planning and scheduling weekly meetings.
- Leading sessions and teaching new tunes each week.
- Performing and collaborating with other organizations for music events.
New Paltz Music Collective 2022-2025
Head of Advertising
- Managing social media and PR for the club.
- Growing Instagram from under 1,000 to over 2,000 followers.
- Running a direct line of communication with musicians and community members.
Timeline
Student Teacher
Lt. Job Lane
03.2026 - Current
Student Teacher
Florida Ruffin Ridley School
09.2025 - 03.2026
Head Junior Strings Teacher
Longy Side by Side Orchestra
09.2025 - 04.2026
12-1900
12-1900
09.2025 - 03.2026
Head Girls Counselor
Lyra Music Festival
07.2025 - Current
Spanish Language Tutor
SUNY New Paltz
09.2023 - 05.2025
Violin and Viola Teacher
Through the Staff Non-Profit
06.2023 - Current
Private Violin Teacher
Self Employed
09.2022 - Current
Rock Band Specialist
Timber Lake Camp West
06.2022 - 08.2022
Master's of Music - Music Education
Longy School of Music
Bachelor of Science - Music Performance
SUNY New Paltz