Sarah Hruska Olson
Minneapolis
Summary
I am an Orff-Schulwerk and Responsive Classroom trained music educator with a developmentally appropriate, child-centered approach to teaching. I combine a playful outlook with a warm and empathetic presence, strong classroom management skills and high expectations for students as they create, perform, and respond to music.
During my many years at MacPhail Center for Music, I have taught music in many different settings, including the early childhood classroom, the elementary classroom, and intergenerational settings with elders and children. I function as a licensed elementary music specialist through the MacPhail School Partnerships program and I currently serve as the K-4 music specialist at New City Charter School through a partnership with MacPhail.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Faculty Member
MacPhail Center for Music
01.1997 - Current
Here are some highlights of my various teaching partnerships and assignments through my employer, MacPhail Center for Music.
- New City School Teaching Partnership 2006-present (K-4 general music) I function as an integral part of the faculty and specialist team at New City
- Riverview Dual Spanish/English Immersion School Teaching partnership (PreK-2 general music 2015-present)
- Music for Life intergenerational Partnership at Ebenezer Ridges (2016-present)
- Music for Life partnerships with older adults in a variety of assisted living, independent living, and memory care settings (2014-present)
- Recent Early Childhood teaching partnerships include: Community Child Care Center in St. Paul, Women’s Advocates in St. Paul, People Serving People in Minneapolis, and Burnsville Project Kid in Burnsville.
- Numerous Early Childhood Music and Literacy presentations to adult professionals
- MacPhail Center for Music Parent/Child music classes (six weeks-4 year-olds) 1997-present
- MacPhail Early Childhood Music Curriculum Coordinator (2002-2005)
- Paideia Academy Teaching Partnership 2005-2013, (K-5 general music, choir some years)
Education
Orff Schulwerk levels 1-3 -
St. Thomas University
St Paul, MNOrff Curriculum Class - undefined
St. Thomas University
01-2011
Responsive Classroom I - undefined
Hamline University
01-2011
B.M. - Music Education
University of Minnesota
01-1995
M.M. - Vocal Performance
University of Michigan
01-1992
B.A. - English and Music
Lawrence University
01-1990
Skills
- Strong vocal and instrumental model for children and adults of all ages
- Instruments include guitar,ukulele, and piano
- Extensive experience planning, coordinating, and executing concerts and community events in many different settings
- Orff Schulwerk levels and curriculum training
- Responsive Classroom training and ongoing practice
- Ongoing training on current best practice in music and movement education through local professional development organizations
- Curriculum development skills
- Strong interest in and use of culturally relevant curriculum
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Experience in providing support and teaching ideas to teachers who are new to classroom or early childhood settings
- Conversational Spanish skills, including experience teaching music in a bilingual environment
- Volunteer teaching experience in Antigua, Guatemala
Affiliations
- Minnesota Orff Chapter Past President and active member
- Active Opera student and performer
- West African Drum and Dance Classes
- Weekly Spanish lessons with my online tutor
Certification
Minnesota K-12 Vocal/General Music
Timeline
Faculty Member
MacPhail Center for Music
01.1997 - Current
Orff Curriculum Class - undefined
St. Thomas University
Responsive Classroom I - undefined
Hamline University
B.M. - Music Education
University of Minnesota
M.M. - Vocal Performance
University of Michigan
B.A. - English and Music
Lawrence University
Orff Schulwerk levels 1-3 -
St. Thomas University
Publications and Presentations
Articles
- Orff Echo, Fall 2025 ("Creative Aging and Orff Schulwerk")
The Orff Echo is the national, peer-reviewed quarterly journal of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association
.
- MMEA Interval, May 2024 ("Sharing Children’s literature and songs in multiple communities")
The Interval, an e-Magazine, is produced by MMEA twice a year. It is written for music educators by music educators, and has a current email list of over 3,600 people.
Recent Presentations:
- MMEA Midwinter Convention 2024 Session: "The Creative Traveler"- Pathways through multiple musical communities
- Minnesota Orff Chapter Share Winter 2025 Session on Spanish language songs