Sarah Ruzicka
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Dynamic music educator, excelling in curriculum development and relationship building. Passionately fostered student engagement and self-esteem through innovative teaching methods, while effectively managing diverse classroom environments. Committed to inspiring a love for music and nurturing individual talents in every student.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Piano Class Instructor
232 Piano Studio
Colorado Springs , CO
03.2025 - Current
- Engage students ages 4–6 through holistic musical exposure.
- Build and strengthen positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Encourage maximal development by providing opportunities for inquiry on classroom subject matter and exploration of related subjects, nurturing individual strengths and interests.
Private Violin Instructor
Self
01.2000 - Current
- Reflect critically on teaching practices to implement improvement strategies.
- Differentiate music curriculum to meet the needs of individual students.
- Foster a love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue their passions and interests.
- Collaborate with instructors and other specialists to promote commonalities, distinctions, and connections in music education.
- Communicate with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress, and any concerns.
- Incorporate student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
String Orchestra Conductor
Central Oregon Youth Orchestra
Bend, OR
09.2023 - 12.2024
- Responsible for the artistic development and training of the orchestra.
- Selected music to be performed.
- Used strong communication skills to direct multiple musicians in rehearsals and performances.
Violinist
Dove String Quartet
Bend, Oregon
06.2012 - 12.2024
- Selected appropriate pieces to meet performance needs and showcase skills.
- Achieved desired tonal and harmonic balance by communicating clearly with musicians.
Violinist
Central Oregon Symphony
Bend, Oregon
09.2009 - 12.2024
- Performed in various ensembles for live audiences at a variety of venues.
- Rehearsed with other musicians to coordinate parts and refine performances.
- Performed in various orchestras, symphonies and chamber groups as a violinist.
Music Specialist
Bend La Pine Schools
09.2009 - 03.2020
- Designed curriculum to introduce students to variety of styles and cultured.
- Maintained equipment, supplies, and facilities in good working order.
- Taught an average of 11 daily group classes a day.
- Kept discipline by applying effective classroom management skills.
- Led instrumental students in playing simple ensemble songs.
- Organized and collected money and forms for mass group field trips and programs.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
Education
Master Of Music - Education
Kent State University
Kent, OH12.2014
Bachelor Of Arts - Music Education
University of Miami
Miami, FL05.2008
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Music theory instruction
- Instrument proficiency
- Relationship building
Skills
- Overseeing community relations
Timeline
Group Piano Class Instructor
232 Piano Studio
03.2025 - Current
String Orchestra Conductor
Central Oregon Youth Orchestra
09.2023 - 12.2024
Violinist
Dove String Quartet
06.2012 - 12.2024
Violinist
Central Oregon Symphony
09.2009 - 12.2024
Music Specialist
Bend La Pine Schools
09.2009 - 03.2020
Private Violin Instructor
Self
01.2000 - Current
Master Of Music - Education
Kent State University
Bachelor Of Arts - Music Education
University of Miami
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