Xavier Ortiz-Reyes
Troy,NY
Summary
Professional music educator with a strong foundation in music theory, performance, and pedagogy. Adept at fostering collaborative environment and achieving results through innovative teaching methods. Known for flexibility in adapting to changing educational needs and building reliable relationships with students and staff. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, choral and instrumental conducting, and student engagement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
7-12 Chorus and General Music Teacher
Greenwich Central School Dst
Greenwich, NY
03.2022 - Current
- Designed engaging choral curricula that enhanced student participation and musical development.
- Conducted regular rehearsals, fostering teamwork and vocal proficiency among diverse student groups ranging from 8-80 student singers.
- Organized and guest conducted numerous Vocal All County Festivals.
- Implemented effective practice techniques, enhancing students' vocal abilities and confidence.
- Developed engaging lesson plans integrating diverse music genres and teaching methods.
- Facilitated engaging unit plans for teaching ukulele, bucket drumming, keyboard, and Boomwhackers.
- Implemented technology tools to enhance music education, including digital audio workstations.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment encouraging student participation and creativity.
- Coordinated school performances, ensuring seamless collaboration among students and staff.
- Mentored student musicians, providing feedback to improve their skills and confidence.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation techniques to inform instructional adjustments.
- Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development to align music education standards with district goals.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, pitch, beats, scales, and chords.
- Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, accommodating various learning styles within the classroom setting.
- Enhanced student understanding by incorporating diverse teaching methods and multimedia presentations.
- Increased cultural awareness in the classroom by introducing students to a variety of musical genres from around the world.
- Stayed current on industry trends and developments in voice education through continuous research and networking efforts within the field.
- Continuously refined my teaching practice through professional development workshops, staying current on best practices in music education.
Choir Member
The Cathedral of All Saints
Albany, NY
09.2018 - Current
- Performed masterworks such as: Handel’s Messiah, St. John Passion and studied and performed Anglican and Gregorian chant.
- Facilitated weekly rehearsals, directing and guiding fellow colleagues with the study and preparation of the music required.
- Directed choral rehearsals, fostering vocal development and ensemble cohesion.
- Co-taught rehearsals with the boys of the choir (ages 7-14)
- Collaborated & performed with professional vocalists and instrumentalists from all over the U.S and Europe.
- Participated in masterclasses to improve vocal technique, ensemble collaboration, networking, performance strategies, and concert program selection strategies from the Handel and Haydn Society.
- Fundraised for concert programs.
Marie Curie Institute
Greater Amsterdam School District
Amsterdam, NY
01.2021 - 03.2021
- Taught students in grades PreK - 5th including a self-contained special education class of K-2 students and a class of K-2 students with autism.
- Facilitated creative musical opportunities for students to fit within the health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Completed a virtual performance project to showcase student achievements online with the school community.
Bethlehem Central High School
Bethlehem Central School District
Delmar, NY
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Taught students in grades 9-12 including a small A Capella (all voice) group that met after school once a week.
- Planned and facilitated the learning of music, music theory, aural training, and singing for 9-12th grade students.
- Directed four choirs composed of 9-12th graders: two freshman choirs, two upper-level high school choirs.
- Conducted a performance consisting of four choral pieces for fellow students, faculty and administration to showcase student achievements that occurred over the course of six-weeks.
Beginner Piano Teacher
Self-employeed
Albany, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Established a beginner piano studio for students aging from 4-30 years of age.
- Preparing weekly forty-minute lesson plans that meet the individualized goals of my students.
- Constantly developing and crafting my teaching and instruction techniques.
Full-Time Tutor: Keyboard, Music Theory, Aural
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Coached students in piano technique, aural and theory practice strategies, test taking strategies, and memorization strategies to fellow colleagues, upper and lower-class students.
- Prepared lesson plans to meet goals identified students' individualized study plans.
- Prepared students for homework, exams, and performances.
Piano Instructor- O Muse Music Academy
Clifton Park, NY
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Taught 1:1 lessons to beginning piano students ages 6-10.
- Provided constructive feedback to students using positive reinforcement techniques to build and encourage self confidence.
- Participated in professional development sessions on best practices, techniques and strategies for working with student pianists.
- Explained and demonstrated artistic techniques.
- Prepared students for performances, exams, or assessments.
- Collaborated with parents, students and co-workers to build support networks and enhance student success.
- Prepared lesson plans to meet individual student needs, including aligning with student IEP goals.
Harmony Explosion Camp, Peer/Group Leader
Worcester, MA
08.2014 - 08.2020
- Prepared and assisted with the registration of campers upon arrival.
- Lead group of 5-10 campers to-and-from each class and/or rehearsal.
- Taught and modeled proper vocal technique, rehearsal etiquette and strategies in learning and performing the music.
- Provided campers with emotional and social support as needed.
- Organized and facilitated group activities for campers and staff.
Cohoes Middle School, Cohoes High School
Cohoes City School District
Cohoes, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Established and maintained a welcoming and engaging environment for all (K-12) grade level students to be successful.
- Ensured student health and safety by enforcing the administrative and school policies and providing adequate supervision at all times.
- Prepared and organized classrooms with the provided instructions/materials by the absent teacher.
- Provided additional visual and auditory support for students to accommodate different learning styles and ability levels.
- Collaborated with special education teachers and service providers to support student learning goals.
- Facilitated a positive classroom environment where students are free to express their creativity and feel comfortable taking risks
Guilderland Elementary, Westmere Elementary
Guilderland Central School District
Guilderland, NY
09.2021 - 10.2021
Blue Creek Elementary, Boght Hills Elementary
North Colonie Central School District
Latham, NY
09.2021 - 10.2021
Voorheesville Elementary
Voorheesville Central School District
Voorheesville, NY
09.2021 - 10.2021
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music Education - Voice Concentration (K-12)
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY05-2021
Skills
- Choral and instrumental conducting
- Vocal coaching
- Adaptability
- Compassion and empathy
- Excellent communication
- Classroom Management
- Ensemble management
- Collaboration
- Enthusiastic
- Interpersonable teaching style
- Proficient in ukulele, guitar, piano, auxiliary percussion and Djembe drum
- Contemporary Latin dance
Accomplishments
Officially granted tenure as of April, 2026.
Affiliations
- Active Chorus Member of Albany Pro Musica
- Official member of the BHS (Barbershop Harmony Society)
- NAfME, Collegiate member
- ACDA Collegiate member
Certification
- Certification in Music CST by NYSTCE May, 2021
- Certification in Educating All Students by NYSTCE May, 2021
LANGUAGES:
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Conversationally fluent)
Timeline
7-12 Chorus and General Music Teacher
Greenwich Central School Dst
03.2022 - Current
Beginner Piano Teacher
Self-employeed
01.2022 - Current
Cohoes Middle School, Cohoes High School
Cohoes City School District
01.2022 - Current
Guilderland Elementary, Westmere Elementary
Guilderland Central School District
09.2021 - 10.2021
Blue Creek Elementary, Boght Hills Elementary
North Colonie Central School District
09.2021 - 10.2021
Voorheesville Elementary
Voorheesville Central School District
09.2021 - 10.2021
Bethlehem Central High School
Bethlehem Central School District
03.2021 - 05.2021
Marie Curie Institute
Greater Amsterdam School District
01.2021 - 03.2021
Piano Instructor- O Muse Music Academy
09.2020 - 02.2021
Full-Time Tutor: Keyboard, Music Theory, Aural
The College of Saint Rose
09.2019 - 05.2021
Choir Member
The Cathedral of All Saints
09.2018 - Current
Harmony Explosion Camp, Peer/Group Leader
08.2014 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Music Education - Voice Concentration (K-12)
The College of Saint Rose