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My Music Teaching Philosophy

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​As a public school teacher for eight years, I've learned so much from kids, colleagues and myself. Teaching gave me a feeling of groundedness necessary for a big ideas person like me. It increased my sense of empathy and taught me to continually reflect on my work, no matter what it is. 

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I am constantly thinking about how to best accommodate my students' learning styles and needs. I draw on curriculum and teaching philosophies that help students have fun and make choices about their learning along the way.  

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Adding Value to Lessons: 

Training and Experience
in Social-Emotional Development

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An owner of a music lessons studio once said,
"the most important quality of a music teacher is their emotional intelligence."

 

Positive, supportive relationships enable learning and give people a memorable experience, regardless of whether they stick with playing music. Also, it's important to empathize with people learning a new instrument. 

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Social-Emotional Training and Experience

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  1. Wilderness Therapy outdoor guide for at-risk youth with Rites of Passage. 

  2. Teacher trainings in Trauma-Informed teaching, working with ADHD students, and Culturally Responsive Teaching

  3. Eight years in public schools working with diverse students in the Seattle area

  4. Current voluneer music teacher and mentor at Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center

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​​​​If you are interested in piano or guitar lessons, sign up or send me an email. I teach in-person in Bellingham (in South Hill) and online. I work with both kids and adults. 

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​I look forward to seeing how music can enrich your life!  

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-Bo Bestvina

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Check out my teaching philosophy in the video below

My Resume

Executive Director/Music Teacher

Gifts of Music NW

9/1/24-Current

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Music Teacher 
Flow Music Lessons

06/15/23-9/1/24

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Guitar and Piano Instructor

Guitar Center Bellingham
June, 2023-Current

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Music Teacher 
Whatcom County Juvenille Detention Center
July, 2023-Current

I bring the gift of music to young people in the local Juvenile Detention Center, because music has the power to connect us like nothing else. 

This was on a volunteer basis but it is now being supported a youth philanthropy grant from the Whatcom Community Foundation

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Music Teacher

Sumas Elementary School
August, 2022-August 2023 

See my teaching credential here.
Taught West African drumming and choral arrangements

Conducted school concerts

Compassionately listended to students struggling with situations at home and school 

Wrote a school song that the district is now performing at other schools

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Social Studies Teacher

Issaquah School District

August, 2021-June 2023
Sought a variety of ways to build relationships with students during quarantine
Offered compassionate listening and suggestions to students with test anxiety 

Taught a social emotional section of the course

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Youth Mentor

Rites of Passage Wilderness Therapy

June, 2018-September, 2018

Guided 13-18 year olds on backpacking trips. Taught life skills, emotional regulation and communication skills. 

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Music Healer, Arts Care

June, 2015-June 2017
Played original healing music to patients undergoing cancer treatment

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Writer 
Self-Employed

2015-Current

I am soon publishing a novel called "Culture Clock"

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EDUCATION

Northwest Educational Development

Washington Teaching Credential, K-8 and Music Endorsements 

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Private Guitar and Voice Lessons
Various Instructors
2015-Present

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Central Washington University

January, 2005 – June 2010

BA, Cultural Anthropology

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Oregon State University
Sept, 2010-June, 2012
MA, Cultural Anthropology

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Gifts of Music NW is a 501c3 non-profit. ​

EIN: 99-4536565

    ©2023 by Bo Bestvina. Proudly created with Wix.com

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