Helping others discover self-confidence through music lessons

Gifts of Music NW
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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Wilderness Therapy outdoor guide for at-risk youth with Rites of Passage.
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Teacher trainings in Trauma-Informed teaching, working with ADHD students, and Culturally Responsive Teaching
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Eight years in public schools working with diverse students in the Seattle area
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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
