Deja Wilson

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to become a teacher?

Born and raised in Dallas, TX. I started cello in 5th Grade and completely fell in love with the instrument. Even as a kid I would watch videos about cello technique and then eagerly show my classmates the next day. I think that was the first spark in my teaching career. When I was a sophomore in high school, I started helping the younger kids (I went to a 6th-12th grade school) with All-Region and All-State which was extremely fun. When I moved to Tucson, Arizona for college I continued teaching students when I could. I’m so grateful I can continue teaching in Phoenix with SOUNDS Academy!

How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

I connected with Kirk while I was in Detroit for SPHINX earlier this year. When I moved to Phoenix a couple months later, we stayed connected which led me to working the 2nd annual SOUNDS Academy Camp and becoming a teacher!

What do you think about the current state of music education?

I believe it’s incredibly whitewashed, and extremely general in discussing cultural music that isn’t Eurocentric Classical. Recently I have seen some push for more composers from various backgrounds which warms my heart. 

Why is music education important for children? Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important?

This can be a way for children to learn about their own cultural music, or simply a way to work through things going on in their personal life. Music programs (Like SOUNDS Academy) are a community children can feel safe and at home in.

Between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork; which speaks the most about your journey so far and why?

I would say creativity. If a student doesn’t understand something in the music or doesn’t get my explanation, you have to be creative in getting that point across. All of my students, while cello is a common denominator, are so different in their playing and learning. What I do for one may not be the best for the other. At times it takes a bit of perseverance, but overall finding different ways to arrive at the same goals makes me a better teacher and musician. 

What title would you give your autobiography?

“When words fail, Music Speaks.”

As you may know, our founder believes that we will make a significant impact and that there will be a Netflix or Hulu documentary on SOUNDS Academy. Who would you want to play you in this documentary and what would you want your part to be remembered as?

If possible, it would be awesome for me to play myself. I don’t think any celebrity resembles me! I would want to be remembered as a fun teacher that connected with their students. I want to be a part of the reason why the student’s loved cello and music.

Myles Kellerman

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to become a teacher?

I’ve been playing guitar for 16 years. I grew up playing the electric guitar, but I am also classically trained. I am a composer and completed an undergrad in composition at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and my master’s in composition at DePaul University in Chicago. I moved to Arizona to complete my doctorate in composition at Arizona State University.

How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

I was looking for teacher opportunities in the valley and SOUNDS Academy popped up.

What do you think about the current state of music education?

I believe that music education in Arizona is on its way to fixing a lot of longstanding issues and becoming more accepting of music from other backgrounds and not just traditional western music.

Why is music education important for children? Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important?

Everybody deserves to experience music, it’s an invaluable skill to have. Learning and playing music is important for development.

Between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork, which speaks the most about your journey so far and why?

Creativity. I teach a wide variety of students from a wide variety of backgrounds with a wide variety of needs, and it takes a lot of creativity to come up with ideas to keep them motivated.

What title would you give your autobiography?

Hack fraud

Michael Robinson:

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to become a teacher?

I started out in the middle school band and continued in music largely due to the opportunities I had as a public-school music student. My teachers had a profound impact and I wanted to do the same for students who may not have the same opportunities as I did.

How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

I heard about SOUNDS Academy from the program manager, Ben MacDonald. After hearing about the work SOUNDS Academy does, I wanted to know how I could get involved. 

What do you think about the current state of music education?

Unfortunately, it seems for many students, the quality of music education is dependent on their zip code. That is why I enjoy the work SOUNDS Academy does.

Why is music education important for children? Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important?

Music education is important because it not only gives students a structured outlet for creativity it also provides invaluable social experiences. Programs like SOUNDS Academy are important because they provide those benefits to students whose schools may not have access to quality instructors and classes.  I’m fortunate to have met some of my closest friends in musical settings.

Between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork, which speaks the most about your journey so far and why?

Resilience, because music gives you a concrete set of goals and structure that requires a certain amount mental fortitude.

As you may know, our founder believes that we will make a significant impact and that there will be a Netflix or Hulu documentary on SOUNDS Academy. Who would you want to play you in this documentary and what would you want your part to be remembered as?

I’d want to play myself and be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in students’ lives.

Addison Hill

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to become a teacher?

I am a composer, musician, educator, and artist born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona! I have been in love with music for as long as I can remember, and at a young age I was able to join piano lessons and community choirs. I hated piano lessons for a long time, but slowly fell in love with them once I realized all the amazing things the piano can do! As a composer, I tend to prioritize communication in my music, whether it’s communicating a message to the audience or a musical idea to my performers, which is something that lends itself to teaching. I have always felt like composing and teaching went hand in hand and wanted to provide students with musical experiences that reach beyond a method book, so teaching felt like a natural path for me.

How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

I found SOUNDS Academy on Indeed not realizing how much it set itself apart from other music education organizations. After doing some research, I realized how much SOUNDS Academy’s beliefs aligned with my own, which made it even more exciting after I got the offer to join the team!

What do you think about the current state of music education?

Currently, I think the current state of music education needs improvement. As far as accessibility goes, there are still plenty of hopeful learners who still do not have access to a holistic music education program. However, beyond accessibility, music education is an ever-evolving practice that must keep up with the constant change this world has to offer. I think music education could strive towards more accessible and diverse programs that offer modern approaches and incorporate new and diverse repertoire and styles, while still respecting tradition. 

Why is music education important for children? Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important?

Music education should absolutely be a necessity in a growing child’s schooling, as well as beyond that. Not only does it build many skills that a student can use in other fields, like math or science, but it also allows a student exposure to a different style of social practice that incorporates community building and perseverance. Some of my most fond memories and closest friends are from doing choir or other music activities growing up!

As mentioned in the previous question, accessibility is key when discussing music education. Sounds Academy helps bridge this accessibility gap by filling in the music education deserts across the valley, providing students, regardless of zip code, a chance to experience music education alongside a team of passionate, community based, and hardworking teachers and fellow musicians. 

Between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork; which speaks the most about your journey so far and why?

My journey thus far relates the most to perseverance and creativity. I am newer to teaching group settings, so I’ve had to get really creative especially when it comes to managing group piano and inspiring shy middle schoolers to be loud and proud! 

What title would you give your autobiography?

I would name it “Growing Gardens.”

As you may know, our founder believes that we will make a significant impact and that there will be a Netflix or Hulu documentary on SOUNDS Academy. Who would you want to play you in this documentary and what would you want your part to be remembered as?

This is a hard question! I think I would want Lady Gaga to play me. I would love my part to highlight all the progress the middle school choir I work with has made. 

Kristal Ramsey

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to become a teacher?

I am originally from Mississippi, but I grew up here in Phoenix. I have performed in many bands and orchestras here in the valley and went to ASU for both my Bachelor of Music and Master of Education. I still enjoy performing professionally and honing my musical skills. Music has brought so many meaningful connections and experiences into my life. I was inspired to become a music teacher after having an amazing music teacher as a child. She was so dedicated and really played an important part in my musical development. I was fortunate to have many experiences with her as a child and adult that shaped my philosophy about music and education.

How did you get involved with SOUNDS Academy?

I heard about SOUNDS Academy through my children’s friends who are students of the academy. When I saw an advertisement for a teaching position, I was excited to apply.

What do you think about the current state of music education?

I feel that music education has come a long way in terms of accessibility, but there is still so much more that can be done. The pandemic did not help with so many teachers leaving, but this has made organizations like SOUNDS Academy so essential to our community.

Why is music education important for children? Why are programs like SOUNDS Academy important?

Music is important for children because it connects them with their emotional and artistic side. In a world that is driven by technology, taking time to create music helps to center oneself into the present moment. This is so important for humanity as a whole. Organizations like SOUNDS Academy are important because it bridges the gap to bring music to communities who would otherwise not have the opportunity to engage in music education. 

Between the characteristics of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork; which speaks the most about your journey so far and why?

I think my ability to create and innovate has driven my journey thus far. Whether in the classroom or navigating through life circumstances, the ability to create and reinvent has been the connecting thread between everything else.

What title would you give your autobiography?

Dancing in the Rain

As you may know, our founder believes that we will make a significant impact and that there will be a Netflix or Hulu documentary on SOUNDS Academy. Who would you want to play you in this documentary and what would you want your part to be remembered as?

I would want to see my role performed by a passionate actress who could embody my love of teaching and music. I would like to be remembered as a compassionate person who loves to share her knowledge, help students reach their goals, and create memorable experience that impact families lives in positive ways.