CFA: Where are you working?

Jennifer: The Boston Music Project (BPM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has provided music-based Creative Youth Development programming to thousands of Boston youth since 2011. Our team of 45 diverse teaching artists provides weekly music education to nearly 2,000 PreK-12th grade students across 22 Boston schools each year. The site that I go to is the before school program at Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Chinatown.

CFA: How did you learn about this opportunity? How did you secure it?

Jennifer: I found this job posting on the website called hireculture.org. After doing some research, I realized that a friend that I met through the Boston Civic Symphony used to work in the program. I contacted her to ask a few questions, and soon after I got an interview for the BMP.

I started the job in the fall of 2019 as a teaching artist, where I assisted an experienced teacher. Within the first two years, I focused on developing my group lesson teaching skills, which requires a different skill set than private lesson teaching. After two years, I was promoted to become an ensemble director.

CFA: Tell us about your time working in this role.

Jennifer: After working as a Teaching Artist for two years, I started working as an ensemble director. I design the curriculum for my orchestra and teach with a group of three-to-four teaching artists. Every morning we arrive at the school at 7:30 to set up the space for class, which means moving tables and chairs, preparing stands with binders and writing the agenda and goals of the day on the whiteboard.

CFA: How has your experience at CFA so far benefited you in taking on this role?

Jennifer: When I was doing my master’s at CFA, an undergrad student Yoo Jin Ahn arranged a volunteering opportunity for School of Music students to observe and assist in string orchestra class at Bridge Boston Charter School in Roxbury. I went there for at least two of our school breaks and learned a lot about class management and built a good rapport with the teaching staff. In my interview for BMP, I highlighted my experiences volunteering, and my boss knew the program in Bridge Boston Charter School!

I was also asked about potential classroom conflicts, and how I would handle them. Because of the experiences I had in observing group classes, I was able to answer with comprehensive consideration of the class culture.

CFA: What has this role taught you about yourself?

Jennifer: This role has taught me that I care about my students and the development of the youth in general. I find myself worrying about them and sincerely hope they grow up healthy in every aspect.

This role has also made me recognize how significant it is to have a supportive team. For example, I faced a pivotal career decision where I had to choose between two teaching jobs. While one offered higher pay and benefits, the school culture was evidently unsustainable for teachers. After careful consideration, I opted to remain with BMP, firmly believing that it was the superior choice for my professional and personal fulfillment.

CFA: How did CFA prepare you for success?

Jennifer: I completed a semester-long string pedagogy class, which proved to be highly beneficial. My proficiency in music theory has enhanced my ability to interpret music effectively. Surprisingly, it was while preparing for my doctoral exam on chorale writing that I gained a profound understanding of harmony. As a result, when offering suggestions for interpreting music, I draw upon a solid foundation in musical grammar. This has instilled confidence in my ability to guide students into the enchanting realm of music.

CFA: What have you accomplished through this experience?

Jennifer: BMP offers their teachers and artists performance opportunities. For example, to celebrate the Lunar New Year of 2023, I played the soloist part of Sai Ma (racing horses) with a group of selected students in multiple performances, including in the city hall. Many of these students were in my class when I started teaching in 2019.

CFA: In what ways do you think the career opportunity has helped you prepare for your work beyond BU?

Jennifer: Through my involvement with BMP, I’ve cultivated a dual career path as an educator and performer — a lifestyle I once thought wasn’t feasible. Over the past five years, I’ve not only maintained a consistent income but also remained actively engaged in performances. The inspirational leadership team at BMP organizes two professional development events yearly, enabling teachers like me to enhance our teaching skills. Our collective focus on Emotional Social Learning (ESL) in music class has broadened my perspective, revealing a mission that extends beyond teaching instruments.

Working with BMP has given me a greater vision for the future: I aspire to replicate similar programs in areas lacking such opportunities, and to lead a team of purpose-driven educators. Currently, I’m working on my dissertation, exploring the application of Paul Rolland’s pedagogy in a public school orchestra program. The prospect of implementing my findings to provide effective education for my students is an exciting journey I look forward to undertaking.

CFA: What advice would you give to BU students looking to pursue a similar career?

Jennifer: Take any volunteer opportunities possible. These opportunities help you build connections with people outside of the school and are likely to lead to other work opportunities.

CFA: What’s next for you?

Jennifer: I’ve finished all of my coursework and exams. Now I’m getting to work on my dissertation!