Helping educators create dynamic, joyful, and standards-aligned music classrooms.
About Me
I got into elementary music because I realized this was the place to reach all kids and inspire them to express themselves more sincerely, develop self-efficacy, and appreciate a wider variety of music for all time regardless of whether they continue on in secondary or study music later in life.
Since 2011, I’ve been teaching elementary music in schools across Michigan, fulfilling my dream after earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from Central Michigan University. Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of students discover the joy of music, and I’ve worked with countless teachers to make their classrooms more dynamic, creative, and fun.
I’m a Kodály-certified educator, completing my Levels I and II at CMU with Dr. Joy Nelson and Dr. Ashley Allen, and my Level III at Indiana University with Dr. Georgia Newlin and Nyssa Brown—supported by OAKE’s Jeno Ádám Scholarship.
Beyond the classroom, I’ve been an active leader in music education. In 2014, I helped re-found the Michigan Kodály Chapter (MiKE) as President-Elect. Since then, I’ve served multiple terms as President and as Executive Secretary of the Midwest Region of Kodály Educators. I also mentor future music teachers, regularly hosting pre-service and student teachers from Michigan colleges and presenting at conference and workshops.
At the heart of my work is a simple goal: to empower music educators with practical, engaging strategies that inspire their students and bring the classroom to life.
Workshops / Session Topics
Kodály In A Can:
A Brief Introduction To The Kodály Method
In this workshop, we’ll go over the basics of the method and what makes it so powerful for building an intentional music program modeled after the way students learn to read. Includes:
- Many songs, dances, and activities to use the next day!
- Developing a useful scope and sequence
- Working through unit plans / concept plans using the Prepare-Present-Practice-Prove model
- Brief history of Kodály and folk song analysis
- Briefly discuss how to structure lesson plans for success
Lesson Planning For Engagement:
A Practical Guide For Making Your Life Easier
This session specifically covers how to structure your lesson plan for maximizing engagement and flow. I’ll offer many examples and activities for you to use, and we’ll work together to build lessons that work for your specific situation. We will talk about:
- Effective pacing and managing energy and concentration
- 3 types of transitions and how to integrate them smoothly
- Lesson chunks and the “rule of 3-5”
- Classroom management tips and discussion
How The Heck Do I Teach Folk Dancing?
Sequence, Tips, & A Whole Lot Of Examples!
Kids love to move, but sometimes it can be scary for us to lead it. You won’t have to be afraid after this session; you’ll come away with many dances to try from a variety of sources and cultures and a bag of tips and tricks for teaching them. Includes:
- Many folk dances, play parties, and movement games for all ages and from a variety of times and cultures!
- Resources for sequencing from easy to complex dances
- Practical teaching tactics for all sorts of moves
- Many, many (many) steps for your pedometer
K-5 Music Grab Bag:
Songs, Dances, and Games To Use Right Now!
Hey, let’s be real; you know what you’re doing. You know how to interact with and engage your students. All you need right now is a bunch of new stuff to try in your classroom tomorrow. This session has you covered.
Who’s Concert Is It Anyway?
Building Student-Led Concerts
We can all just used pre-made programs for our concerts, and these often work just fine. But even better than this is to give students ownership of their concerts! From song choice to script, I’ll guide you in how to get your students building their own programs from the ground up.
Moving Beyond Row, Row Your Boat:
How To Get Your Students Singing In Harmony
Level up your students part-work beyond the typical with a specific sequence and slew of activities specifically designed to help build musical independence. This session is designed for music teachers with elementary musicians in mind but can be applied to older students as well.
What Makes Zach Different?
- Hands-on presentations. I get restless if someone just talks at me for too long—so I promise I won’t do that to you. My sessions are active, interactive, and (dare I say) fun. You’ll be moving, singing, and creating right along with me.
- Practical experiences. I’m not sharing ideas from 20 years ago—I’m in the classroom right now. Everything I present is tested, teacher-approved, and ready to use the very next day.
- Empowering your expertise. Teaching is an art form, and no two classrooms are the same. You know your students better than anyone. My job is to give you tools and inspiration so you can shine in your own way.
- A little weird (in the best way). Music is about joy, curiosity, and sometimes letting your quirky side show. I create a safe space for teachers (and students) to explore, discover, and laugh—sometimes with me, sometimes at me. Either way, you’ll leave smiling and inspired.
Previous Presentations
- Kodaly Summer Camp, Detroit Public Schools, August 2025
- Kodaly Summer Camp, Michigan Kodaly Educators, July 2025
- Pre-service Teacher Discussion Panel, Central Michigan University, January 2025
- Folk Dance Frenzy 5, Michigan Music Conference, January 2025
- Repertoire Bonanza 3: Musical Playtime! Games for K-5, Michigan Music Conference, January 2025
- Making The Most of Your Seasonal Songs, Michigan Music Education Association, November 2024
- Making The Most of Your Seasonal Songs, Michigan Music Education Association, November 2024
- Kodaly Summer Camp, Saginaw Valley State University, July 2024
- Folk Dance Frenzy 4, Michigan Music Conference, January 2024
- Elementary, My Dear Watson: Uncovering the Secrets to Effective Music Lesson Planning, Michigan Music Conference, January 2024
- What Can I Expect When Teaching?, Central Michigan University, January 2024
- Little Bodies, Big Music, Michigan Kodaly Educators, August 2023
- What Do We Do With All These Resources? (I Need Help!), Michigan Music Conference, January 2023
- Folk Dance Frenzy 3, Michigan Music Conference, January 2023
- Professional Development, Clarkston Public Schools, February 2022
- Amplifying Meaning Music Making, Michigan Music Conference, January 2022
- Folk Dance Frenzy 2, Michigan Music Conference, January 2022
- Skating Through The Holidays, Michigan Kodaly Educators, October 2022
- Making The Most Of The Middle, Michigan Music Conference, January 2021
- Methodology Myth Busters, Michigan Music Conference, January 2020
- Folk Dance Frenzy, Michigan Music Conference, January 2020
- Favorite Folk Dances and Games, Michigan Kodaly Educators, April 2019
- Splitting Up Together: Part-Work in the Music Classroom, Michigan Collegiate ACDA Conference, March 2019
- Repertoire Bonanza 2: Multicultural Songs for Every Age, Michigan Music Conference, January 2019
- Make and Take, Michigan Kodaly Educators, September 2018
- Repertoire Bonanza: Play Parties and Games for Upper Elementary, Michigan Music Conference, January 2018
- Planning Magic! Turn Year Long Plans into Daily Lessons in a Snap!, Michigan Music Conference, January 2017