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December Music Teacher of the Month

Nicole Cardamone is our very first Music Teacher of the Month! Congrats, Ms. Cardamone! She is a K-5 music and band teacher at Shelter Rock Elementary School in Danbury, CT. She plays the flute, trumpet, and French horn. Please consider supporting her classroom through her Amazon Classroom Wish List. Help give her 530+ students the best education they can get!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who nominated you? How long have you been teaching?

I was nominated by my two principals, Xana Pacheco and Kristen Bradley, and my department head, Jill Russell. I am in my sixth year of teaching elementary music and band in Danbury, the same district I grew up in! I also direct the music for a musical at a middle school in Danbury. I went to The University of Connecticut for my undergraduate degree, the University of Bridgeport for my masters degree, and Augustana University for my 6th year degree in Social Emotional Learning.

What has music and/or teaching taught you?

Music has taught me to always strive for the highest and let my true self shine. Teaching has taught me an incredible amount of patience and the importance of fun. Teaching music has taught me that the most important thing is relationships and that building those positive relationships allows all students to truly be able to express themselves.

What types of music or instruments are your favorites to teach?

Trumpet is my favorite instrument to teach. I was a flute player up until high school and then switched to trumpet. Making that change is a big part of the reason why I teach music. It holds a special place in my heart and I love helping 4th and 5th graders learn it.

What is your favorite type of music to play?

My favorite type of music to play on trumpet was anything by Holst, Copland, Ticheli, and Whitacre. I was always more of a classical player. As far as music to listen to goes, I am a big Ingrid Michaelson fan and have her playing 75% of the time.

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy hiking, traveling, trying out new places, and going to concerts and Broadway shows!

What advice would you give music teachers just starting out?

Teaching is a team effort. Always always ask for help! Your colleagues are always there to see you succeed. If you are having trouble, need advice, or just want to bounce ideas off, do it! As teachers, we will be learning and growing from our first day of teaching until our last. Try new things and do not be afraid to make mistakes.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to all music students if you could?

Be kind. The most important thing in life is to be kind. Kindness goes a long way and is never wasted.