About My Teaching
Music has always been a source of inspiration for me, and it brings me joy to be able to share this passion with children and adults who love music as much as I do!
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Philosophy
Achieving success in music often depends on finding the right teacher - one who not only has knowledge and experience, but one who has patience, empathy, compassion - and humor - to guide you along your musical journey. Teaching students with learning differences and other difficulties has challenged me over the years to develop new arrangements and procedures to ensure my lessons are accessible to all music learners. I use my background in clinical neuropsychology and mental health to incorporate the latest scientific advances on brain development and best practices in music education into lessons that get results!
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Integrity
When you invest your time, energy, and financial resources into learning music, you deserve a teacher who has the knowledge, experience, creativity, patience and compassion to help you accomplish your goals. You deserve a teacher who not only offers practical, objective feedback, but one who makes learning fun. Contact me today to find out how my lessons can help you and your child achieve positive results and fulfill your musical potential!
Bio
Ms. April Hamm, M.M. is an award winning music educator with degrees from University of New Orleans (Master of Music) and Emory University (B.A. Psychology & Music, cum laude). "Miss April" began sharing music professionally at a young age in 1995 when she was hired to accompany church choirs in her community. She began teaching as a licensed Musikgarten instructor in 2000. Since then, she has taught well over 300 children and adults in general music, band, chorus, orchestra, music theory, and other subjects, in addition to vocal and instrumental lessons. She is the recipient of recent awards from Music Teachers National Association and National Piano Foundation. She is the founder of Center for Musical Development and Wellness, Inc, supported in part by New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Youth Education Center, and individuals like you.
Credentials
EXPERIENCE
JUST A FEW HIGHLIGHTS
Center for Musical Development & Wellness, Inc
Miss April's Musical Arts Studio
Emory Center for Prenatal Assessment & Development
Emory Children's Music Development Center
EDUCATION
MASTER OF MUSIC
M.M. (Master of Music), 2014
University of New OrleansB.A. Music (cum laude), 2003 Emory University
B.A. Psychology, 2003
Emory UniversityMusikgarten Certifications, 2000
RESULTS
STUDENTS WHO SUCCEED
​Helping You Achieve Your Musical Potential Through:
Music Literacy
Inspirational Compositions
Recreational Music Making
Evidence-based lessons
Personalized guidance
Awards & Recognition
RECENT CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
NPF AWARD
RECREATIONAL MUSIC MAKING
What an honor to be included among a national cohort of 12 amazing Recreational Music Making (RMM) teachers recognized by the National Piano Foundation (NPF) at the 2017 MTNA National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland!
MTNA AWARD
TEACHER ENRICHMENT
As much as I love teaching, I also love learning. The more I learn, the more resources I have in my toolbox to share with my students. That's why I'm thrilled to receive this Teacher Enrichment Grant from the Music Teachers' National Association!
SCORE AWARDS
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
In addition to my independent music teaching and writing, I currently serve as Director and Lead Facilitator at Center for Musical Development and Wellness (CMDW) Inc. It was so encouraging for all CMDW volunteers to be recognized by SCORE New Orleans as the Nonprofit Organization of the Year in our first year!
UNO GRADUATE
MASTER OF OF MUSIC
Earning a graduate degree in music was no mere right of passage for me. It was incredibly challenging, and I accomplished it with the tremendous support of my piano teacher, family and friends. Thanks to all who were there for me through thick and thin while I earned this degree!
A Message From My Students
