Music

Jaime Surdynski, with Da Vinci since 2010

Contact:
 Phone: 847-841-7532 ext 239
Email: jsurdynski@dvacademy.org

Email is the best way to reach me, especially since Music and Art share both the classroom and the same phone extension.

Check out YouTube videos of Da Vinci 8th graders giving musical tutorials!

Dylan M. on ukulele (Somewhere Over The Rainbow and What A Wonderful World)

Jim F. on piano

Education
 BA in Music Education with an Instrumental concentration from Bradley University  

Music Experience
 Private trumpet and piano studios
In 2009-2010, taught music at Jones Elementary School in Minooka, IL
Trumpet teacher at Streator High School (2007-2010)
Brass technician at Illinois Valley Central High School (2008-2010)
Trumpet player in Prairie Wind Ensemble, Peoria Municipal Band, & Lockport Community Band 

Philosophy
 All students deserve to learn in an environment that challenges them to explore. It is only after learning the rules of composition that we, as musicians, can break them in order to compose a masterpiece beautiful to our own personal aesthetics.

I try to teach each student in the way they learn best.  To ensure that all students can learn to their fullest potential, each lesson has a kinesthetic, aural, and visual aspect; that is to say that your child will see music, listen to music, and make music.  When these three components come together as mastered skills, the result is a student that is actively engaged in learning about and performing music.

Encouraging the Inner Musician
Music is an art form which requires a blend of perfection and error.  While we strive to make flawless music, we must accept the fact that music cannot be perfected.  Individuals can master techniques, a process which begins in early childhood.  As the fundamentals are learned, individuals learn to create harmony by working as independent musicians with other independent musicians, as students do in elementary music.  The true beauty of music is the journey of learning the music.

I encourage students to learn to appreciate the path they take while aiming for perfection.  By the time students are in middle school, they will have learned much more than mere techniques; they will have learned about culture, critical thinking, teamwork, dedication, and commitment.  Music brings satisfaction and joy by making daily improvements in the art form.  As life-long musicians, this talent is endless.