Michael Currie
Michael has been a music educator in Metro Nashville Public Schools for over fifteen years. He is currently the music specialist at Sylvan Park Elementary in West Nashville, where he teaches kindergarten through the fifth grade.
He takes a “hands on” approach to music education, putting instruments in his students’ hands as often as possible, and believes in what he calls the ”power of performance” – the idea that the process of learning, rehearsing, and performing a collection of songs that tell a story is an invaluable experience for elementary music students of all ages. All grade levels at Sylvan Park take part in their own unique performance each year.
Michael is an avid composer and has written a variety of songs for the classroom and the stage, including several of the musicals that his students perform. “The Journey” is one such example and is his first published work. He enjoys playing a variety of instruments, primarily focusing on the piano and guitar.
Michael has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Music from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music in music education from Belmont University. He was named a Music Teacher of Excellence by the CMA Foundation in 2016.
Michael Currie
eBooks by Michael Currie
Posts by Michael Currie
Musicast Episode 22: Kevin Coyne – An Innovator’s Mindset
Kevin Coyne is an amazing middle general music teacher pushing the limits of what is possible and exciting students at the same time. With a focus on informal learning and working towards a music education for all, Kevin talks to the Musicast team about his classroom and all the amazing work he is doing! [...]
Musicast “Episode” 20: News and Updates!
Franklin Willis is taking the Music Education world by storm! From his new book, Edward's Rhythm Sticks, to the amazing work he does with children and teachers everyday, he is an inspiration to listen to and learn from. You don't want to miss this episode! [...]
A Composer’s Perspective: Composing Vocal Music for Young Singers
I am Donna Rhodenizer. I am a composer. It took [...]
Musicast Episode 19: Franklin Willis – The Power of Living Your Teacher Truth
Franklin Willis is taking the Music Education world by storm! From his new book, Edward's Rhythm Sticks, to the amazing work he does with children and teachers everyday, he is an inspiration to listen to and learn from. You don't want to miss this episode! [...]
Research to Practice: Inclusion Means Everyone
For the past few years, the field of music education has talked about an increased need for diversity and equity in classrooms. However, as I’ve listened to these calls for change, I frequently see that for many people, diversity and inclusion encompasses only race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, orientation, and socioeconomic status. And while these are all aspects of music education that certainly need to change, I hold firm to the belief that we cannot have truly diverse or inclusive classrooms until we also include people with disabilities. [...]
Musicast Episode 18: Kat Reinhert – Popular Music on Stage and in Class
F-flat author, teacher, professor, and singer-songwriter Kat Reinhart sits down to discuss her journey as a musician. She discusses what it took to get where she is now, where she's headed, and lends a ton of advice to those looking to forge their own path in education or the music industry. Take a listen! [...]