Teacher Feature: Zachery VanderGraaf

• Zach VanderGraaff
• Posted 10/22/21
• 0 comments

Get to know our authors. In our  ”Teacher Feature,” you will not only learn about our contributors’ professional endeavors but also get to know them as  humans  too.  Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States. 

Zach VanderGraaff works as the K-5 Music Specialist with Bay City Public Schools. He completed his Master’s and Undergraduate Degrees in Music Education from Central Michigan University.  

It’s also at CMU where Zach took Kodály Level I and II. He then earned his Kodály Certificate from Indiana University and their Kodály Summer Program where he took Level III with help from the Jeno Adam Scholarship.  

Zach also presents at conferences, serves as Executive Secretary of the Midwest Kodály Music Educators Association, helps out as Past-President of the Michigan Kodály Educators, and runs the Dynamic Music Room, a music resource website.  

Some interesting facts we learned about Zach…

How did you end up becoming a music teacher? 

I started my undergraduate in music education because I had no idea what else I wanted to do.  I loved music and loved working with others, so it just made sense. After my first two years in school, I had only considered teaching band, but it really didn’t speak to me directly.  

Then, I observed a great elementary music teacher in my area, and I was inspired! My experience as a student in elementary was nothing like that! This teacher was able to get them to do, perform, and understand so much all while having fun. I wanted to be just like her and give my students the best start in music possible.  

From there, I went to workshops, observed more amazing teachers, and got involved in the music education community. And the rest is history!

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

Wow! That’s a hard question to answer. My main instrument is the tuba, and I love playing it every time I pick it up. But it isn’t as helpful with the everyday of my job as an elementary music teacher.  

Outside of the tuba, I equally love the guitar and ukulele. They’re fun to play and help me engage with my students a lot.  

What has been the biggest surprise/revelation about being a music teacher?  

How alone you are at your school and how little everybody else in the world knows about our art. It’s kind of sad if you stop to think about it. Most schools will have one music teacher in a school building and that’s it. If you’re lucky, your district has multiple teachers with the chance to develop a curriculum and share resources.  

I wasn’t prepared for this when I first got into teaching, and it was hard. I didn’t want other teachers to feel this way, which is why I stay involved with other music teachers and try to help them connect with others in their area.  

How do you deal with stress?  

I plunge into my hobbies and draw a line where I don’t allow “school stuff” into my mind (or I try to, at least). We need the disconnect to decompress and process our jobs which are insanely stressful at times. I also find it helpful to vent and simply talk to other music teachers. Even if we don’t “talk shop,” it’s nice to spend time with people going through the same thing as us.   

Fun Facts About You?

What is your favorite food?  

You can’t beat a good burger. 

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.  

I have a 9-year-old boxer/pit mix puppy (and he’s still a puppy!) names Remi, and I have a 4-month-old mini-rex bunny named Oreo. Guess what his colors are? 

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

While it largely depends on my mood, I always come back to Folk Rock music: The Head And The Heart, Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters And Men. 

What is your favorite school appropriate beverage – are you a cola or coffee drinker?  

Coffee all the way! 

What is your favorite book?  

Still Life by Lousie Penny. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Zach! Check out his Music ConstructED articles below.