Teacher Feature: Brian Wagner-Yeung

• Brian Wagner-Yeung
• Posted 10/5/20
• 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 human too.  Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States.  

Brian J. Wagner-Yeung is the Special Learners chair for NYSSMA. He received his BA and MSED in Music Education from CUNY Queens College, an advanced certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders from CUNY Brooklyn College, and is currently pursuing a second masters in Educational Leadership at CUNY Hunter College. He has taught students on the elementary, middle school, and high school level for the NYC Department of Education, where he has worked with students who have severe special needs – in addition to students who are gifted and talented. Mr. Wagner-Yeung has taught general music, string orchestra, musical theatre, and performing arts. He has presented and co-presented, workshops for local, state, and national conferences. He has also had articles published in state, national, and international journals. 

Some other interesting facts we learned about Brian…  

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I’ve always been driven by teaching, and could not think of doing anything else.  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

I had many great music teachers growing up on Long Island. They definitely inspired me to teach myself.  

We’ve read your blog, and really enjoyed it!   

What inspired you to share your experiences with other teachers? I love working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I want to share strategies that I have found successful within this population.  

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

Probably our big performances – mostly our musicals that we put on. It’s great to see the whole product put together and the kids have a blast.  

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

There’s always an alternative way to approach or teach something. Definitely allows me to be creative in my field.  

How do you deal with stress?  

Running, cooking and wine.  

Fun Facts About You?     

What is your favorite food?  

I don’t have a specific favorite type of food. But, I love cooking – especially Chinese and Korean cuisines.  

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.  

Sadly, I do not. But I do have almost 40 house plants.  

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

Depends on the day. Indie rock, trip-hop, classical, or bebop.  

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

Definitely coffee.  

What is your favorite book?  

Either The Song of Achilles or the Harry Potter series.  

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Brian as much as we have.  Make sure to check out his article Engaging Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the K-8 General Music Classroom (Let’s Make Music!).