Sandy Knudson is our featured teacher this week. She holds a M.M.E. and Kodály certification from The University of Oklahoma. Since 1990, Sandy has served on the faculty of The University of Oklahoma Kodály certification program where she teaches solfege, conducting, and choir. She holds National Board certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music.
More than ever, our students need to move. Quarantine life has taken its toll on our bodies. This school year is like student teaching or your first year of teaching; you are nervous to try things for the first time. Some things will go well; others will not. Find some music that you LOVE; find a dance that you LOVE and adapt it!!!
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.
Sandy Knudson is our featured teacher this week. She holds a M.M.E. and Kodály certification from The University of Oklahoma. Since 1990, Sandy has served on the faculty of The University of Oklahoma Kodály certification program where she teaches solfege, conducting, and choir. She holds National Board certification in Early and Middle Childhood Music.
Sandy is the Artistic Director of the Norman Children’s Chorus and has successfully taught K-5 classroom music for 30 years. Well-known as a clinician, master teacher and guest conductor, Sandy has presented workshops at numerous state and national conferences. She has been guest conductor for honor choirs in Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas and has served as conductor of Circle the State with Song festivals throughout Oklahoma. In 2015, she conducted the OAKE National Children’s Choir. In 2018, Sandy was awarded Outstanding Educator by OAKE.
How did you end up becoming a music teacher?
I visited an elementary music classroom as a freshman in college, and I was hooked!
What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?
I have a passion for teaching music, teaching children, and teaching teachers. When I am doing any of these things, I am in my happy spot.
What is your favorite food?
Dark chocolate and ice cream
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
I have a 17 -year old cat named Toulouse.
What is your favorite style of music to listen to?
Classical, jazz, folk, and opera
Additionally, Sandy loves to travel, bike ride, dance, and work in my yard. She also enjoys spending time with her family, and loves to read and listen to audio books.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sandy as much as we have. Make sure to check out her article Movement in the Music Room .