Teacher Feature: Theresa Cocci

• Theresa Cocci
• Posted 3/21/22
• 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. 

Theresa Cocci is currently an early childhood music specialist and author of two children’s books, Harry’s Horrible Hair and Henry the Hungry Hound.  She has over thirty years of teaching experience in the music and elementary classroom. Having earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, she has earned her Orff Schulwerk Music Certification from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Additional graduate course work includes studies in Early Childhood Music at West Chester University and graduate work in folk music and dance at the University of Hartford.  

Theresa’s professional affiliations include a member of AOSA, member at large for the Philadelphia Area Orff Association, Music Teachers National Association, and a member of the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators. Over the years, she has provided in-service workshops for early childhood classroom instructors for the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System or PQAS.

Some interesting facts we learned about Theresa… 

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?

When I discovered the impact that music can have on the lives of young children, I wanted to study and learn all that I could.

What is your favorite music teaching moment? 

One of my favorite moments as a traveling music teacher, was the time that one of my kindergarten students asked me at the end of class, if I could stay, because he loved music so much.

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

One of the most important revelations for me has been the ability to integrate stories and literature and observe how my students have been excited to create sound stories and performances.

How do you deal with stress? 

I love to play the piano and have been playing for most of my life. As soon as I sit down and start to play, I can fell the stress just melt away. I also enjoy going for long walks with my family and our dog.

Fun Facts About You?

What is your favorite food?

Pizza and a big salad and for dessert, a big cupcake.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.

Our family has a Cavachon named Molly who is 5 years old. She never likes to miss an opportunity for “belly rubs” and recently went through training to become a therapy dog.

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?

In our house, I grew up listening to music from Broadway musicals, which my family loved to play on our record player. When I began studying piano, I began to enjoy listening to classical music. Recently, I have become quite a fan of country and folk music.

What is your favorite book?

Having written two children’s picture books, I enjoy reading lots of picture books! I love children’s books that have a special message and one of my favorites is Winifred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. It is about a little boy who befriends an elderly woman and helps her regain some of her memory.

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