Learning Resources
"This project [Timeline of African American Music] is a prime example of the ways in which education, technology and design can be combined for the greatest possible impact."
digital learning resource
Timeline of African American Music
New York, NY
Carnegie Hall’s Timeline of African American Music takes learners of all ages on a detailed and interactive journey through the evolution of Black musical genres that span more than 400 years. With multimedia stories, recordings, and images, this celebration of Black musical traditions offers an in-depth study of a variety of genres, styles, and pioneering musicians. Made possible in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts, this project was nominated for a 2022 Webby Award and a 2022 Honoree of Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Awards.
Content Manager
Partnered with Carnegie Hall, Dr. Portia K. Maultsby (a pioneer in the study of African American music), and scholars from across the country to curate essays and multimedia content that highlight the invaluable contributions of Black musicians and celebrate centuries of African American musical traditions.
Learning consultant
Consulted with contributing scholars and web designers to ensure alignment with educational objectives and connections to other learning resources.
UX Consultant
Worked alongside Carnegie Hall’s digital media team and design consultants to develop and revise the resource based on user feedback.
Curriculum Resources
Carnegie Hall Educator Resources
New York, NY
Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers, Link Up, and Music Educators Toolbox provide students and educators around the world with an extraordinary range of programs and learning resources. Serving as a Project Manager and Content Editor on these programs and digital learning tools, Amy contributed to a set of rich resources for building music skills in the classroom and connecting students with professional musicians across genres.
Music Educator’s Toolbox
Designed to be effective and adaptable in a wide variety of music classrooms, this set of free online resources for music teachers includes lesson plans and activities, summative and formative assessments, video examples, and documented best practices.
Musical Explorers Student Guide example.
Musical Explorers
A program for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade, where they explore a diverse range of musical genres, learn songs from different cultures, reflect on their communities, and develop singing and listening skills. This year-long program culminates with a live, interactive concert featuring the artists in the curriculum.
Link Up student in the classroom. Photo by Stefan Cohen.
Link Up
Students in grades 3 - 5, join the orchestra by learning to sing or play instrument in their classroom and then perform alongside a professional orchestra from their seats in a culminating concert. This curriculum provides teacher guides, student materials, concert scripts, and visuals to students and educators across New York City, and for orchestra partners in communities around the world.
COncert & Curriculum Resources
Symphonies for Schools & Youth
Los Angeles, CA
Since its first season in 1919, the LA Phil has presented concerts each year to thousands of young people from across Los Angeles. This tradition continues with thrilling live concert experiences and opportunities to connect with this world-class orchestra through new digital resources.
digital concert series
Symphonies for Schools Digital is a flexible, immersive experience that includes elementary and secondary level on-demand concert videos and accompanying teaching and learning resources. Amy served as the curriculum writer and learning consultant on these programs. All materials are designed to be flexible for use in online, in-person, or asynchronous learning environments. This experience is available to schools, teachers, families, and youth from around the world at no cost.
Learning Resource example
learning resources
With music and creativity at the center of exploration, these learning resources take students on a journey to learn about composers from across time and place, explore a variety of musical elements, develop their imaginations, and make personal connections to the music. Amy serves as the chief curriculum writer and content developer, and each program includes instructional content that can be adapted for a variety of settings, and used before or after experiencing an LA Phil concert.
Symphonies for Schools: The Firebird Concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
live concerts
The LA Phil believes in the power of music to spark imaginations and shape young lives. The Symphonies for Youth and Symphonies for Schools concerts invite young people ages 5 to 18 to experience the sights and sounds of the orchestra through Live concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Amy serves as a Learning Specialist on the creation and production of these concert experiences for both school and family audiences.
Digital Learning Resource
Ever Up and Onward:
A Tribute to Billy Strayhorn
Los Angeles, CA
A virtuoso pianist, lyricist, and orchestrator, Billy Strayhorn was a pioneer of the modern big band sound. His 28-year collaboration with Duke Ellington left a significant mark on Ellington’s musical identity and brand. In this eight-part video series by The Colburn School, bassist and Colburn Conservatory alumnus Marlon Martinez explores the life, legacy, and music of this jazz icon. Ever Up and Onward presents an in-depth portrait of Billy Strayhorn through interviews, audio recordings, archival video footage, in-depth analysis of musical characteristics, and performances with the Marlonius Jazz Orchestra. Amy served as the lead educational consultant and producer on this project.
Early childhood learning resource
Mickey’s Magical Arts World
Disney
Kids explore aspects of visual art, theater, music, and design as they build their own virtual worlds with classic Disney characters in Mickey’s Magical Arts World.
Content Developer
Created detailed learning progressions for both music and theater performance games, including skills-based content, developmental and learning objectives, and performance activities.
UX AND DESIGN CONSULTANT
Worked alongside Disney Imagicademy’s technology designers to develop and revise the program, based on user feedback, child development milestones, and artistic applications.
LEARNING CONSULTANT
Provided additional consultation on arts education best practices, as Disney’s designers developed accompanying games and toys for children ages 3 - 8.
“This is so much fun… an early learning experience that combines characters and stories with a research-driven curriculum. It’s an amazing way to give your kids the freedom to play and learn at the same time.”