Teaching Artist Training Program 2016-2017

The success of Miami Music Project revolves around our notable Teaching Artists and investing in their development. Made up of professional musicians and educators, this years’ Teaching Artist Training will took place August 22-26. Over the span of five days, our teachers received workshops and coaching experiences to prepare them for the upcoming year.

For this years’ Teaching Artist, we’re honored to have Eric Booth and Debbie Devine offer invaluable workshops to our teachers and students. Eric is a senior advisor to the movement developing El Sistema-inspired sites around the U.s and world. He received Americans for the Arts 2015 Arts Education Award. He was named in the “Top 50 Most Powerful and Influential Leaders in the Nonprofit Arts (USA) for 2015 in Barry’s Blog. He has authored 5 books and has performed many times on television, directed five productions, and produced two plays in New York.

Debbie Devine has been an award-winning theatre director and a respected leader in the field of arts education for over three decades. She has been the Chair of the Drama Department of The Colburn School of Performing arts for over 30 years. She is also a theatrical director with the LA Philharmonic and is thrilled to have directed pieces in the gorgeous spaces that are Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Debbie’s work with musicians has been a big part of her growing resume. Her Presentational Speaking Skills class has been utilized by The LA Philharmonic, The Seattle Symphony, The Pacific Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl and numerous individual artists. Most recently Debbie was awarded the 2013 LA Weekly Award for Best Direction, for 24th Street’s Theatre for Young Audiences piece, Walking the Tightrope.

“The important work that Miami Music Project is doing in Miami’s most challenged communities is utterly inspiring. Their core values of community, respect and teamwork are on full display. Not only do they use music to ignite the natural resilience in children, they do so artfully with love.” Debbie Devine

“It was an inspiration for me to work with the strong Miami Music Project faculty for two days of intense learning. We grappled with the elusive topic of all the ways, large and small, we can increase student motivation to make music. And then we worked with Miami Music Project students whose participation taught us to be even better teachers. The Teaching Artists showed me such dedication and skill as we created stronger bonds between ourselves and with the students. The professional development taught me as much as it taught the faculty.” Eric Booth