Angela Mitsuma
Performer & Music Educator
about me
About Me
I have graduated with a B.A. in Music Education with an English minor from Providence College, where I studied voice and classical guitar. There, I earned the Highest in Major Award for earning the highest GPA in the major of Music Education and the Reverend Leo S. Cannon Award for excellent musicianship. I have over 15 years of experience on classical guitar coupled with a focus in choral music that is fueled by my experiences with the RI Children's Chorus, Providence Singers, and PC Chorus.
I grew up on my grandparents' berry farm in Little Compton, RI. When I'm not making music, I like to spend my free time reading anything from high fantasy novels to Cormac McCarthy, embroidering, and perfecting my cooking skills. I am also passionate about science and enjoy learning about the latest developments in neuromusical research.
CV
Work
Education
Training Chorus Conductor (2023–Present)
- Rhode Island Children's Chorus
Bachelor's in Music Education, English Minor
- Providence College, 2023, Summa cum laude
Church Cantor (2022–Present)
- St. Francis of Assisi & St. Dominic parishes
Summer English Studies
- Cambridge University, 2022
Teaching Assistant & House Counselor (Summer 2023)
- Phillips Academy Andover
High School Diploma
- Barrington Christian Academy, 2019
Music Theory Tutor (2019–2023)
- Providence College
Honors and Awards
Phi Beta Kappa - I was one of five juniors invited to join Providence College’s first chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honors society in America.
Highest in Major Award - I received this award for earning the highest GPA in the major of Music Education.
Reverend Leo S. Cannon, O.P. Award - The Providence College Music Department issued me this award for excellent musicianship.
Performance Highlights
With over 15 years of experience on classical guitar and extensive vocal studies, I am passionate about delivering high-quality and moving performances. I currently cantor at St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic and have considerable experience singing in choirs and performing on classical guitar.
Senior Recital, 2023: Voice
Senior Recital, 2023: Guitar
Commencement, 2023
Commencement Mass, 2023
Spring concert, 2023
Phi Beta Kappa induction, 2023
Academic Awards Ceremony, 2023
Choir concert, 2021
Children's opera, 2022
Philosophy of Education
As a music educator, I am passionate about enabling children to become their best selves through providing high-quality instruction that promotes music literacy and aural skills. I base my teaching style on two foundational beliefs:
- All students have unlimited potential.
- Students do well when they can.
Due to these beliefs, I recognize that I must enable my students to meet my high standards. Since students spend less time in music than in other classes, I set up my students for success through establishing classroom rules and procedures from day one. Establishing these expectations early enables me to streamline my instruction, use class time efficiently, and teach with a sense of urgency that keeps students engaged. I further promote student engagement through having a student-centered classroom and using questions that promote higher-order thinking. These questions culminate in formative and summative assessments that I use to inform my instruction. Moreover, I use effective teaching strategies to equip students with the skills they need to be independent musicians.
My mission is to enable children to engage the music inside them and fulfill their unlimited potential. Additionally, I strive to produce students who know how to practice effectively, perform with others, and perform alone. To accomplish this goal, I teach sequentially and carefully consider how to distill even the most complex musical concepts into logical lessons that children can easily learn. My sequencing is rooted in Kodály and Orff’s methods, which use singing and ostinatos to teach concepts. Further, it is my belief that if students are to enjoy learning, they must feel that what they are learning is meaningful and relevant to their lives. Thus, I create lessons that are relatable to my students’ lives and experiences as well as use my background in English and biology to make interdisciplinary connections. This fosters a positive attitude towards learning that intrinsically motivates students to learn and encourages them to be life-long learners.
Sample Unit
Click the photo to see a sample of my teaching style.
Contact Information
Want to work with me? Have questions? I'd love to connect with you!
amitsuma2019@gmail.com
