About Ms. Waller

Education

Bachelor of Music Education K-12, University of Northern Colorado

Home town

Fort Collins, CO

Birthday
August 22

Hobbies

Baking, hiking, watching hockey, rock climbing/bouldering, road tripping

Family

I have a happy little life with my husband! We don't have kids, but we do have a dog and two guinea pigs.

My Favorites

Allergies: none

Coffee/tea: Spiced brown sugar latte or any kind of cold brew

Snack: Flavor Blasted Goldfish, Dotz seasoned pretzels

Night out restaurant: Texas Roadhouse

Lunch restaurant: CAVA

Place to shop: Home Goods

Bookstore: Barnes & Noble

Holiday: Christmas

Flower: Baby's Breath or Sunflower

Color: Green

Sports team(s): Colorado Avalanche

Silly fact about me: I love hedgehogs and pineapples, and I never eat at McDonalds

Name: Zoee Waller
Position: Middle School Music Instructor (ALL)
Email: Send email

In My Music Classroom...

I strive to create a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, risk-taking, and personal growth by prioritizing positive teacher-student relationships. I believe students learn best from a teacher they trust and believe will advocate for their success and education. Music has the power to shape students' minds and character through listening, playing, skill refinement, and instrument/material maintenance. I focus on teaching proper technique and instrument care early so that unhealthy habits do not limit students' abilities down the road. Musical play is a valuable method of teaching and learning music as kids, and even adults, often learn best through highly engaging and fun lessons. Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try new or more challenging skills to grow as not only a musician, but as an individual.

Expected Content

6th Grade

Students will begin by reviewing the basic elements of music and note reading and apply that knowledge to the ukulele. They will be able to read simple sheet music and play it on the ukulele, as well as play chords along to simple songs. As their knowledge of notes and chords develops on the ukulele, they will apply all their skill and knowledge into a ukulele composition. We will also review and discuss musical instruments and ensemble types, early musical eras, and their relative composers.

7th Grade

Students will expand their knowledge and skills that were built in 6th grade. We will dive more in depth into music theory, exploring whole and half steps, chord types, and chord functions. In 7th grade, students will graduate from ukulele and begin exploring the fundamentals of guitar! Students will be able to play simple melodies on the guitar and strum simple chords to a song as well. We will but all of our knowledge and skills to the test with performance and composition projects. Along with developing our guitar and music theory knowledge, students will explore and discuss America's musical history through the Blues and Jazz.

8th Grade

Students will apply their knowledge of the musical elements (dynamics, tempo, etc.) and treble clef to the guitar! We will be playing more complex songs as we develop our music reading, finger picking, and strumming skills on the guitar. Students will collaborate with peers for performances and will work independently to compose their own songs on the guitar, as well. We will explore Western and Non-Western styles and ensembles, and delve into the Modern Era and related significant American repertoire.