1. Francis Gilchriest
Passaic, NJ 07055
516-707-9212, frankgilchriest@yahoo.com
Professional Summary: Teacher with more than 20 years’ experience as a private Music Instructor and three years’
experience as Substitute Teacher is seeking full-time music teaching position at Brick Township Middle School.
Strong work ethic, excellent role model; consistently demonstrate enthusiastic appreciation/understanding of music.
Brick Township High School, Brick Township, NJ
Brick Veterans Memorial Middle School, Brick Township, NJ
Substitute Teacher (through Insight Workforce Solutions)
First Assignment at High School, from December 2015 to February 2016
Second Assignment at Middle School, February 2016 to Present
• As Choral Director and Music Teacher, demonstrated good rapport with middle school students (grades 6 to
8) as well as with high school students; in-depth knowledge of many musical styles and music history;
demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; adept at creating an encouraging,
fun and focused classroom atmosphere; aid students in developing musical talent while promoting improved
self-confidence and academic skills; teach students study skills, test-taking strategies, practice techniques.
• Plan/implement program of musical study that meets students’ needs, interests and abilities; create
classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level of the students.
• Encourage students to expand awareness of music as a vocation or avocation; encourage open line of
communication with students and parents; establish objectives for all lessons/units/projects with ability to
communicate these objectives effectively to students.
• Prepared students for concert (with limited time, started rehearsals in May) and directed/conducted annual
spring concert at Middle School (program was considered successful and was appreciated by
parents/students/faculty); directed/conducted chorus of graduates at the annual Moving Up Day Ceremony
in June (another successful performance well received by administration, parents and members of the
school board).
• Maintain active professional engagement in music beyond classroom; continually improving professional
musical competence and knowledge; possess strong interest in advancing goals of the discipline of music.
Camp Jam (https://campjam.com), Atlanta, GA
Camp Counselor, July 2014 to Present
• Provide music support for special events and create appropriate environment for event experience,
including practices to fulfill the requirements of each event.
• Extensive working knowledge of music concepts, principles and methodologies of instruction – based on 25
years’ experience as private music instructor and performer as well as three years’ classroom experience.
• Plan, prepare and work within a budget for music needs of the camp; encourage creativity among student
musicians. Work closely with Director to ensure practice/stage setups are planned and executed properly.
• Oversaw and implemented recreational, educational and social activities; adept at planning daily
instructional activities; committed to safe and positive atmosphere; enforced facility rules and regulations.
• Adapted activities to meet community needs; handled staffing duties (supervising and evaluating); managed
facility use and scheduling; assessed programs, services and facilities; consistently met program goals.
Advanced Talent Solutions, New York, NY
Substitute Teacher, January 2013 to 2015
• Evaluated/assessed music ability in students; directed, scheduled and coordinated music activities; adapted
instructional techniques for appropriate age and skill level; communicated behavioral observations and
student progress reports to students, parents, teachers and administrators.

2. • Maintained effective classroom management, always creating a safe, orderly and effective environment for
learning; maintained student records to document attendance, participation and progress (ensuring
complete confidentiality of all records); demonstrated knowledge of subject; provided private instruction to
individual and/or small groups to improve academic performance, improve skills or prepare for tests.
• Used appropriate instructional materials and techniques; assisted in choosing material geared toward
student level; maintained music equipment; reviewed class material with students by discussing text,
helping them turn problems into solutions and reviewing worksheets as well as other assignments.
• Inspired/empowered students to meet academic standards; engaged students by making subject matter
relevant with discussions of music composition, music industry, musical arrangements and popular music.
• Used available technology to enhance student instruction and achievement; monitored student
performance; assisted students in academic environments, such as classroom, laboratories and computing
centers; maintained records as required; attended staff and training sessions as required.
• Maintained rules, conduct and discipline in accordance with school policy and procedures.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues
Self-Employed Music Teacher, Passaic, NJ
1990 to Present
• Prepare lesson plans, materials; adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students needs
and abilities; successfully communicated objectives to students.
• Evaluate students’ progress; supervise students’ performances; communicate performance techniques.
• Use various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions and demonstrations; demonstrate expertise
in American popular music as well as music history. Communicate knowledge regarding professional
performance experience; foster and sustain a positive learning environment at all times.
• Select and obtain materials and supplies; provide direction on instrument purchases/rentals; use computers,
texts and supplementary materials, always keeping well informed on developments in field.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of principles, methodology and techniques related to musical instruction.
Assess accomplishments of students on regular basis and provide progress reports as needed.
• Oversee musical development and build relationships with students; exhibit mastery and enthusiasm for
music demonstrating commitment to lifelong learning and continued proficiency.
• Integrate technical skills with musical understanding; recruit students; market services; oversee scheduling
and administration of freelance business; build collaborative relationships with local music community.
Education:
• Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, CUNY, Queens College, 2011. Bachelor of Arts, English, 1995.
• Honors: GPA: 3.75; graduated magna cum laude; received Lawrence Eisman Center for Preparatory
Studies in Music Achievement Award, 2011.
Certifications: Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, New Jersey Department of Education, 2013. Initial
Teaching Certificate, New York Department of Education, 2013.
Relevant Affiliations: The National Association for Music Education (NAFME); The Vic Firth Education Program
(Percussion Education).
Professional Performance Information: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgilchriest
Technology: Sibelius (music writing software to create custom quizzes and assignments for students); Pro Tools
(recording software to create piano backing tracks); Tascam DR 05 (avoids any potential copyright or performance
royalty issues); Microsoft Office: PowerPoint, Word.