Christopher Owen

(248) 330-5814
csowen92@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE
To provide students with the instruction necessary to best develop musical understanding.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, Certified June 2015

Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
REUTHER MIDDLE SCHOOL Rochester Hills, MI
Fall 2015: Long Term Band Substitute

Assumed the responsibilities of the band program in the directors absence.

Maintained quality curriculum as students prepared for performances.
Guided learners with class sizes ranging from 35-50 students.

BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Troy, Michigan

Winter 2015: Student teaching internship
Fall 2014: Grades 6-8 field placement

Collaborated with faculty in the music field and in other fields to develop instructional
techniques to best teach students.
Developed cross-curricular lessons in a school-wide effort to engage and enrich student
learning.
Communicated with parents and community members about updates with the program.
Developed a curriculum appropriate to the developmental levels of the students.
Documented student growth and personal growth using media and technology, as well
as with personal reflection.
Participated in Professional Development for the music field specifically, and the field of
education in general.
Utilized technology-based instruction, including a Learning Management System.

EAST AND WEST HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOLS Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Fall 2013-Winter 2014: Grades 4-8 field placement

Worked on various musical elements with beginning and intermediate instrumentalists.

Guided students in learning music through the process of learning their instruments.
Built rapport with students through success in rehearsal and performance.
Developed lesson plans appropriate to the developmental levels of the students.

OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL Oxford, Michigan

Fall 2012-Spring 2013: Grades 6-7 field placement.

Worked to build a strong foundation with beginning instrumentalists.

Taught students skills needed to be successful on their instruments.
Learned classroom management strategies.
Taught students individual skills as well as ensemble skills.

HAMPTON ELEMENTARY Rochester Hills, Michigan

Winter 2012: K-5 field placement.

WORK EXPERIENCE
TROY ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL BANDS Troy, MI
Fall 2015: Teaching Assistant
MARSHALL MUSIC COMPANY Troy, MI
2015 Present: Recruiter

Worked with beginning instrumentalists to determine the best starting instrument for
students.
Worked with band directors to determine instrumentation.
Taught many first-time instrumentalists how to begin on each instrument.
Worked with many schools in the southeast Michigan area.
Enjoyed creating a positive first experience for many young beginning instrumentalists.

ORTONVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Ortonville, MI

2014 2015: Accompanist

Accompanied Sunday services, evening choir rehearsals, and other church events on
piano.
Worked with the Music Director to build up the music program through community
events.
Directed the choir in the absence of the Music Director.

SKILLS
Experienced with Learning Management Systems (Schoology, Google Classroom,
Moodle).
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Finale, and other computer-based programs.
Experienced with SMART Board technology.
Able to work in fast-paced, high-stress situations
Experience in writing, analyzing, listening to, and teaching a wide variety of music.
HONORS AND MEMBERSHIPS
2010-2015: Deans List of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University
2011-2013: Scholarship for Academic Excellence
2012-Present: Member of the National Association for Music Education
2014-2015: Departmental Scholarship
2014-Present: Member of Student Michigan Educators Association
Graduated Magna Cum Laude with Departmental and University Honors
PHILOSOPHY
A balance of student-centered teaching and instructor-based guidance is essential in
creating a classroom community which facilitates the development of critical-thinking and
musical understanding in learners. It is important to have a knowledgeable and
understanding instructor working with students to create an environment where students
know that they can be successful in the music program. Students will gain the experience
needed to have the musical background and analytical skills which allow them to be able to
apply these processes and their knowledge in situations beyond the music program.

REFERENCES
Dr. Spiros Xydas
Baker Middle School
Band Director, 6th-8th Grade
Cooperating Teacher during
Student Teaching
(248) 823-4600
sxydas2@troy.k12.mi.us

Erin Holden
Reuther Middle School
Rochester Community Schools
Band Director, 6th-8th Grade
(248) 726-4700
eholden@rochester.k12.mi.us

Dr. Deborah VanderLinde

Oakland University
Associate Professor and
Coordinator of Music Ed.
Former Professor
(248) 370-2030
VanderLinde@oakland.edu