Nyarko Somuah Benjamin

I am an enthusiastic Music Professional with a passion for instilling a love of music, history, vocal techniques, and performance experience in elementary school students. I possess exceptional skills in developing performance groups and ensembles to showcase skill growth, and I bring a wealth of experience in teaching both elementary and middle grades. My background encompasses roles as an educator, leader, and performer, reflecting a strong attention to detail combined with a creative and friendly teaching style. I am eager to share my expertise and inspire a lifelong appreciation for music in my students.

• Led LCS Elementary School music department through the IB accreditation process in 2019.
• Organized and performed major concerts at Lincoln Community School including directing, coaching, and playing piano accompaniments for elementary voices of 200+ singers and instrument players, from 2013 - 2019.
• Directed and produced large-scale musicals for elementary school kids at Lincoln Community School.
• Member of a team that hosted the 2013/14 AISA Conference at Lincoln Community School in Ghana.
• Participated in the West African brass band competition for kids at the national theatre organised by KIDDAFEST (Kids in Arts Festival).

• Notation reading and teaching
• Instrument Playing
• Vocal Development
• Rhythm reading strategy
• Performance Practice
• Aural Assessment
• Song writing
• Instrument Instruction
• Hand Coordination exercises
• Improvisation Strategies
• Choir Grooming
• Lesson Planning

• 2021 to date: The Word Of Truth And Prayer Ministry - John Teye branch head of music ministry.
• 2007 to date: Associate Board Of Royal School Of Music (ABRSM) Piano instructor (Teaching and preparation of students for standard practical and theory exams)
• 2007 to 2013: Dzorwulu Circuit 1st Deputy Director of Music (Association of Methodist Church Choirs Union)
• 2010 to 2012: Delhi Public School (Dps), Music Instruments Teacher.
• 2009 to 2010: Ghana International School (GIS); Music/Piano Teacher.
• 2008 to 2010: Secretary to the Leaders' Meeting (Trinity Methodist Church).
• 2007 to 2013: Trinity Methodist Church, Accra; Principal Organist/Choirmaster.
• Nov/Dec. 2007/2008: Invigilating Assistant; University of Ghana, end of Semester Exams.
• May/June. 2007/2008: Invigilating Assistant; University of Ghana, end of Semester Exams.
• 2006 - 2007: Soundstage Pro-Audi; Sound Engineer /Programmer.
• 2005 - 2007: Ring Way Gospel Centre, Accra; Choirmaster/Organist.
• 2003 - 2004: God's Church of Peace, (Odokor Accra) Organist.

• CASIE MYP CAT. 1 ARTS; VISUAL AND PERFORMING, SECTION B, 2021, 3 days, Intensive IB workshop
• NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY PGCE, AGUST 2017, Face-to-face session, International teaching
• IB PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON INTERNATIONAL-MINDEDNES AT LCS, 2015, Certificate of Participation
• ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN AFRICA (AISA) Oct. 2013 CONFERENCE, Certificate of Participation
• THE ROLE OF ARTS IN PYP WORKSHOP IN GHANA FEB. 2013, IB/AISA Certificate of Participation

• REBECCA NANOR, Education Consultant, EduIgnite Ltd., Accra, Ghana, beckynarnor@gmail.com, 0244279335
• KATE WAND (EX-PAT), High School Drama Teacher/PLC leader, Lincoln Community School, Abelenkpe, Accra, kwand@lincoln.edu.gh, 02558146542
• JAMES WATERKOTTE (EX-PAT), Middle and High School Band Director, Lincoln Community School, Abelenkpe, Accra, jwaterkotte@lincoln.edu.gh, 0556116696

I dedicate my time to grooming choirs and providing piano accompaniment in a church setting.

Computing Skills: Up to date with the latest educational and music technology.

▪ Up to date with the use of Zoom, Google Suits, managebac, and Seasaw

▪ Able to use a multitude of music production software such as Fruity Loops, Garage Band, Sibelius, Finale, Cubase SX, and Pro tools to produce or remix music.

▪ Proficient in using Mac, Windows XP/Vista/Millennium Word, Excel, iMovie, Garage Band, Gimkits, and Google Apps.