Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Qualificationhighlights
Timeline
2b
Samuel Okyere Darko

Samuel Okyere Darko

Music Teacher
Accra

Summary

Professional music educator bringing strong skills in lesson planning, curriculum development, and student engagement. Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues, adapt to changing needs, and achieve positive outcomes. Highly reliable with focus on fostering supportive and productive learning environment. Skilled in various teaching methodologies, instrumental techniques, and music theory. Have strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills to any setting where music is concerned. Excited to begin new challenge with successful team.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Music Teacher

Dison International School
Accra , Burma Hills,
01.2024 - Current
  • Organized successful concerts and recitals, showcasing students'' talents and hard work.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
  • Enhanced students'' understanding of music theory through engaging activities and exercises.
  • Mentored students in various ensembles, boosting their confidence and performance skills.
  • Motivated students to practice consistently through goal-setting, tracking progress, and providing constructive feedback.
  • Improved student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connected music with other subjects.
  • Implemented effective classroom management strategies, creating an inclusive environment conducive to learning.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
  • Utilized current technology and interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement.
  • Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
  • Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
  • Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
  • Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
  • Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
  • Used technology in classrooms to integrate technology and multimedia tools into art lessons and enhance student learning.
  • Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
  • Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate 200 students about fundamentals and history of music.

Vocal Director/Bassist

Living Streams International
01.2021 - Current
  • Vocal coaching and directing of music for Sunday services
  • Working closely with team members to deliver musical project requirements, and meeting performance deadlines
  • Collaborating and development of musical programs
  • Providing choir members with any other musical support
  • Selected and arranged music for 6 holiday performances and special events.

Guitar Tutor (Part Time)

KFM Music School
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Formulating and implementing effective lesson plans focusing on principles of music, musicianship, music theory, music techniques and practice
  • Mentoring individual students effectively by taking creative approach to enhance their skills in effective guitar learning
  • Gathering needed music materials for daily class instruction as well as performances
  • Improving students' progress by evaluating and adjusting teaching and learning strategies
  • Monitoring students' progress by analyzing performance metrics
  • Developing and promoting school's academic and creative reputation to align with overall strategic vision
  • Provided students with written and recorded material to organize home practice sessions.
  • Developed comprehensive plans to increase repertoire, technical abilities and aural development.
  • Improved students'' understanding of music theory through engaging, hands-on activities and exercises.
  • Assessed each student's playing talent to tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
  • Developed students'' confidence and stage presence by coaching them for live performances.
  • Kept up-to-date on latest teaching trends, incorporating innovative ideas into lessons when applicable.
  • Enhanced student performance by developing personalized lesson plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
  • Identified areas for improvement in individual student performance through careful observation of playing techniques during lessons.
  • Achieved increased levels of student engagement by utilizing interactive technology during lessons.
  • Balanced development of technical skills with appreciation for musicality using variety of teaching approaches.

Music Teacher

Canadian Independent School
Accra, Ghana
08.2020 - 01.2021
  • Incorporated creative activities into lessons to engage students and spark interest in music.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly through formal assessments, adjusting instruction as needed for continual improvement.
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
  • Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback to guide progress.
  • Implemented effective classroom management strategies, creating an inclusive environment conducive to learning.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connected music with other subjects.
  • Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate twenty students about fundamentals and history of music.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in music education, enriching both teaching skills and curriculum offerings.
  • Utilized current technology and interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to integrate music into cross-curricular activities, enriching overall educational experience.

Assistant Music Director/Bassist.

Liberty Gracelife Chapel
01.2019 - 01.2021
  • Assisted Music Director in planning and executing successful concerts, ensuring seamless coordination of all elements.
  • Acted as liaison between guest artists or conductors and ensemble members during collaborative projects or special appearances.
  • Facilitated communication between musicians, administrative staff, and Music Director for smooth operations during production periods.
  • Coordinated auditions for new members, maintaining high musical standards within the ensemble.
  • Managed logistics for off-site rehearsals or performances, ensuring a smooth transition from regular practice spaces to performance venues.
  • Collaborated with other artistic staff on interdisciplinary projects, enhancing audience experience at performances.
  • Provided constructive feedback to musicians, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance overall performance quality.
  • Enhanced choir performance by selecting appropriate repertoire and arranging music for various ensembles.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling rehearsals, organizing program information, or distributing materials when necessary.
  • Conducted sectional rehearsals as needed, identifying areas needing improvement and providing targeted instruction accordingly.
  • Developed strong relationships with musicians to foster a positive working environment, resulting in increased retention rates.
  • Implemented innovative warm-up exercises to improve vocal technique and ensemble sound during rehearsals.
  • Evaluated musician progress throughout the season using clearly defined benchmarks, providing valuable insights for future artistic planning.
  • Participated in community outreach initiatives to promote the organization''s mission and increase public support.
  • Improved rehearsal efficiency by creating detailed schedules and prioritizing goals for each session.
  • Supported the Music Director in managing budgets and resources, ensuring optimal use of funds for program success.
  • Mentored young musicians through individual coaching sessions, fostering growth in technical ability and confidence levels.
  • Handled requests for specific musical selections.
  • Attended regular practices and private lessons to hone skills.
  • Collaborated with performers and producers to determine and achieve desired sound for production.
  • Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
  • Managed equipment inventory and ensured proper maintenance, leading to optimal audio quality during performances.
  • Participated in recording sessions at professional studios, refining tracks for album releases.
  • Selected and arranged music for four holiday performances and special events.

Teaching Assistant (National Service)

University of Education, Winneba
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Teaching Assistant for guitar year group 2016 -2107 in UEW department of music
  • Teaching of guitars (bass, both acoustic and electric lead guitars)
  • Teaching of staff notation and music theory
  • Facilitating and coordinating four major bands for four different genres for the school
  • Featuring national and international artiste on joint collaboration programs both on-campus and off-campus
  • Helping students take advantage of other relevant and available study resources with respect to music
  • Tutoring and supporting students individually and in groups of up to four by teaching and reviewing lesson concepts
  • Conducting special assessments and tutoring sessions to support individual student needs
  • Helping students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring
  • Meeting individual students effectively by taken creative approach to enhance teaching and learning
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions for struggling students, leading to increased understanding and improved grades.
  • Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities, resulting in higher student interest and motivation.
  • Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
  • Conducted research for academic projects, contributing to advancement of departmental goals.
  • Increased class participation by creating positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
  • Supported lead teacher in developing curriculum materials, tailoring instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
  • Developed materials for classroom teachers to support instruction, lab work or in-class activities.

Education

MPhil - Music Composition

University of Education, Winneba
Winneba, Ghana
01.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Music

University of Education, Winneba
Winneba, Ghana
01.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts

Adventist Senior High School
Kumasi, Ghana
01.2009

Skills

  • Performance direction
  • Vocal coaching
  • Piano and Guitar Training
  • Music theory
  • Staff Development and Mentorship
  • Program Administration
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Public and private education knowledge
  • Music Production

References

  • Prof. Cosmos Worlanyo Mereku, Formal Dean of Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba, Department of Music, cmereku56@gmail.com, 0243444975
  • Dr. Ebenezer Henry - Brew Riverson, University of Education, Winneba, Department of Theatre Arts, hebrewr@yahoo.com, 0200712479
  • Mr. Mark Millas Coffie, University of Education, Winneba, Department of Music, markmillas@gmail.com, 0242242880
  • Mrs. Nancy Tetteh, Barrister, The legal Aid Commission, nancyadjabeng@yahoo.com, 0276756844

Qualificationhighlights

  • 14 years of music experience
  • Band head and director for University of Education, Winneba (UEW band) - 2014 - 2019.
  • Talent for composing contemporary music genres (afro pop, gospel tunes, hip-life, high-life and country)
  • Bassist and bandleader of renowned musicians like Joe Mettle, NOBKET (Noble Nketia Ministries), Diana Hopeson, Daughters of Glorious Jesus and Rose Ashley Adjei
  • Band head and production management of various records such as RAM records and NOBKET
  • Established four new bands on UEW Campus (Reggae, RnB, Afro-Pop and Gospel Bands)
  • Featured on events of accomplished musicians such as Shasha Marley, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, and C.K Mann.
  • Effective use of digital audio workstation such as Logic X Pro and Fruity loops

Timeline

Music Teacher

Dison International School
01.2024 - Current

Vocal Director/Bassist

Living Streams International
01.2021 - Current

Music Teacher

Canadian Independent School
08.2020 - 01.2021

Guitar Tutor (Part Time)

KFM Music School
01.2019 - 01.2022

Assistant Music Director/Bassist.

Liberty Gracelife Chapel
01.2019 - 01.2021

Teaching Assistant (National Service)

University of Education, Winneba
01.2016 - 01.2017

MPhil - Music Composition

University of Education, Winneba

Bachelor of Arts - Music

University of Education, Winneba

Bachelor of Arts - Visual Arts

Adventist Senior High School
Samuel Okyere DarkoMusic Teacher