Maia Timm, Music Educator
About Me
I am currently earning my BFA in Music Education at Virginia Commonwealth University and plan on becoming a public school Orchestra Director.
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
Current Student, Music Education & Violin
CLOVERHILL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
– Worship Team violinist and vocalist, 2023 – Present
– 6th Grade Girls Small Group Leader, 2024 – Present
HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER PLAYERS
– Student 2019-2021
– Summer Program Intern 2021
– Operations Manager & Staff- Summer Program 2022
BAY YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
– Student 2020-2022
GRASSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
– Student 2019-2022
– Concertmaster 2021-2022
– National Championship Grand Prize Winner and Outstanding Soloist
– Concerto Winner
MENTORS & PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Susanna Klein – Virginia Commonwealth University
2022 – Current
Steve Vutsinas – Grassfield High School Orchestra
2018 – Current
Jorge Aguirre – Virginia Symphony Orchestra
2019 – 2021
Anna Williams – Virginia Commonwealth University
Fall 2024
PROFESSIONAL
SKILLFUL
REFLECTIVE
Important Moments in Development
The single most important and formative part of my music education background is the time I spent at Grassfield High School under the baton of Steve Vutsinas. This experience was significant to devote several sections of this website to. I spent the first three years of my time at Grassfield High School as a timid freshman or on zoom calls due to covid, but my senior year was full of formative experiences. I was not only the concertmaster of the Chamber Orchestra, but I was also a violist for the 135 person concert orchestra and student director for the freshman orchestra. As student director, I learned to conduct and was given the opportunity to conduct on two separate occasions. Once for the winter concert as my ‘debut’ and again for district IV assessment.
The official beginning of my journey into music education began in high school as an administrative assistant for Hampton Roads Chamber Players. I was required to complete an internship through the Governors STEM academy I was enrolled in, and so I chose to help Jorge Aguirre run his summer program in 2021. I taught the youngest group of students, and ran the logistical part of things, as well as running the technology side of the camp. I fell in love with being able to serve students and share the wealth of knowledge that has been given to me. This was my first official teaching position and that was the first summer I saw the trademark glimmer of achievement and joy in a students eyes as a direct result of my instruction.
The freshman orchestra and the opportunity to perform as a soloist are the two greatest ‘moments’ from my high school years. Once I learned the basics of conducting, Mr. V would have me conduct and run entire rehearsals in his absence with the 55 member orchestra to continue their preparation for concerts. When he was in class, I would help run sectionals or give individual lessons. As a soloist, I became a major role model for the entire music program at Grassfield. At a visit home last spring, a flute student came up to me, having recognized me two years after graduation, to tell me that my performance two years prior had inspired her to practice and audition for the concerto competition that year (and she went on to win!).
My current job has allowed me considerable influence over dozens of young and old music students as a private teacher of both violin and piano. I have been teaching at the music tree since Summer 2023, and it is my favorite place to be besides orchestra rehearsal during the week. My students are always overjoyed to see me and usually eager to learn. My position has allowed me to start to really understand my innate abilities as a teacher and the kind of educator I want to be as a respected member of the profession. Every day I get to work with my studio, which ranges anywhere from 10-20 students at a time, it renews my love for education and music.
Fall 2024 Growth Reflection
This semester I have undeniably become more aware of the administrative and legalistic information that is imperative for music educators to understand and be able to think through critically. My ability to explain and express the musical intent of a piece has become clear and thorough in my private studio due to taking form and analysis this semester and taking research of music history seriously in my own time.
I feel like I have more than two strengths that are listed on the dispositions, but two that I feel are exceptionally strong are my abilities to recognize appropriate challenges for my students while articulating my high standards and my understanding of age appropriate pedagogical teaching strategies. My experience teaching privately the last year has allowed me to develop these skills far beyond what is likely expected for my age.
Practicum gave me numerous insights, not all good, not all bad. I certainly learned how I do not want to speak to my students and the tones of voice that do and do not work when trying to elicit certain reactions from children. I also learned the importance of setting boundaries in the professional field to not allow students or other teachers to take advantage of my time and generosity. From the cohort, I learned that many of the things I feel and think while in cohort centered classes are generally mirrored in my peers, and that I am not as alone morally as I thought.
The ability to get up and teach in front of a class to take things on a small test drive was the most helpful activity this semester. I never get to teach for professional feedback, and being notified that I am indeed on the right track was exceedingly encouraging. The biggest success that I had in the face of struggle and challenge this semester was my ability to keep my head up and work through the overwhelming amount of work and leadership responsibilities from this fall without falling behind.
I am most excited about teaching students how to be good and kind people through music and giving them the tools they need to be successful in anything they put their minds to, music or not. I try not to be prideful, since all glory goes to God and I am a practicing Christian, but I did good work this semester in my written assignments and in my teaching demonstrations which is seen by my academic grades and in the reception from my peers.