Ambassadors are an elite group of music educators hand-selected by the MusicFirst team based on their educational expertise, music technology savvy, and software proficiency. These individuals represent MusicFirst at conferences, facilitate trainings, create & curate content, and provide valuable feedback to the development team.

Design, plan, and implement professional development for the music teachers of NYC, specifically those who specialize in String Orchestra. Professional Development projects for the Arts Office include:- Lead Mentor for the Paul Simon Fellows- Designing and building asynchronous P.D. courses on Canvas.- Creating online resources for incorporating technology in the music classroom.- Co-creating/editing curriculum for dissemination amongst NYC music teachers.

Inaugural director of newly reinstated Bronx-wide Orchestra for 4th-8th grade students. Recruit, organize, and direct an audition-only ensemble on Saturdays. Present at least one formal concert per year.

Facilitate a Professional Learning Community (PLC) for Bronx-based Instrumental Music teachers for the Connected Arts Network (CAN). (CAN) is a federal grant that invites arts teachers to collaborate and create a standards-based unit of learning with the lens of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I), and Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE). Our goals include: - Seeking a deep understanding of SEL and ED&I, CRSE- Supporting integration of SEL in the classroom - Supporting teachers’ creation and implementation of a unit with a lens of ED&I and SEL- Reflecting on the student product, lesson and/or unit for refinementAs of Fall 2023, Leah Elaine Hanley is also one of two NYC music facilitators for CAN National in partnership with NAfME.

Teach strings, general music, and general music for special learners. Organize, schedule, and teach students in small group lessons. Maintain instrument inventory and music library. Present at least two formal concerts per year.

Produce two different series per season:• Musikids - Provide a 45-minute, interactive, pre-concert presentation suitable for 8- to 13-year-olds. Design visual aids, perform musical excerpts, and provide other aids to the demonstration. Create the Children’s Program complete with games and a customized take-home activity for each concert.• Exploring the Orchestra - Present a 45-minute, interactive chamber music concert suitable for 4- to 6-year-olds. Design a three-year, rotating curriculum. Program, order, and distribute repertoire to musicians. Manage rehearsals. Compose visual aids, Parent Program, Children’s Activity Page, and take-home activities for each concert.

Field Supervisor: Mentored and evaluated music teachers employed by Education Through Music. Developed curriculum and resources for music teachers. Presented continuing education workshops to music teachers employed by ETM, classroom teachers in New York City Public and Parochial Schools in partnership with ETM, and music teachers in districts partnering with ETM as a teacher development consultant. Composed a monthly newsletter for ETM music teachers. Designed and edited customized Lesson Planner. Project Coordinator for Simon Grant and Project Supervisor for Federal Department of Education Grant.Music Teacher: Taught in three different Bronx schools as an ETM employee:• P.S. 68 - Taught general music and cello classes, grades 3-5. Redesigned the instrumental program to a comprehensive string orchestra program. Presented three formal concerts per year.• St. Anthony - Taught general music K-8 and guitar class for 6th-8th graders. Presented one pageant and one formal concert per year. Established the annual Music Fair.• M.S. 180 - Established the first String Orchestra program at the school. Implemented instrument storage, procurement, distribution, and maintenance systems. Formulated schedules for small group instrumental lessons. Taught strings and general music for special learners. Presented two formal concerts per year.

Taught private and small-group lessons in violin, piano, and voice. Adjudicated the annual Music Scholarship Competition. Taught group music classes at Summer Camp. Music Director and Choreographer for the Summer Camp production of The King and I.

Taught courses in Strings Methods and Pedagogy for music education majors.

Taught courses offered by the Starling Project (ages 3-13) on-campus at CCM and in a satellite campus at Seven Hills School. Courses included Theory & Musicianship, Chamber Ensemble, and Private Lessons.