I Talk With People

I like to be held accountable. You should too. 

That means we’re going to chat. Regularly.

About targets, and how we get there, and what needs to change, and how we get better. And if the day ever comes when everything is in sync, the question becomes "can we duplicate this?" 

I get things done, the important things, and along the way I help make our Team (Caps) inclusive and strong and ready for the next challenge – to meet it and beat it.

If history predicts the future, look at my accomplishments. 

In most cases my numbers are above average. In others, my accomplishments are outstanding and top tier. But what they all have in common is…

I had zero experience when I began each tenure and still produced, sometimes exceptionally well. 

I am able to quickly grasp new concepts and technology, then I transfer that enthusiasm and knowledge to other people in a way that makes them act.

Other words used to describe me include, smart, funny, well rounded, professional, and more.

Once in a while humble and modest, but this isn’t that time; I mean c'mon, it’s LinkedIn.

Most business is about relationships and I attribute all my success, like below, on a simple formula… 

Act in ways that build trust, be genuine and be genuinely interested in people and do good things. If you do that, business will follow.

That's what happens to me, every time.

I wish I had some wild and crazy sales strategy, but I don’t, “be interested instead of interesting” opens a lot of doors.

I have led training seminars and done presentations 1 on 1 and to large groups, connecting the dots on technical and product details in a way that people ‘get it’ and act. 

As a hunter I am relentless; as a farmer I am attentive and thorough.

In summary I find, develop, maintain and grow the business. 

I create enduring revenue streams.

Derrick Swain

Music in the Schools Foundation

·	Manage a music program at 6 schools in underserved communities
·	Advocate for equal access to music education 
·	In 2021-22 doubled the number of schools served and increased the number of students in 
         each school 
·	In 2022-23 added two new schools to our program
·	Manage social media
·	Hiring/Firing
·	Onboarding new teachers
·	Create teachers’ contracts 
·	Manage and mentor 4 - 6 teachers supporting them with oral and written feedback after 
         observations
·	Create schedules
·	Track instrument inventory
·	Plan and coordinate assemblies and performances
·	Create materials for teachers to use in the classroom and for online teaching
·	Create curriculum guides for sequential learning 
·	Assist with grant writing and fundraising
·	Create MOU for each school
·	Submit monthly reports to the Board of Directors

Program Director

Community School of Music and Arts

Using primarily the Kodály method, I taught students from Kindergarten to 4th grade to love music as much as I do. I also directed an after-school chorus with students in grades 2-5. My hope is that my students will learn how music can change lives and to give them a medium of expression not possible in any other way. In addition, I taught beginning voice lessons, both private and group lessons for students age 12-18. For several summers, I created and implemented 2-week long camps including music and art for children ages 4-6.  As part of the Artistic Intelligence program for adults with autism, I taught the music component.

Music teacher

Whistlestop Child Development Center

I provided weekly music for toddlers through preK classes. Music time included singing, chanting, movement, listening, and playing simple percussion instruments. Children begin to get a sense of beat, rhythm, form, dynamics, tempo, pitch, and most of all an appreciation and joy for music!

Music Teacher

Highlands Elementary School

I taught general music (Orff and Kodaly) and recorder in 3rd and 4th grade.

Cantabile Youth Singers

I directed the youngest singers in Cantabile and also worked at the summer camp.

Prep Director

With over 20 years of teaching music in preK-4th grade, I have found success as Program Director at a nonprofit. I mentor new and veteran teachers, build strong music programs in low-income areas, and provide unique musical opportunities for students who would not otherwise have access to music education. Music belongs to everyone, not just those who can afford it. Reaching out to schools in underserved communities and strengthening relationships with school districts, principals, and teachers, I have more than doubled participation in our music classes. 

With experience teaching neurodivergent students from age 8-adult, I bring a unique perspective to music education. One size does not fit all. Sequential learning can look different depending on the students we serve. 

Through music, I encourage teachers to help children make connections to each other and to people around the world. 

Talks about  #underservedcommunities #musiceducation #arts #nonprofits #education #leadership #transferableskills #careerchanges #mentalhealth

taplio

The Battle

Derrick Swain

Kyle Sofman

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