Thomas

I'm a native of Brooklyn, New York, I spent my elementary, middle and high school years moving around the US. As a graduate of Richardson High School in Dallas, Texas, it was an easy choice for me to attend the University of North Texas in Denton.  After receiving my Bachelors’ Degree from UNT, I taught elementary, middle and high schools in Pilot Point, Texas and Corsicana, Texas.  Upon completion of my Masters of Music Degree from Texas A&M University- Commerce, I moved to Idaho to direct the Pocatello High School band, eventually becoming the music supervisor of the school system.  The move to Salt Lake City in 1994 to work on my Ph.D. and to teach at the University of Utah was almost as exhilarating as the birth of my first son (Adam)! 

 

Moving to the East Coast in 1997 I became a spokesperson for Arts Education and supervisor of Arts Education for Arlington Public Schools.  In 1999 I testified on behalf of the importance of the Arts before the Senate Committee on Health, Labor and Education. 

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=ZyUVjRM7vD4C&pg=SL4-PA367&lpg=SL4-PA367&dq=1999+THOMAS+DURANTE+#v=onepage&q=1999%20THOMAS%20DURANTE&f=false

 

Today, I truly am blessed doing what I love to do.  I’m grateful to teach motivated children surrounded by a world-class teaching staff and a VERY supportive administration for Prince George's Public Schools, Maryland.  I carry my teaching philosophy to the music studio where I've taught privately since 2000.  My belief is that all students - regardless of age - come ready to learn and the words ‘failure’ or 'can't' don't exist. Because all humans make mistakes we should view them as opportunities for growth. The best thing about mistakes is that you get to fix them!  In music it's called it practice! And this is how we get better.  Are you ready to 'get better'?