Imagine a music room alive with the rhythms, stories, and soul of BIPOC traditions—where every student sees their heritage reflected in song and every teacher feels confident guiding them.

Hello! I’m Alyssa —a passionate, eight‐year music educator in Kansas City Public Schools with a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (Instructional Design). Over the last eight years, I’ve built dynamic, learner-centered programs across general music, guitar, piano, ukulele, and chorus. My expertise lies in translating complex theoretical concepts—like counterpoint, harmony, and form—into hands-on activities: think collaborative composition labs, interactive score-reading games, and multimedia deep dives that appeal to every learning style.

My curriculum designs are steeped in research and real-world application. I’ve piloted digital platforms (Quaver Music, Google Classroom, Flipgrid) to extend learning beyond the classroom walls, built tiered lesson plans that scaffold skills for diverse ability levels, and woven continuous formative assessments into every unit so teachers can monitor growth in real time. Through weekly peer-collaboration circles and creative performance showcases, students don’t just memorize—they internalize and own the musical process.

Equity and cultural responsiveness drive everything I do. I curate repertoires that center BIPOC composers—from West African drumming traditions to contemporary Latinx choral works—and embed discussion prompts that invite students to connect music with their own identities. Instead of viewing language barriers or cultural differences as hurdles, I leverage them as entry points for richer dialogue, turning our music room into a space where every student’s heritage is amplified.

Now, I’m launching a GoFundMe to develop a fully inclusive, BIPOC-focused music curriculum and deliver hands-on professional development. Funds will cover in-depth instructional design research, licensing for audio/video resources, honoraria for guest artists and cultural experts, and interactive workshops that equip teachers with culturally sustaining pedagogy, technology integration strategies, and social justice frameworks.

Join me in transforming music education into a vibrant, equitable ecosystem—one where every learner sees themselves in the score, discovers their voice, and feels empowered to share their story through song. Your support will ensure our classrooms resonate with the rhythms and stories of all cultures, fostering lifelong musicianship and mutual respect.

My Vision

We’re building six- to eight-week, BIPOC-centered music units that celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color composers, genres, and cultural contexts often missing from school curricula. Each unit will include:

• Curated audio/video performances and historical deep dives

• Score analysis and hands-on performance activities

• Differentiated pathways for learners with IEPs, 504s, and English language needs

• Reflective writing prompts that connect music to students’ lived experiences

Teacher Training & Support

Beyond curriculum, we’ll host interactive workshops and personalized coaching to:

• Model culturally responsive teaching strategies and social justice frameworks

• Demonstrate cutting-edge instructional technologies and distance-learning best practices

• Foster classroom climates where collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking thrive

Why Your Gift Matters

Your contribution will directly underwrite:

• Instructional design and research to develop engaging, culturally rich units

• Licensing fees for recordings, scores, and digital platforms

• Honoraria for BIPOC guest artists and cultural experts

• Materials, venues, and staffing for educator training sessions

The Impact

By supporting this campaign, you will:

• Bridge representation gaps so every child finds belonging in the music room

• Equip teachers with the skills and confidence to teach all learners equitably

• Cultivate inclusive programs that elevate student pride, voice, and achievement

Join me in transforming music education into a space where equity and excellence resonate together. Your donation—no matter the size—will help us harmonize pedagogy with justice and inspire the next generation of musicians to celebrate our shared human story.

Thank you for amplifying BIPOC voices in music education. Please donate and share our campaign today.