Shauna Bierly
Tempe
Summary
Dynamic and adaptable, I leveraged pedagogical strategies and piano expertise at Arizona State University to enhance music theory comprehension and performance skills. Specializing in ensemble coaching and aural skills training, I empowered students through innovative teaching methods, achieving significant improvements in their academic and practical music abilities.
Personable and knowledgeable in music theory, with passion for fostering deep understanding of musical concepts. Proficient in reading and writing musical notation and analyzing compositions to teach effectively. Dedicated to helping students achieve their musical goals and develop lifelong appreciation for music.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Music Theory Tutor
Arizona State University
08.2024 - Current
- Served as a reliable resource for students seeking guidance in music theory outside of classroom hours
- Led group workshops and one-on-one tutoring sessions, effectively addressing diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Empowered students by equipping them with essential problem-solving skills needed for advanced music theory coursework.
- Worked closely with students on specific class struggles, closely reviewing materials and assignments to offer targeted help.
Ballet Accompanist
Ballet Arizona
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with dancers and instructors to determine and achieve desired musical accompaniment.
- Developed variety repertoire effectively by maintaining an extensive library of sheet music for quick access during rehearsal or performance situations.
- Supported dancers by adjusting accompaniment style to complement individual needs and talents..
- Supported the artistic vision of each instructor by meticulously observing physical gestures and interpreting them musically
- Efficiently improvised new pieces in real-time when required, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to excellence in imagining and improvising new pieces.
- Demonstrated exceptional sight-reading, allowing for specific music requests and high-quality performances with limited preparation time.
Ballet Accompanist
Arizona State University
03.2022 - Current
- Participated in individualized training and workshops, continuously honing skills as an accompanist through professional development opportunities.
- Applied knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and texture to create individualized musical pieces with musical cues and artistic vision.
- Altered melodies to accommodate the unique needs of different dance activities.
Private Piano Instructor
Self-Employed/Contracted
08.2020 - Current
- Taught piano and music fundamentals to children and adults, and improved the quality of lessons by seeking feedback from students and their families, refining my approach based on their input.
- Fostered a sense of discipline in students through consistent reinforcement of practice routines and goal-setting strategies.
- Adapted a group piano course to an online platform during the pandemic, creating a weekly YouTube video series to guide students through new repertoire and concepts.
Coordinator for International Piano Competitions
Arizona State University
10.2022 - 01.2025
- Coordinated applications, communications, and preparatory activities for a week-long international piano competition featuring 43 competitors.
- Developed and edited concert programs, certificates, awards, and jury materials for international piano competitions.
- Supervised voting records, ticketing processes, concert hall logistics, and led a team of twenty student volunteers.
- Collaborated on event app development managed audience engagement, and attendance tracking.
Music Theory and Aural Skills Teaching Assistant
Arizona State University
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Implemented trusted pedagogies to teach solfege, sight-singing, dictation and topics in Theory I and II.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing prompt, constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities, resulting in higher student interest and motivation.
- Assisted students in developing effective study habits, promoting academic success and self-sufficiency.
Teaching Assistant in Piano
Arizona State University
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Instructed music majors in harmonization, transposition, improvisation, ensemble-playing and score reading at the piano.
- Facilitated collaboration in group piano courses and taught private private and 4-hands lessons for music minors.
- Evaluated student performance through regular assessments, tracking progress and adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
- Provided feedback on student's work, guiding improvements and encouraging continuous learning within a classroom of different skillsets.
- Implemented new teaching strategies, resulting in more dynamic and effective instruction.
Staff Accompanist and Lab Assistant
Craven Community College
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Prepared students for vocal recitals, juries, and college auditions through comprehensive rehearsal sessions.
- Incorporated keyboard skills, theory, aural skills, and German/Italian diction into rehearsals, preparing students for vocal recitals, juries, and college auditions.
Ecumenical Music Director
MCAS New River
06.2020 - 03.2022
- Curated and executed musical selections for religious services as solo pianist, accompanist, lead vocalist, or cantor.
- Led weekly rehearsals for adult choir, cantors, and instrumentalists, arranging materials such as handouts and PowerPoints relevant to the religious mission.
- Maintained the music library and collaborated with chaplains and staff during weekly meetings.
Teaching Assistant in Piano
UNC School Of The Arts
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Developed comprehensive weekly lesson plans and assigned homework to enhance students' aural skills, piano technique, and performance.
Artistic Residential Assistant
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
06.2019 - 07.2019
- Mentored high school and college students during a summer music festival, providing guidance on interpersonal conflicts and communication with faculty.
- Monitored student safety, practice requirements, and performance attendance within the university setting.
- Ensured compliance with progream safety protocols during on-campus and off-campus activities.
Graduate Assistant in Concert Programming
UNC School Of The Arts
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Created, formatted, and edited concert programs for UNCSA performances using Microsoft Word and Publisher, ensuring adherence to strict marketing requirements.
- Fact-checked and proofread concert program information, maintaining high standards of grammar and accuracy.
Residential Assistant
Duke University
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Served as the primary point of contact for 22 American and international students at Duke’s 2017 Pre-College Program, providing guidance on college life, academic success, and personal development.
- Led off-campus excursions and accompanied students during medical emergencies, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Acted as a resource for parents, addressing their concerns and providing updates on student progress.
Karate Instructor
Self-Employed
08.2010 - 08.2014
- Operated a martial arts studio, Bierly’s Budo Kai Karate, LLC, averaging 35 students of all ages from 2010-2014.
- Served as head instructor, teaching 10 classes weekly and mentoring students in self-defense, sparring, and weaponry.
- Prepared students for competition, testing, and promotion ceremonies, ensuring their readiness and skill development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Duke University
Durham, NC05-2018
Skills
- Pedagogical strategies
- Ensemble coaching
- Composition techniques
- Score reading
- Conducting basics
- Aural skills training
- Piano
- Music theory
Timeline
Music Theory Tutor
Arizona State University
08.2024 - Current
Ballet Accompanist
Ballet Arizona
08.2024 - Current
Music Theory and Aural Skills Teaching Assistant
Arizona State University
08.2023 - 05.2024
Coordinator for International Piano Competitions
Arizona State University
10.2022 - 01.2025
Teaching Assistant in Piano
Arizona State University
08.2022 - 05.2024
Ballet Accompanist
Arizona State University
03.2022 - Current
Staff Accompanist and Lab Assistant
Craven Community College
01.2021 - 05.2022
Private Piano Instructor
Self-Employed/Contracted
08.2020 - Current
Teaching Assistant in Piano
UNC School Of The Arts
08.2020 - 05.2021
Ecumenical Music Director
MCAS New River
06.2020 - 03.2022
Artistic Residential Assistant
Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival
06.2019 - 07.2019
Graduate Assistant in Concert Programming
UNC School Of The Arts
08.2018 - 05.2019
Residential Assistant
Duke University
05.2017 - 07.2017
Karate Instructor
Self-Employed
08.2010 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Music
Duke University
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