Scott Riley Teacher

Scott Riley Receives References from Esteemed Music Educator,
Dr. Kirk Kassner

May 6, 2006

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Scott Riley. Scott taught general music with me at Panther Lake Elementary as an overflow teacher for one year. During that time I had many occasions to observe his teaching. He prepared and taught wonderful lessons, based on the national standards. The children learned much from him and grew to love him.

Scott is a talented musician with expertise in guitar and band instruments. He provides tasteful guitar to accompany students’ singing, and has composed, recorded and produced a professional music CD featuring his original compositions, guitar playing and singing.

Scott has always been eager to learn and adapt teaching ideas. He has adopted my Kodaly musical dwarf system, classroom management system, and adapted many of my lesson plans. Last winter we spent several hours working together in my shop to prepare tubano drum shells for his students to complete, as part of an African conga drum unit he adapted from my plans. Although all of the teachers in the district attended my workshop on drum building and playing, only Scott chose to do the extra work required to bring these lessons to his students. His work culminated with fifth graders presenting their original drum compositions in concert at his school last April, playing the drums they had made.

I believe Scott will fill any music position with distinction. His qualities of thoughtfulness, insightfulness, enthusiasm, caring and willingness to work hard will contribute to outstanding success. I was hoping he would be around to take my place when I retire, but I understand his need to have a job closer to his house.

Sincerely,
Kirk Kassner, Ph.D., M.A.T., B.Mus., Nationally Certified Music Educator (MENC), member of the Editorial Committee for Music Educators Journal