Cory Cuffee

Mr. Cuffee is a vital part of the legacy of YMU. As a former GMG, now YMU Instructor, his role was intricate as he grabbed hold of the YMU vision and ran with it! During his tenure at YMU, he was the lead Vocal Instructor, and he taught piano. He's helped to develop several students as they pursued their musical goals at YMU. Here's what he's been up to since YMU!

"I left South Carolina after a few years of behavior therapy work in the Columbia area. After that, I moved to New Jersey by way of Americorps and got hired as a Dean after my year of service. I am currently in my 6th year in education and my 5th year as a Dean at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School in Newark, NJ. I feel blessed to be here, and I can honestly accredit much of my success to YMU. I am currently starting Graduate school for special education to further my efforts to become a behavior analyst. All the while, I've still been directing choirs at church, performing whenever I can, and currently working on an EP.

YMU gave me the essential skills I needed to work with youth in the classroom. Two of the greatest learning experiences I've had as an instructor at YMU are learning how to script out lesson plans and getting that direct coaching from my leaders. Now I'm comfortable giving and receiving feedback as a leader at my school, and I have the experience to coach others on their delivery of instruction. My most memorable moments, however, were having the opportunity to create and perform with my students. There was no better feeling than seeing them produce quality work. That feeling still drives my work today and helps me bring joy into our school community. That is the most rewarding thing I've gained from YMU!!!

My message to the young, brilliant minds of YMU is: 1. Dare to be great. 2. Challenge yourself to be greater. 3. Set realistic goals and start checking boxes. 4. Value your education and never stop learning. 5. Get to know yourself and ENJOY being YOU..... there's no one else like you! 6. Be grateful for every winning moment; and thankful for what you have. 7. If you remember nothing else, please keep in mind that you have a purpose, and if that purpose is music, follow the music.

Blessings!"