March 13, 2017
To whom it may concern, This letter is to advocate on behalf Toscha Turner and her excellent teaching ability. Toscha is a creative, patient, and enthusiastic teacher who connects to her students of all ages with ease. I have known Toscha through our work at the Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA)-Sistema, a program that promotes positive social change through music in Edmonton’s underserved communities. She has led group bass classes to students in grade 3-5 witch varying ability levels and behavior management needs. Toscha always brings her warm, approachable, and patient persona to YONA which effectively sets the positive tone of her class. She also builds off the students strengths and incorporates their interests into her teaching. She is also sensitive and empathetic to any restrictions the children or families have. For example, she worked with a student to create a paper representation of a bass finger board to help the student understand where the notes are found on the finger board in addition to giving this student the ability to practice orientating their fingers on the finger board at home. The student loved this activity! He was able to use his love of visual art to help him practice his music skills at home. Toscha has also supported our other Teaching Artists at YONA in their learning of how to play the bass. For a couple years, our cello Teaching Artist was responsible for the instruction of both our cello and bass students. This was a very challenging task (as this Teaching Artist was not a bass player) and Toscha’s support help made teaching both cello and bass possible. Like with her younger students, Toscha has a natural ability to meet her adult students where they are at to support them well through their learning. Toscha is an excellent teacher, role model, and colleague. She is a wonderful asset to our YONA family and I would recommend her as an addition to any music and education institution. Best wishes, Jacquie McNulty YONA-Sistema Site Manager, Department of Musical Creativity Edmonton Symphony Orchestra | Francis Winspear Centre for Music 780.903.9744 | jmcnulty@winspearcentre.com www.edmontonsymphony.com | www.winspearcentre.com | www.yona-sistema.com
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