Music Education

by The Offbeat Geek

Person in a maroon shirt kneeling on the floor, looking at a music stand with papers, in a room with a tiled floor and chairs in the background.

While it may seem out of place among the rest of The Offbeat Geek, I would be remiss if I overlooked sharing my love for teaching music. I have taught music across all grades K-12 through a variety of mediums: general music, choral, concert band, and orchestra. Time and again I have seen the way music transforms students and enriches their lives.

Whether a kindergarten musical program or high school symphonic orchestra performance, music creates memorable experiences and connections for all who partake in them: students, parents, and director.

I have cherished every opportunity I have had to bring music into the lives of others and would love the chance to work with you and your students. Please read below for descriptions of my music education services and background. When you are ready, click any of the “contact me” buttons to send me a request and I will return your message as soon as possible (typically within 24 hours).

Low Brass Music

A line of shiny silver euphoniums placed on a tiled floor, with their bells facing forward in a diagonal arrangement.
Man playing a silver euphonium in a living room.
Four children playing brass instruments, possibly baritones, in a music room.

I have been playing euphonium for more than 30 years and remain an active performer in the Atlanta area with the Cobb Wind Symphony and other groups. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading low brass players and to perform with several notable bands. I love coaching developing players to develop healthy musical habits and a lifelong love for making music.

Services offered:

  • Private lessons (euphonium, trombone, tuba)

  • Sectional coaching

  • Masterclasses

  • Solo & Ensemble adjudication

  • Professional development for teachers

Youth Choral Music

Children performing on stage with heart hand gestures, silhouetted figure in foreground.
A children's choir performing on stage with a conductor leading them. The children are dressed in matching uniforms consisting of navy blue shirts and beige pants. They stand in rows on risers, singing. The conductor is in a blue shirt, facing them.
Choir rehearsal with conductor guiding group of children in uniform, raising their arms in a theater setting.

There is nothing quite like teaching children to discover a joy for singing. Seeing the expressions as they find their voice and hearing the sweet sonority when those voices come together in a choir is a magnificent experience. I delight in working with youth choirs (grades 3-5) to develop their voices, discover the joys of singing, and forming connections with other singers around them. My choirs have consistently earned high praise for their ability to perform challenging music with enthusiasm and poise. I would be thrilled to work with you and your choirs!

Services offered:

  • Choir directing (grades K-5)

  • Guest conducting (rehearsals or concerts)

  • Sectional coaching

  • Rehearsal coaching (with directors)

  • Pre-LGPE (festival) feedback & coaching

  • Professional development for teachers

Instrumental Music

A conductor leads an orchestra of string musicians in black attire on stage, with holiday lights decorating the front of the stage.
A group of children seated in a semi-circle holding brass instruments inside a large hall with columns and wooden floors.
Musicians playing brass instruments in an orchestra performance with red and blue lighting.

In my two decades of music education experience I have worked with chamber ensembles, concert bands, jazz bands, string orchestras, and full orchestras. Each type ensemble has something unique that sets that experience apart from others: the players, the combination of instruments, or even the style of music. Regardless of the medium, I take a creative approach to rehearsal strategy that helps musicians develop critical listening skills, build musical independence, and construct personal meaning that helps them connect with the music. I would be thrilled to work with you and your musicians on one of your upcoming concert cycles.

Services offered:

  • Guest conducting (rehearsals or concerts)

  • Pre-LGPE (festival) feedback & coaching

  • Rehearsal strategy coaching

  • Professional development for teachers

Music Curriculum

A person in a green shirt standing near a wall, pointing to a paper while a group of people sits with music stands and brass instruments, possibly rehearsing.
Tablet displaying the Chrome Music Lab interface with musical rhythms and notes in colorful blocks.
Children in a classroom playing xylophones on a colorful carpet

My experiences teaching music in grades K-12 across band, orchestra, general, and choral music have provided me numerous opportunities to develop and implement curriculum. As an Orff-Schulwerk Level I Certified Educator, I sought to integrate instructional technology alongside traditional music-making methods in the general music classroom. In 2020, I was recognized by the Lowell Mason House as their first place winner for their nationwide search for virtual music lesson plans. At a district-level, I have led the development of several curriculum initiatives. I have presented multiple times on general music and concert band topics at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Statewide Inservice.

It would be my honor to consult with you on your next music education curriculum project.

Music Arranging

A concert band performing in a church, with musicians seated holding various wind instruments. They are dressed in formal attire and positioned in front of an audience. A conductor stands at the front, addressing the group.
Green background with text "Varen for Tuba Euphonium Quartet by Edvard Grieg, Arranged by Andrew Geocaras."
Four musicians playing brass instruments on stage

I have published arrangements for tuba quartet as well as solo euphonium with piano; however, I enjoy arranging music for a variety of mediums: concert band, woodwind choir, brass ensemble, jazz ensemble, children’s choir, and other chamber ensembles.

Arranging services:

  • Transcribing parts for alternate instrumentation

  • Adapting parts for instructional needs

  • Creating custom arrangements (copyright permitting)