• Title: Orchestra/Modern Music Teacher
• School: Broadview Middle School, Danbury Public Schools
• Location: Danbury, Connecticut
• Grades: Grades 6-8
• Instruments: Violin, Viola

Congrats to our Music Teacher of the Month, Joey Walko-Robinson! She is an orchestra and modern music teacher at Broadview Middle School in Danbury, Connecticut. Mrs. Walko-Robsinson plays the violin and viola and is a member of the American String Teachers Association. Please consider supporting her classroom through her Amazon Wish List or Donors Choose page below.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who nominated you? How long have you been teaching?

I was nominated by my department head, Jill Russell Benner. I have been teaching in the public schools for 21 years.

What has music and/or teaching taught you?

Music was something that didn’t come easily to me. I learned how to deal with challenges and be persistent through the study of music.

What types of music or instruments are your favorites to teach?

I enjoy teaching orchestra the most, as that is what I spent most of my time doing in my school music program. I teach in the district I grew up in and I enjoy being a part of the legacy that helped me when I was young.

What is your favorite type of music to play?

I enjoy playing classical music and I perform on the violin in the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra.

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy going for walks and bicycle rides with my husband. I also enjoy planning short fun trips to regional places that I have never been to. I am a big fan of The Beatles, The Muppets, Dr. Who and The Office.

What advice would you give music teachers just starting out?

Never stop learning. For me, that took the form of getting involved with my state chapter of ASTA (American String Teachers Association), learning about the Suzuki Method and studying Arts Management. Even if you’re not learning something music-related, staying involved in learning makes you a more well-rounded person and you serve as a good example for your students.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to all music students if you could?

Music is not easy, but stick with it. It’s totally worth it! Make it a part of your identity. Music has let me be a part of a great adventure and has let me go to places I would have never gone to if it weren’t for my involvement in music playing the violin.