Miss Katie Stafford

I grew up in Colorado Springs actively involved in every musical activity possible! Band, choir, youth symphony, private lessons on 3 instruments. . . I couldn't get enough! It was easy for me to decide on a career path, since I was extremely passionate about music and about children. I attended the University of Northwestern--St. Paul in Minnesota, where I earned my Bachelor of Music Education. I just finished my Master's of Music Education from Kent State University in December of 2020.

For three years, I taught K-4 general music and 4th/5th grade orchestra in Worthington, MN. I then moved across the globe to teach on the hospital ship the Africa Mercy with the organization Mercy Ships. Onboard the ship, I taught full-time Kindergarten as well as K-5 music classes. While I lived and taught on the ship, it traveled between the Canary Islands, the Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Madagascar. I absolutely loved being a part of this amazing organization and teaching the incredible students from all over the world.

After 3 years abroad, I moved back to Colorado Springs and I am thrilled to be in my fifth year teaching elementary classroom music at Ridgeview Elementary! I am very excited to be back in the beautiful place where I grew up, and to spend time with my wonderful family who live in Colorado Springs and Denver. I also play clarinet in the Canyon Winds Band and teach private violin and clarinet lessons at Music and Arts in Colorado Springs.

I strive to create a warm, caring, and exciting environment in the music classroom that students look forward to attending. I truly enjoy igniting a love and appreciation for music in children, and transferring my musical passion to them as much as possible! I hope to see every student's eyes light up with joy as they dive into the wonderful world of music with me.