Welcome to
Carmel Del Mar

The School with A Heart!

Welcome to Ms. Mathews's Music Class!

A picture of Ms. Mathews at the door to her classroom, which reads "Welcome to Music"

Welcome, CDM Dragons! I'm Ms. Mathews, and I'm so excited to be your STEAM+ Music teacher this year!

A Little About Me...

Education:

B.A. in English with a minor in Music, Wellesley College
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, University of San Diego
Single Subject English Credential with ELA, Wellesley College
Supplementary Authorization: Music (K-12)
Leading Edge Digital Educator Certification

Fun facts:

I've been playing and studying music since I was 4 years old; my first instrument was the piano, but I’ve since expanded my musical interests and now play five other instruments: acoustic guitar, ukulele, clarinet, drums, and most recently, bass guitar!
My favorite subject within music is music theory! I love listening to songs, taking them apart, and figuring out what makes them sound so good.
I'm vegan! I used to love exploring the many vegan eateries in San Diego, but lately my new hobby has been finding plant-based recipes to cook and bake--if you have a favorite you think I should try, I'd love to hear about it!
Some of my favorite things include sour candy, the beach, dark chocolate, tea (with or without boba), Studio Ghibli movies, anything lavender-scented, and cheesy jokes about classical composers :)

Contact Information
Email: amathews@dmusd.org
Room: Rm. 401
Phone: (858) 481-6789 x3541
Zoom Office Hours: by appointment

Educational Philosophy:

I believe everyone is musical. Whether you’ve been playing the violin since you were three years old or started learning as an adult by watching YouTube videos and awkwardly following along; whether you’re the quietest person singing “happy birthday” at a party or the one belting the high note; whether you can rock out to your favorite song on a drum set or are still learning to clap to the beat—everyone is musical. As a music teacher, my job is to find out what aspect of music brings out the joy, the wonder, and the creative spark in my students, and give them the tools to explore and develop their understanding and skills in that aspect of music beyond their time in my class.

A picture of the CDM STEAM+ team: Mrs. Buchanan (science teacher), Mrs. Gilbert (art teacher), Ms. Mathews (music teacher), and Coach Langdon (PE coach)

In the CDM music studio...

In the CDM music studio, Dragons will develop a solid foundation of musical knowledge and skills while also tapping into their interests, passions, and inspirations within the music discipline. Dragon musicians will improve their skills and strengthen their understanding of music in a variety of ways that will spark their creativity and higher-level thinking. During our music classes, Dragons will sing and play, move and explore, connect and reflect, improvise and compose, and so much more. Together we will grow not only as musicians but as creators, critical thinkers, and expressive, empathetic people in a classroom and school community.

DMUSD Music Department Purpose Statement...

When we offer student-driven learning that honors student flexibility, collaboration, and feedback, then we create an environment where the musical process is valued over product and students see themselves as musicians through joyful music-making and real-world connections.