Welcome to Carmel Del Mar!

Welcome to Ms. Mathews's Music Class!

A picture of Ms. Mathews smiling, wearing a comfy blouse and large glasses. There are lots of plants and warm sunlight behind her.

A picture of Ms. Mathews from a few years ago showing off her ukulele (half) wall at Sage Canyon!

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
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 am a San Diego native with roots in North County; I currently live in Vista, close to the neighborhood where I grew up (and 15 minutes from Legoland!).
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!

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 decorative image of a yellow dragon silhouette listening to a music player with headphones on. The headphone cord curls into a heart shape.

This year in music class...

This year in music class, 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.