MusicAlliance: Bio for Debra Blechman

DEBRA BLECHMAN

Debra Blechman serves as an administrator and teacher for MusicAlliance. The foundation of her personal philosophy is that music education is a cornerstone for the complete education of a child, therefore every child should have the right to participate in a music education program. A member of the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, Blechman holds a Master of Music Degree from The State University of New York at Fredonia, a Bachelor of Music Degree from The State University of New York at Potsdam where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, and holds a current teaching license in Ohio and New York in music education K-12. Active in professional continuing education, Blechman has participated in workshops for The Alexander Technique; percussion instruments; and Pathwise Training.

Blechman is a co-founder and executive director/business manager for MusicAlliance. Her primary duties are to handle the fiscal responsibilities (bookkeeping, payroll, and management of insurance coverage), serve as secretary of the organization, marketing director, fundraising chair, and customer service representative. In addition, she serves in the supervisory roll of director of in-service programs, interviewing and hiring teachers, as well as assisting teachers in their duties and responsibilities. As a teacher for MusicAlliance, Blechman teaches band instrument lessons at Peaceful Children Montessori School for students in grades four through eight, conducts group band rehearsals, and prepares students to perform as soloists and in small ensembles as well as in the full band setting at concerts. In addition, she is a co-director of the MusicAlliance Eastside Summer Honor Band program. Currently, Blechman also maintains a private lesson studio where she teaches individual saxophone lessons.

After spending the first four years of her teaching career as a public school instrumental music teacher at the elementary and junior high level, Blechman was employed for seven years with Musical Youth, Inc. in northeast Ohio - serving as an elementary and junior high parochial school band director and administrator. Blechman was honored with the Musical Youth Principal's Commendation Award, Musical Youth Professional Teacher of the Year, and Musical Youth Low Drop Award.

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