Hi, I’m Thomas John McGlinchey, but I go by T.J. I’m a dedicated music educator and songwriter with over two decades of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and private settings, plus community programs. I design engaging, evidence-based curricula that foster emotional connection, creativity, and technical growth in students. I’m passionate about helping learners find their voice through hands-on learning, ensemble participation, and interactive music-making. Beyond the classroom, I pursue songwriting and composition, and I love mentoring students in expressive musical storytelling. I earned an MFA and MAE to deepen my craft and pedagogy, and I’m committed to making music education accessible, joyful, and meaningful for learners of all ages.

Thomas John McGlinchey

Hi, I’m Thomas John McGlinchey, but I go by T.J. I’m a dedicated music educator and songwriter with over two decades of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and private settings, plus community programs. I design engaging, evidence-based curricula that foster emotional connection, creativity, and technical growth in students. I’m passionate about helping learners find their voice through hands-on learning, ensemble participation, and interactive music-making. Beyond the classroom, I pursue songwriting and composition, and I love mentoring students in expressive musical storytelling. I earned an MFA and MAE to deepen my craft and pedagogy, and I’m committed to making music education accessible, joyful, and meaningful for learners of all ages.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Thomas John McGlinchey, but I go by T.J. I’m a dedicated music educator and songwriter with over two decades of teaching experience across elementary, middle, and private settings, plus community programs. I design engaging, evidence-based curricula that foster emotional connection, creativity, and technical growth in students. I’m passionate about helping learners find their voice through hands-on learning, ensemble participation, and interactive music-making.

Beyond the classroom, I pursue songwriting and composition, and I love mentoring students in expressive musical storytelling. I earned an MFA and MAE to deepen my craft and pedagogy, and I’m committed to making music education accessible, joyful, and meaningful for learners of all ages.

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Work Experience

Classroom Music Teacher at Katz-Dalsey Academy Charter School
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Directed elementary music program and elementary band/orchestra; developed and implemented new curriculum and assessments for general music (Grades 2-4).
Classroom Music Teacher at Settlement Music School
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Implemented Settlement curriculum with Orff & Kodaly methodologies; managed Saturday Children's Music Workshop & Playshop for ages 1-4.
Classroom Music Teacher at Jay Cooke Elementary
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Developed and installed a piano keyboard laboratory with music recording/production capabilities; created and assessed curriculum for General Music (K-8).
Classroom Music Teacher at Odyssey Charter School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Director of Middle School Choir (2016-2018), Director of Strings Ensemble (2018-2020); developed curriculum for General Music (K-4).
Private Music Instructor at Troubadour Music
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Taught one-to-one private instrumental lessons across all ages; handled billing, scheduling, parent communications, and recitals.
Teacher’s Aide at Lane Montessori School
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Provided child care for a classroom of 4- to 6-year-olds; communicated with parents; assisted lead teacher as needed.

Education

MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019
MAE at Goddard College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
BAE at Goddard College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2017
MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2019
MAE at Goddard College
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
BAE at Goddard College
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

PA PreK-12 General Music Instructional I
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Ordained Minister / Wedding Officiant
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Eagle Scout Award
January 1, 1999 - November 6, 2025
PA PreK-12 General Music Instructional I
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Ordained Minister / Wedding Officiant
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services