Available to hire
Hi, I’m Daren Burns, a passionate musician, composer, and educator with extensive experience in both performance and teaching. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working in diverse musical settings and educational environments, guiding students through their musical journeys while also performing and composing professionally.
I have a strong background in jazz and electric jazz, and I’ve led music departments in Beijing schools, combining my love for music with my teaching expertise. I’m always excited to bring creativity and passion into each project, whether it’s developing curricula, organizing performances, or collaborating with fellow musicians.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Head of Performing Arts, Full-time Music Instructor at British School of Beijing, Shunyi
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2025Oversaw all arts disciplines as the arts department head; managed seven people in visual art, drama, and music. Directed an instrumental program with eleven specialist teachers, implemented online teaching during the China virus outbreak, taught Primary, Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music. Led the jazz, primary and secondary orchestra, and secondary choir. Oversaw campus productions including musicals and music performances. Brought guest artists to school and worked with the Juilliard Creative Classroom curriculum. Organized concerts/events on/off campus and revamped music curriculum. Actively recruited students and participated in faculty committees.
Head of Arts Department, Full-time Music Instructor at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2022Department head overseeing all arts disciplines from 2019; managed six people across visual art, drama, dance, and music. Founding faculty member helping to set up two school buildings. Implemented online teaching during China virus outbreak. Taught Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music. Started jazz and Orchestra ensembles. Oversaw campus productions, brought guest artists, connected with California Institute of the Arts. Developed specialized music major program for grades 10-12, implemented music curriculum across middle and upper schools, prepared clear syllabus, actively recruited students, and participated in faculty committees.
Assistant Professor of Music at Imperial Valley College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016Taught Music Foundations, Classroom Piano, Classroom Guitar, Recording Class, Music Appreciation, Applied Music, Bass, Guitar, Composition. Developed curriculum and syllabus with clear class expectations. Actively recruited students and organized student performances off campus as well as monthly concerts in cooperation with the Art Department Chair. Conducted guitar and jazz ensembles, participated in faculty committees, and supervised recording lab maintenance.
Music Instructor at Squaw Valley Academy
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015Taught music fundamentals, skills, performance techniques, recording, ensembles, staging, and world music. Developed curriculum and supervised computer recording lab. Ran after-school activities including basketball, biking, snowboarding, and tennis.
Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Yavapai College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Provided lessons in guitar, bass, and improvisation. Developed personalized repertoire for each student. Performed in faculty recitals and jazz ensembles.
Music Instructor at Southwestern Academy
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught general music ensemble techniques, music reading, instrument playing, and musicianship. Organized student performances.
Music Instructor, Art Department Head at Verde Valley School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014Developed curriculum; taught DP International Baccalaureate program topics such as analysis, history, performance, composition, and world music. Organized on and off campus student performances. Participated in jazz festivals. Managed computer recording lab, scheduling/calendar for theatre, and served as Resident Director with general AV duties.
Head of Performing Arts, Full-time Music Instructor at British School of Beijing, Shunyi
January 1, 2022 - June 1, 2024Arts department head overseeing all arts disciplines and managing a team of seven in visual art, drama, and music. Managed an instrumental program with eleven specialist teachers across primary levels. Implemented online teaching during China virus outbreak. Taught Primary, Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music curriculum. Ran jazz ensembles, orchestras, and choirs. Oversaw campus productions including musicals like The Addams Family and Guys and Dolls. Coordinated guest artist visits and integrated Juilliard Creative Classroom curriculum. Developed and revamped music curriculum across primary and secondary schools, organized concerts both on and off campus, actively recruited students to the music department, and participated in faculty committees.
Head of Arts Department, Full-time Music Instructor at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2022Arts department head overseeing visual art, drama, dance, and music disciplines. Founding faculty member, helped set up two school buildings. Implemented online teaching during China virus outbreak. Taught Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music. Started jazz and orchestra ensembles. Oversaw musicals and music performances, brought guest artists, developed specialized music major program for grades 10-12, implemented music curriculum across middle and upper schools, prepared syllabi, recruited students actively, organized concerts on and off campus, and participated in faculty committees.
Assistant Professor of Music at Imperial Valley College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016Taught a variety of music courses including Music Foundations, Classroom Piano and Guitar, Recording, Music Appreciation, Applied Music, Bass, Guitar, and Composition. Developed curriculum and syllabi with clear class expectations. Recruited students to the music department and organized off-campus student performances and monthly concerts in partnership with the Art Department Chair. Conducted guitar and jazz ensembles, maintained computer recording lab, and participated in faculty committees.
Music Instructor at Squaw Valley Academy
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015Taught music fundamentals, skills, performance techniques, recording, ensembles, staging, and world music. Developed curriculum and supervised computer recording lab. Managed after-school activities including basketball, biking, snowboarding, and tennis.
Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Yavapai College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Delivered guitar, bass, and improvisation lessons. Developed personalized repertoires for students and performed in faculty recitals and jazz ensembles.
Music Instructor at Southwestern Academy
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught music ensemble playing techniques, reading, instrumental techniques, and musicianship skills. Organized student performances.
Music Instructor / Art Department Head at Verde Valley School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014Head of art department and music instructor responsible for curriculum development and teaching the DP International Baccalaureate music program. Managed student performances, participated in jazz festivals, supervised recording lab, coordinated theatre scheduling and resident director duties, and handled general audio/visual tasks.
Substitute Instructor at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Substituted for a professor in Survey of Heavy Metal class by preparing lectures, transcribing and presenting music, and grading presentations.
Teacher’s Assistant at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2008Assisted a professor with teaching duties including administering tests and conducting ensemble rehearsals, and performed administrative tasks such as paperwork and correspondence.
Assistant Facilities Manager at Freddie Mac (FHLMC)
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2006Worked as Assistant Facilities Manager.
Head of Performing Arts, Full-time Music Instructor at British School of Beijing, Shunyi
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025Oversaw the entire arts department including visual art, drama, and music. Managed a team of seven arts specialists and eleven instrumental teachers. Implemented online teaching during the China virus outbreak. Taught Primary, Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music programs. Led jazz, orchestras, and choir ensembles. Organized campus productions and brought guest artists. Worked with Juilliard Creative Classroom curriculum. Revamped and implemented music curriculum across all levels and actively recruited students to the music department.
Head of Arts Department, Full-time Music Instructor at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2022Arts department head overseeing all arts disciplines and managing six arts staff. Founding faculty member involved in school development. Implemented online teaching during virus outbreak. Taught Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music. Started jazz and orchestra ensembles. Oversaw musical productions and brought guest artists to the school. Developed specialized music major programs for grades 10-12 and revamped curriculum. Recruited students and participated in faculty and departmental committees.
Assistant Professor of Music at Imperial Valley College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016Taught various music classes including Music Foundations, Piano, Guitar, Recording, Music Appreciation, Applied Music, Bass, Guitar, and Composition. Developed curriculum and syllabi, recruited students, and organized student performances both on and off campus. Conducted guitar and jazz ensembles. Maintained recording lab and participated in faculty committees.
Music Instructor at Squaw Valley Academy
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015Taught music fundamentals, performance techniques, recording, ensembles, staging, and world music. Developed curriculum and maintained the computer recording lab. Organized and ran after-school sports and activities.
Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Yavapai College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Provided guitar, bass, and improvisation lessons with personalized repertoire. Performed in faculty recitals and jazz ensembles.
Music Instructor at Southwestern Academy
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught general music ensemble techniques, instrumental playing, music reading, and musicianship skills. Organized student performances.
Music Instructor at Verde Valley School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014Headed the art department, developed curriculum, taught the DP International Baccalaureate music program including analysis, history, performance, and composition. Organized student performances and jazz festivals, supervised recording lab, handled theatre scheduling and resident directing, and managed audio/visual duties.
Substitute Instructor at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Substituted for Survey of Heavy Metal class, transcribed and presented musical content, prepared lectures, and graded class presentations.
Teacher's Assistant at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2008Assisted professor with teaching responsibilities including administering tests, conducting rehearsals, and handling administrative tasks such as paperwork and correspondence.
Head of Performing Arts, Full-time Music Instructor at British School of Beijing, Shunyi
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025Oversaw all arts disciplines as arts department head, managing a team across visual arts, drama, and music. Managed instrumental programs with specialist teachers and implemented online teaching during the China virus outbreak. Taught Primary, Lower Secondary, and Secondary Cambridge and DP music curricula. Directed jazz, orchestra, and choir ensembles, and supervised campus musical productions including The Addams Family and Guys and Dolls. Collaborated with Juilliard Creative Classroom curriculum, organized concerts on and off campus, revamped music curriculum, and actively recruited students. Participated in faculty committees and departmental meetings.
Head of Arts Department, Full-time Music Instructor at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2022Led the arts department starting in 2019, managing a team including visual art, drama, dance, and music. Founding faculty member involved in setting up two school buildings. Implemented online teaching during the virus outbreak. Taught Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music. Started jazz and orchestra ensembles and oversaw campus productions and music performances. Brought in guest artists and developed a specialized music major program for grades 10-12. Created and implemented music curriculum across middle and upper schools. Prepared syllabi, recruited students, and served on faculty committees.
Assistant Professor of Music at Imperial Valley College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016Taught multiple music courses including Music Foundations, Classroom Piano and Guitar, Recording, Music Appreciation, and Applied Music. Developed curriculum and syllabi, actively recruited students, and organized student performances including monthly concerts. Conducted guitar and jazz ensembles, participated in faculty committees, and supervised the computer recording lab.
Music Instructor at Squaw Valley Academy
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015Taught music fundamentals, skills, performance techniques, recording, ensembles, staging, and world music courses. Developed curriculum and managed the computer recording lab. Led after-school activities including basketball, biking, snowboarding, and tennis.
Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Yavapai College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Provided guitar, bass, and improvisation lessons, developing personalized repertoires for each student. Performed in faculty recitals and jazz ensembles.
Music Instructor at Southwestern Academy
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught general music ensemble playing techniques, music reading, instrumental techniques, and musicianship skills. Organized student performance events.
Music Instructor, Art Department Head at Verde Valley School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014Led art department and developed curriculum including DP International Baccalaureate music program. Organized student performances and jazz festivals. Supervised recording lab and school theatre scheduling. Served as Resident Director and performed audio/visual duties.
Head of Performing Arts, Full-time Music Instructor at British School of Beijing, Shunyi
January 1, 2022 - June 14, 2024Arts department head overseeing all arts disciplines; managed a team of seven in visual art, drama, and music; managed instrumental program in primary with eleven specialist teachers; implemented online teaching during China virus outbreak; taught Primary, Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music; ran the jazz, primary and secondary orchestra, and secondary choir; oversaw campus productions including musicals like The Addams Family and Guys and Dolls; brought guest artists to the school; worked with the Juilliard Creative Classroom curriculum; organized concerts and events on and off campus; developed, revamped, and implemented music curriculum across primary and secondary schools; actively recruited students to the music department; participated in faculty committees and departmental meetings.
Head of Arts Department, Full-time Music Instructor at Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2022Arts department head from 2019 overseeing all arts disciplines; managed six people in visual art, drama, dance, and music; founding faculty member, helped setup two school buildings; implemented online teaching during China virus outbreak; taught Lower Secondary and Secondary Cambridge and DP music; started jazz and orchestra ensembles; oversaw campus productions including musicals and music performances; brought guest artists to school; worked to make connections to California Institute of the Arts; organized concerts and events on and off campus; helped develop specialized music major program for grades 10-12; developed and implemented music curriculum across middle and upper schools; prepared syllabus outlining clear class expectations; actively recruited students to music department; participated in faculty committees and departmental meetings.
Assistant Professor of Music at Imperial Valley College
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016Taught Music Foundations, Classroom Piano, Classroom Guitar, Recording Class, Music Appreciation, Applied Music, Bass, Guitar, and Composition; developed curriculum and prepared syllabus with clear expectations; actively recruited students; organized student performances off campus; organized monthly student concerts with the Art Department Chair; conducted guitar and jazz ensembles; participated in faculty committees and departmental meetings; supervised and maintained computer recording lab.
Music Instructor at Squaw Valley Academy
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015Taught music fundamentals, skills, performance techniques, recording, ensembles, staging, and world music; developed curriculum; supervised and maintained computer recording lab; ran after-school activities including basketball, biking, snowboarding, and tennis.
Adjunct Guitar Instructor at Yavapai College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught guitar, bass, and improvisation lessons; developed personalized repertoire for each student; performed in faculty recitals and jazz ensemble.
Music Instructor at Southwestern Academy
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014Taught general music ensemble playing techniques, music reading, instrumental playing techniques, and musicianship skills; organized student performances.
Music Instructor / Art Department Head at Verde Valley School
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2014Developed curriculum and taught DP International Baccalaureate program; organized student performances on and off campus; participated in jazz festivals; supervised and maintained computer recording lab; scheduled and maintained calendar for the school's theatre; acted as Resident Director; performed general A/V duties.
Substitute Instructor at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Substituted for Professor Ulrich Krieger’s Survey of Heavy Metal class; transcribed and presented music; prepared lectures; graded class presentations.
Teacher’s Assistant at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2008Assisted Professor Wadada Leo Smith; taught classes when instructor was out of town including test administration and ensemble rehearsals; served as instructor's administrative assistant.
Education
MEd at Moreland University Washington D.C.
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021MFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008BFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997MEd at Moreland University Washington D.C.
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021MFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008BFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997MEd at Moreland University Washington D.C.
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021MFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008BFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997MEd at Moreland University Washington D.C.
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021MFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008BFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997MEd at Moreland University Washington D.C.
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021MFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008BFA at California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Qualifications
Classical Double Bass Lessons with Fan Yiming
January 1, 2020 - July 3, 2025IB DP Music Category I Training (New Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - July 3, 2025Middle Leader Coaching Course
January 1, 2021 - July 3, 2025Apple Teacher
January 1, 2021 - July 3, 2025EdPuzzle Level 1
January 1, 2021 - July 3, 2025Introductory Cambridge Lower Secondary Music
January 1, 2020 - July 3, 2025Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles
January 1, 2020 - July 3, 2025Intro to Music Production in Ableton for Musicians
January 1, 2020 - July 3, 2025IB DP Music Category I Training
January 1, 2019 - July 3, 2025Leadership Training Course
January 1, 2019 - July 3, 2025Cambridge IGCSE Music Introductory
January 1, 2019 - July 3, 2025IB ATL Workshop
January 1, 2018 - July 3, 2025MYP: Delivering the MYP Curriculum Level 2
January 1, 2017 - July 3, 2025Introduction to Canvas
January 1, 2016 - July 3, 2025Special Needs of Men of Color in Higher Ed
January 1, 2015 - July 3, 2025Introduction to Music Production
January 1, 2013 - July 3, 2025IB DP Music Category II
January 1, 2012 - July 3, 2025Myers-Briggs Training
January 1, 2002 - July 3, 2025Classical Double Bass Lessons with Fan Yiming
January 1, 2020 - June 1, 2024IB DP Music Category I Training (New Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Middle Leader Coaching Course
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Apple Teacher
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021EdPuzzle Level 1
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Introductory Cambridge Lower Secondary Music
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Intro to Music Production in Ableton for Musicians
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020IB DP Music Category I Training
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Leadership Training Course
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Cambridge IGCSE Music Introductory
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019IB ATL Workshop
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018MYP: Delivering the MYP Curriculum Level 2
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Introduction to Canvas
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Special Needs of Men of Color in Higher Ed
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Introduction to Music Production
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013IB DP Music Category II
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012Myers-Briggs Training
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Classical Double Bass Lessons with Fan Yiming
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020IB DP Music Category I Training (New Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Middle Leader Coaching Course
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Apple Teacher
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021EdPuzzle Level 1
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Introductory Cambridge Lower Secondary Music
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Intro to Music Production in Ableton for Musicians
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020IB DP Music Category I Training
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Leadership Training Course
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Cambridge IGCSE Music Introductory
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019IB ATL Workshop
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018MYP: Delivering the MYP Curriculum Level 2
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Introduction to Canvas
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Special Needs of Men of Color in Higher Ed
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Introduction to Music Production
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013IB DP Music Category II IB World School
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012Myers-Briggs Training
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Classical Double Bass Lessons with Fan Yiming
January 1, 2020 - July 3, 2025IB DP Music Category I Training (New Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Middle Leader Coaching Course
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Apple Teacher
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021EdPuzzle Level 1
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Introductory Cambridge Lower Secondary Music
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Intro to Music Production in Ableton for Musicians
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020IB DP Music Category I Training
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Leadership Training Course
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Cambridge IGCSE Music Introductory
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019IB ATL Workshop
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018MYP: Delivering the MYP Curriculum Level 2
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Introduction to Canvas
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Special Needs of Men of Color in Higher Ed
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Introduction to Music Production
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013IB DP Music Category II IB World School
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012Myers-Briggs Training
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Classical Double Bass Lessons with Fan Yiming
January 1, 2020 - June 14, 2024IB DP Music Category I Training (New Curriculum)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Middle Leader Coaching Course
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Apple Teacher
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021EdPuzzle Level 1
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Introductory Cambridge Lower Secondary Music
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Fundamentals of Rehearsing Music Ensembles
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Intro to Music Production in Ableton for Musicians
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020IB DP Music Category I Training
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Leadership Training Course
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Cambridge IGCSE Music Introductory
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019IB ATL Workshop
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018MYP: Delivering the MYP Curriculum Level 2
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Introduction to Canvas
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Special Needs of Men of Color in Higher Ed
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015Introduction to Music Production
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013IB DP Music Category II
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012Myers-Briggs Training
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other
Intense track written for a dystopian film. Intense images and epic.
Contemporary music with a laidback groove.
Quick feeling electronic groove with a dub reggae bassline. Using a fretless bass as the melodic instrument
Simple diatonic song reminiscent of the video games of the 80’s and 90’s. Consists of simple set of chip tune voices: drums, bass, arpeggiated chords, melody, plus some 80’s style video game sound effects.
Symphonic glitch music for a science fiction movie. Experimentation with symphonic colors and electronica.
Retro Pop/Rock Instrumental guitar track with horns.
Dark and melancholy track produced as an homage to Jaco and Bill Laswell, Solo fretless bass, bass harmonics loop, w/ percussion and synth drone.
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