Available to hire
Hi, I’m Jameel A. McKanstry, a passionate music educator and musical director with extensive experience in developing creative music and theatre programs. I’ve worked in academic environments and community settings to inspire and guide students in music composition, vocal performance, and interdisciplinary learning. I enjoy establishing meaningful connections with students and parents to foster artistic growth and engagement.
Beyond teaching, I have directed various theatrical productions and churches’ music ministries, overseeing all musical elements and collaborating closely with artists and staff. I bring a strong leadership background combined with creativity to every project, striving to uplift communities through music and the arts.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Teacher at Lafayette Academy, NYC DOE
September 1, 2016 - PresentDeveloped and implemented music curriculum, spear-headed grant process for Broadway Junior and Schubert Foundation, established music and musical theatre program within 3 years, maintained contact with parents concerning student progress and behavior, facilitated the creative process of students writing their own music, and implemented program promoting interdisciplinary learning.
Minister of Music at New Mount Zion AME Church
August 31, 2015 - July 18, 2025Oversaw budget for the music ministry, developed monthly liturgy planning matrix, booked artists for worship services and special events, managed travel details for guests, directly taught and supervised multiple choirs, and served as a liaison between Pastor and music ministry.
Musical Director at Afterwork Theater
June 1, 2016 - PresentDirected musical productions including West Side Story and Sing Out: Motown.
Musical Director/Teaching Artist at Young Audiences of New York
January 1, 2016 - PresentDirected productions such as Hairspray Jr. and High School Musical, and facilitated Community Creation Lab where parents and students collaborate to create uplifting community art.
Musical Director at Florida A&M University
August 31, 2016 - July 18, 2025Taught music for all musicals during the season, coordinated and supervised studio recording, managed musical staff schedules and pay negotiation, and composed and arranged music aligned with the director’s vision.
Teacher at Leon County Schools
August 31, 2015 - July 18, 2025Completed lesson plans and maintained effective records, provided daily tracking of student progress to administration, and taught AP Music Theory, Theatre, and Chorus.
Minister of Music at New Mount Zion AME Church
August 31, 2015 - July 23, 2025Oversaw the budget for the entire music ministry, developed monthly planning matrices for liturgy, booked artists for worship services and special events including travel arrangements, taught and supervised Mass Choir, Senior Choir and Praise Team, and served as liaison between Pastor and music ministry.
Teacher at Lafayette Academy, NYC DOE
September 1, 2016 - PresentDeveloped and implemented music curriculum, spearheaded grant processes for Broadway Junior and Schubert Foundation, established music and musical theatre programs within 3 years, maintained parent communication about student progress and behavior, facilitated student creative writing of music, and promoted interdisciplinary learning activities.
Musical Director at Florida A&M University
August 31, 2016 - July 23, 2025Taught vocal and instrumental music for musicals including The Colored Museum, Black Nativity, and Five Guys Named Moe; coordinated and supervised studio recording; managed musical staff scheduling, replacements, and pay negotiation; composed and arranged music aligned with director's vision.
Musical Director at Afterwork Theater
June 1, 2016 - PresentDirected musical productions including West Side Story and Sing Out: Motown.
Teacher at Rickards High School, Florida
August 31, 2015 - July 23, 2025Created lesson plans and maintained effective records, tracked student progress daily for administration, taught AP Music Theory, Theatre, and Chorus classes.
Teacher at Godby High School, Florida
August 31, 2013 - July 23, 2025Developed lesson plans and kept thorough records, provided daily student progress tracking to administration, and taught AP Music Theory, Theatre, and Chorus.
Teacher at Lafayette Academy, NYC DOE
September 1, 2016 - PresentDeveloped and implemented music curriculum. Spearheaded grant process for Broadway Junior and Schubert Foundation. Established music and musical theatre program within 3 years. Maintained communication with parents about student progress and behavior. Facilitated students' creative writing of music. Implemented interdisciplinary learning activities.
Minister of Music at New Mount Zion AME Church
August 31, 2015 - August 24, 2025Oversaw music ministry budget. Created monthly planning matrix for liturgy (scripture, hymns, calls to worship). Booked artists and managed travel logistics. Taught and supervised Mass Choir, Senior Choir, and Praise Team. Served as liaison between Pastor and music ministry.
Musical Director at Afterwork Theater
June 1, 2016 - PresentDirected theatrical productions such as West Side Story and Sing Out: Motown.
Musical Director/Teaching Artist at Young Audiences of New York
December 31, 2019 - August 24, 2025Directed musicals including Hairspray Jr. and High School Musical. Led Community Creation Lab where parents and students collaboratively created and explored art to uplift the community.
Musical Director at Florida A&M University
August 31, 2016 - August 24, 2025Taught vocal and instrumental music for all musicals in the season (The Colored Museum, Black Nativity, Five Guys Named Moe). Coordinated and supervised studio recording. Managed musical staff schedules, replacements, and pay negotiations. Composed and arranged music aligned with director’s vision.
Teacher at Leon County Schools, Florida
August 31, 2015 - August 24, 2025Completed lesson plans and maintained effective record keeping. Provided daily progress tracking to administration. Taught AP Music Theory, Theatre, and Chorus.
Education
Master of Arts at New York University
June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016Masters of Arts at Full Sail University
February 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012Bachelor of Music Education at Florida State University
August 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010Doctorate at Northcentral University-Distance Learning
June 1, 2018 - January 31, 2020Master of Arts at New York University
June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016Masters of Arts at Full Sail University
February 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012Bachelor of Music Education at Florida State University
August 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010Bachelor of Music Education at Florida State University
January 11, 2030 - August 24, 2025Master of Arts-Ed. Theatre at New York University
January 11, 2030 - August 24, 2025Doctorate - Educational Leadership (30 hrs completed) at Northcentral University
June 1, 2018 - January 31, 2020Master of Arts - Educational Theatre at New York University
June 1, 2015 - May 31, 2016Master of Arts - Entertainment Business at Full Sail University
February 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012Bachelor of Music Education - Choral Music Education at Florida State University
August 1, 2006 - December 31, 2010Qualifications
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Membership
November 1, 2007 - December 31, 2016Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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