Theresa Hoover is a musician, educator, and author. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and helps teachers empower students throughout their musical experiences by transforming their classrooms into student-centered learning environments.
Theresa has taught instrumental, general, and vocal music in a variety of settings, most recently teaching middle school band in Northern Virginia. Prior to that, she taught for 14 years in Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in wind conducting from West Chester University, both in Pennsylvania. In the fall, Theresa will begin working toward a PhD in Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University.
Theresa is a recognized presenter and clinician at local, regional, and national level conferences, including the International Music Education Summit, the Virginia Society for Technology in Education, and several state music education conferences. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and was selected as a member of the Google Certified Innovator program, participating in the London 2019 cohort. Theresa’s passion for supporting music teachers in using Google Workspace for Education has extended into popular graduate courses at the University of the Arts and other universities. She is also the Technology Editor and committee chair for Women Band Directors International.
In addition to her school teaching, Theresa served as the founding director of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and is currently on staff of the Virginia Winds Academy. She has also been the guest conductor for several elementary and middle school ensembles in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Theresa is the author of Empowering Ensembles With Technology, published by F-flat Books, and the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students, published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. Her writing has been featured on several online publications including her own blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey
When not teaching, you can find Theresa curled up with a good book, on the running trail, traveling to visit family and friends, or spending time with her dog, Dizzy.