Teaching through music with Rochelle Heinze

Before she ever stood on the conductor’s podium, Rochelle Heinze was a student herself, just like the kids she teaches today. For Heinze, music was woven into her life from a young age, whether it was viola, piano, or choir; she always loved music and performing.

Her interest in becoming an orchestra teacher first blossomed in high school when she had volunteered for her high school Tri-M Society at an after-school program. This program served disadvantaged communities by providing private lessons. Tri-M Society is an international music society (orchestra, band, choir, etc) for middle and high school students who are passionate about music. Serving at this after school program was the first flicker of interest Heinze has shown towards teaching. 

 “Music is such a human experience,” her high school orchestra conductor said to her one day. Those words really resonated with Heinze. “Music is just such a unique discipline that combines math, science, reading, writing, and history with human emotion, and that quote is something I have always carried with me as a musician and as a teacher,” said Heinze.

Then, during college, Heinze realized at the end of sophomore year she wanted to be more music centered; she switched from her dual-degree in brain and cognitive sciences and viola performance programs to music therapy. In addition, she transferred from the University of Rochester/Eastman Schools to Nazareth University. 

After just one semester at her new school Heinze decided she wanted to focus more on teaching students. Accordingly, Heinze switched her major to music education. She immediately fell in love with the major when she observed her first middle school classroom.

Now, Heinze teaches orchestra at five elementary schools: Palomares, Proctor, Independent, Marshall, and Vannoy, in addition to CVHS. 

“She’s really hip with the kids,” said Erynne Cherise David, a student in her CVHS orchestra class. Everyone seems to agree with this. 

Heinze declared she loves to watch her students thrive and grow in a unified school and music community. It’s very evident that she loves her job and is passionate about teaching. Through teaching orchestra, Heinze has proved how powerful and human the experience of music can really be.