Amy Dennison retired in September 2021 from the University of Cincinnati (UC) College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). During her 20-year tenure at UC she held the positions of program manager, director, director of education and assistant dean. She is the coauthor of “One Voice – Music and Stories in the Classroom.” Primarily a woodwind specialist, Ms. Dennison also plays several string instruments including the mountain dulcimer, the cello, and most recently, the ukulele. She performs in a harp/flute duo, the New Horizons Orchestra (cello), the Queen City Freedom Band (oboe), and the wind player in the Twi-lites, a cover band that features music for the baby boomer crowds.

Amy is active with the Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition and the Arts in Healing program in Cincinnati. As a Person with Parkinson’s, she knows the healing benefits that music can bring to others. Both programs emphasize live experiences with the arts as a way to support the healing process. In her work as a teaching artist, Amy has two passions: creating accessible pathways that encourage music making for all and to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and sustainability through recycled instrument making.

Amy received her Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern Michigan University, her Master of Music from Michigan State University, and a Master of Music Education from CCM. She has Orff Level I and II training and is a certified Health Rhythms facilitator (drumming).

As a lifelong teacher with over 40 years of experience, Amy has taught in every possible space you can imagine and for many different populations representing a wide range of ages, abilities, customs, interests, purposes, and goals. She especially enjoys facilitating teacher workshops.

In addition to custom designing programs for schools and other institutions, a typical program includes demonstrations, songs, games (yes, even for adults!), repurposed instrument making, and a little bit of knowledge. As one individual close to her aptly stated, “Amy is the MacGyver of instruments.”

Availability

Upon request