Getting the right note is only part of learning music. There’s also discipline, self-control, patience and even math. You learn discipline through practice, practice and more practice. Self-control comes from listening when you’re tempted to make some sounds while the instructor is talking. And patience and counting happen while waiting for your part to perform.
Learning an instrument builds fine motor skills, enhances language development and uses more and different parts of your brain. For these reasons, and the community it creates, Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center for Excellence (PACE Academy) offers a Strings Program, led by Ms. Angela Lott. Ms. Lott has been teaching youth how to learn and love music for many years at our tuition-free K-8 school and we feel so fortunate that she is with us!
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at PACE Academy.
I have been playing musical instruments since I was six. I graduated from Cass Technical High School where I majored in Vocational Music and participated in Orchestra, Harp and Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir and Madrigal ensemble. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a minor in Social Sciences and French from Wayne State University. I also studied in Rome, Italy for a summer.
I am a performer and speaker, and have worked with T.J. Hemphill, Fred Hammond, and Marvin Winans. I have had coaching from Emmanuelle Boisvert, former Detroit Symphony Orchestra concertmaster, and Elwyn Adams, former Florida Symphony concertmaster.
I had vocal coaching from Gordon Findlay and Pat Smith. I’ve also earned twenty-three graduate credits towards Educational Leadership.
I taught in Detroit Public Schools for sixteen years, and twenty-three years at Pace Academy.
What do you love most about being a music educator at PACE Academy?
The best part is hearing rich, great music from a beginner, and seeing the look of joy on their faces!
What is an event you enjoy at PACE Academy?
The Daddy-Daughter Dance (including grandfathers, uncles, brothers, stepfathers, and godfathers…)
How do you teach social-emotional learning in your music program?
My students are learning to be proactive, by practicing.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
Doing your best, and helping others to do their best.
What do you LOVE about PACE Academy- what sets it apart from other schools?
Pace Academy provides everything it can for its students.
Tell us what you do for fun!
I love to listen to Yo Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Michael W. Smith, Ce Ce De Winans, and Hillsong. I also enjoy watching Downtown Abbey, coloring, knitting, reading, and drinking coffee.
Find out more about Ms. Lott and our Strings Program at our tuition-free K-8 public school by calling us at (248) 569-1060 and enroll today!
About PACE Academy
Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center for Excellence (PACE Academy) is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth graders in Southfield, Michigan. At PACE Academy, we empower our scholars to realize their fullest potential through meaningful educational opportunities. We partner with our families and community in preparing our scholars to become dynamic leaders in the 21st century by celebrating the importance of collaboration and accountability in all we do. Join our growing school, enroll today!