.png)
Teaching Philosophy
Get to Know Me
As a music educator, I aim to foster creativity, cultural exploration, and musical skills while nurturing students to be positive members of society. It is essential to challenge the stigma that "different" means inferior by introducing culturally authentic music and creating an environment of respect where all students feel valued. Music class provides a unique opportunity for human connection, promoting empathy and a sense of belonging through choir and ensemble experiences. Additionally, I believe in combating the decline of creativity by encouraging improvisation, composition, and independent thinking. My goal is to develop well-rounded musicians and individuals who can succeed both inside and outside the classroom while offering music as a refuge where every student feels safe, valued, and inspired.
About Me.
Allison Cawthon is a K-5 music teacher at Eldorado K-8 in Boulder, CO. She holds a Master’s in Music Education with a concentration in ethnomusicology and a graduate certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder, as well as a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Miami. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, her heritage inspires her research on Culturally Relevant Pedagogies in Indigenous music. She played a key role in establishing the first Indigenous studies degree program at the University of Miami and has been featured in various media for her advocacy. Allison has taught secondary choir, general music, and rock band and has lived across the U.S. and abroad, including in Paris, where she studied at the Sorbonne Université. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, and Disney movies.
Education
2020-2022
Music Education, MM
University of Colorado Boulder
Teaching and Research Graduate Assistant at CU Boulder. Director of Middle School Ensemble where I oversaw students and coached undergraduates on choir. Summer MME coordinator and liaison. TA for History of Rock and Roll. Guest lecturer in Music of the American West, Teaching General Music, Teaching Secondary Choir, and Symphonic Choir. Prestigious Awards and Fellowships: Eaton Research Graduate Award, Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies spotlighted student award.
2020-2022
Graduate Certificate in Native American and Indigenous Studies
University of Colorado Boulder
Graduate thesis on implementing Native American and Indigenous musics into the music and school classrooms in the United States. Spotlighted speaker at three state conferences for this subject. CU guest lecturer on this subject.
2015-2019
Music Education, BME
University of Miami, Frost School of Music
Co-creator of Native and Global Indigenous Studies program at UM. Prestigious Awards and Fellowships: Hammond Scholarship, Plus- One Fellowship, Mortar Board Honor Society. Featured student for advocacy and work in Indigenous studies.
NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC EDUCATION
Allison Cawthon, Master in Music Education & Ethnomusicology.
Graduate Studies in Native American and Indigenous Studies.
Native American Lesson Plans, Resources, and Information for K-12 music for your classroom. As a Native American citizen and a music educator, I know how challenging it can be to find authentic, reliable lesson plans and resources that focus on Indigenous culture, so this site is for you.
