Mr. Tyner

James Tyner
JAMES TYNER
Music Teacher

CONTACT
[email protected]
248.572.9504


EDUCATION
Associates of Applied Science in Software Engineering & Technological Sciences
Oakland Community College

Bachelor of Music Education
Central Michigan University

Master of Education in Learning & Technology (in progress)
Western Governor's University 

IB CERTIFICATIONS
Making the PYP Happen 

ENDORSEMENTS
Music (JQ), Social Studies (RX)


JOINED OXFORD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
August 2020

While training to become an educator, I served in the 338th U.S. Army Reserve Band out of Livonia, Michigan and Columbus Ohio as a tuba player from 2008 - 2016. I began my career teaching K-12 Band, Choir, and General Music at Byron Area Schools from 2014 to 2017. I then taught Jazz Band, Piano, Music History, and Music Technology at Orchard Lake St. Mary's Preparatory High School - OLSM (2017-2019) before teaching full-time Elementary Music at Clarkston Community Schools (2019-2020). While teaching at OLSM, I began teaching after-school trumpet and euphonium lessons for Accent Pontiac, a music nonprofit in Pontiac, Michigan in addition to online Social Studies and Music for Accelerate Education, an online curriculum provider.
I love working with passionate 4th and 5th grade musicians after school in a group called the "Super Singers". I also get to work with young engineers solving tomorrow's problems as the sponsor of our OES Code Club and as the District Elementary Programming Coach for FIRST Robotics.   In Music Class, students will learn and practice various musical elements such as high and low (pitch), loud and soft (dynamics), musical expression, solfege based on movable Do, performance and movement techniques, classroom instruments and the instruments of the orchestra, the western system of musical notation (letter names), major and minor tonality, as well as cultural and historical contexts to many of the pieces they learn. Every year, students will have an opportunity to perform in a formal performance for their families, often at our fantastic Performing Arts Center at the high school.
I believe in an equitable and accessible music education for all students so they can build confidence as a musician and as a valuable member of our society. Above all, music class is an exciting time for students to shine, connect with each other, and have fun! I As a lifelong learner, I am almost always enrolled in some class (often at Oakland Community College) to bring back new information or perspectives to my students. I enjoy connecting with other music teachers at conferences across the state and at workshops in Southeastern Michigan. I enjoy playing tuba in various concert bands such as the Southeastern Michigan Wind Ensemble.
I like to travel to visit with my sister and brother-in-law in Texas, and go on new adventures across the US. I also travel to play competitively in board games and card games during our school breaks. When I'm at home, I often dive into new programming languages or concepts, 3D printing, catching up on the latest shows, and trying out different video games. In the Summer, I like to walk a few miles every day, ride my eBike, or go on an adventure with my kayak.