Tomas

Bouda
 My Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is one where I set out goals and emphasize their
validity with reasons for these goals. I believe in scaffolding knowledge and
building knowledge in steps from the ground up. Collaboratively with
students, I set expectations that give focus and direction to lessons. My
teaching style is derived from various real-life experiences as a
student, mentor, and as a leader. I believe that it's very important to
explain historical relevance of any lesson for the students. Current
culture and jargon are welcome in my classroom because I know that I
am a life-long learner and I welcome the opportunity to learn more about
my student's lives and perspectives. I foster dialogue in a meaningful and
respectful manner, because tolerance of diverse opinions and creating a
safe-space for them to be expressed is an important factor for meaningful
discussions and friendly atmosphere in the classroom.
 me
• From Waterloo, ON…currently living in London

• I’ve been a Music teacher and arts educator for over a decade. I provide coaching for
ensembles and one on one lessons.

• Hobbies: woodworking, cooking, beer-reviewing on Instagram, music performance, as well

as outdoor activities such as fishing, canoeing; getting my hands dirty and my mind creative.

• Worked for Holland America Cruise Line (my ship was the Maasdam), LCBO and as a
freelance Luthier: an anachronistic word for guitar builder/restoration expert.

• German shepherd dog named Special Agent Fox Mulder (Fox). He’s been my good friend
for almost 8 years now

• My cat, Zuul, is a polydactyl: she has 6 claws on her front feet. I rescued her from a tree in
my backyard 2 years ago. She will not leave the house, even with the door open…
 Education
• Wilfrid Laurier University: BMus, Composition
Improvistion
• Galloup School of Guitar building and Repair
(MI, USA)
• Medaille College 2018-2019
 Christmas carol singing
with some students
Teaching music
 Why teaching?
• I’ve been a teacher for over 10 years for private music lessons (guitar, cello,
composition) for students ranging from 6 years old to over 60 years old
• I like to build confidence through creative and fun lessons
• I am upbeat, open-minded and have a positive attitude
• Formerly a Trainer on the Learning and Development team at Convergys
(a multi-national NGO)
• Inspiration: my mom is a teacher, and a lot of my mentors have been
teachers. I have too many teacher/mentors to list, but they are the reason
that I want to help teach a generation of young people to love learning as
much as I do
 Professional Goals
• Become a full time music teacher in the TVDSB
• Advance to administration: manage, advise and promote education
by working for the Provincial government at the Education Quality
and Accountability Office for the Ministry of Education
• Become more active in local politics: become a ward councillor in
London, ON.
• Use my entrepreneurial background to continue managing several
jobs at once, so that I can continue my luthiery career; building
guitars in batches over the summer months as well as continuing
performing with my experimental folk-duo: The Glass Tables
Thank you for reading!