About Me, Frank Arcari

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 A Life in Music Education

Growing up in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, music often filled our home and laid the foundation for what would become a central part of my life. This early exposure influenced my decision to pursue a focused education in this field, leading to a long career as an educator and musician.

My academic journey in music began at Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, NJ, where I completed a Bachelor of Music Degree with a concentration in Voice. This program deepened my understanding of choral literature and vocal techniques, essential for my future roles.

Eager to explore how cognitive processes influence learning, I later earned a Master of Science in Brain Research from Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Learning and Teaching. This degree provided me with valuable insights into effective educational strategies, which I integrated into my teaching methods.

I started my teaching career in 1999 at Dickerson Elementary in Chester, NJ, where I developed a comprehensive K-8 music curriculum using elements from Kodaly, Dalcroze, and Orff methodologies. The following years saw me at Thomaston High School & Center School in Connecticut, leading three choirs and facilitating educational trips to enhance our curriculum. I also supported the development of a “Music Booster” club to engage the community with our music programs.

The bulk of my career was at Norwalk Public Schools, where I started in 2003. Here, I built a choral program that grew to include over 230 students across five different performing groups. My aim was to provide a robust education in music that included music reading, understanding musical composition, and theory.

Additionally, I established and led a Drama Club and Music Theater program, which allowed students to engage with the arts more comprehensively. I introduced an AP Music Theory course and developed the curriculum for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Music program.

Beyond the classroom, I took on various leadership roles that allowed me to contribute to broader discussions about music education. I hosted the New England Music Festival in 2017 and held positions within the Connecticut Music Educators Association.

Throughout my career, I’ve been honored with recognition such as the Norwalk B.O.E. Certificate of Excellence and being a finalist for NAfME Music Educator of the Year in 2019. These honors have underscored the value of music education and its importance in our schools.

Looking back, the most rewarding aspects of my career have been the daily interactions with students and the opportunity to watch them grow both as musicians and individuals. Music education is not just about teaching notes and rhythms; it’s about inspiring students and providing them with the tools to express themselves creatively.

As I continue my journey from my current home in West Haven, I remain committed to the enriching power of music and education, striving to foster a deep appreciation for this art form in all my students.

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