Multicultural Music & SEL for classrooms where every student belongs
I'm a music educator, composer, and performer. I help teachers bring world music into the classroom through drum circles, culturally diverse lessons, and hands-on resources for social emotional learning.
Music Education for Every Culture, Every Classroom
Music is one of the oldest ways people share who they are. I'm Willow Neilson, a music educator, composer, and performer with 30 years of international experience, and I help teachers bring world music and culturally diverse traditions into their classrooms in ways that are authentic, respectful, and joyful.
My work centers on multicultural music education that connect students to the people and traditions behind the music. Drumming, barred instruments and movement are also at the heart of my approach to social emotional learning, building focus, empathy, teamwork, and self-expression while students make music together.
I have performed and studied with accomplished jazz musicians and culture bearers from around the world, and I've worked in performing, composing, curriculum design, education technology, and K-12 teaching. I'm certified in World Music Pedagogy, Orff Schulwerk, Conversational Solfege, and First Steps in Music. Everything I create is both artistically grounded and ready for a real classroom.
Portfolio
Explore projects that bring the world's musical cultures to life for learners. From interactive world music apps and global expeditions to cultural curricula and original compositions, these works reflect a career-long commitment to inclusive, engaging learning that connects students to music and to each other.
Resources for Multicultural Music Teaching
Explore a collection of articles at the intersection of music, education, and digital innovation. From insights on game-based learning and cultural curricula to reflections on creative process and pedagogy, these posts share ideas for building inclusive, engaging, and transformative learning experiences.
Contact Me
Have a question or want to explore a collaboration? I’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a school leader, arts organization, or educator looking to build meaningful music experiences, let’s start the conversation.