Teaching Artist Statement

I am passionate about working with children, making music, and the power of music to soothe the soul, create community, instill confidence, and hone our innate abilities. I believe in an immersive, play-based approach to music education in early childhood, and I love the Music Together program and philosophy. My goal is to facilitate each child’s lifelong love of music and innate musicality. I first discovered Music Together as a participant, bringing kiddos to classes in Brooklyn, NY and Seattle, WA. I’m excited to be joining the MT team here at Music Center of the Northwest, and look forward to making music with you!

Teaching Bio

Manya graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle and has an MA in International Affairs from The New School University in New York. She is formally trained as a pianist, and also studies voice and guitar. While music and childcare have always been a part of her life, she is transitioning from a former career in the non-profit industry to one in early childhood education, with a focus on music and movement. She also works as a teaching assistant at University Cooperative School.

Manya brings over fifteen years of experience with children of all ages and ability levels, but especially enjoys working with preschool-aged children. She has also lived and worked abroad, and is passionate about language and travel. She is fluent in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese and brings a “mental encyclopedia” of related songs, which she looks forward to incorporating in her musical engagement at MCNW.

When she isn’t teaching or making music, Manya enjoys spending time with her local friends and family and having outdoor adventures. She lives on Capitol Hill with three neurotic rescue cats.