Larisa Marian

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Written By Dr. Elisa Janson Jones
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Larisa Marian Headshot Music Teacher Guild Mentor

Larisa Marian’s biggest joy is to create meaningful learning communities with her learners. Mrs. Marian graduated cum laude from George Mason University’s Bachelor of Music Education program, where she studied violin with Dr. Laura Kobayashi and Dr. Elizabeth Adams, and magna cum laude with her Master's in Music Education from George Mason University.

A music educator with a track record, Larisa has over 12 years of public school music teaching experience, and over 16 years teaching music. Mrs. Marian was awarded the Virginia American Strings Teachers Association Outstanding New Strings/Orchestra Teacher Award for the year 2016-2017. She presented at the ASTA National Conference in March 2024 and at the VMEA State Conference in November 2019. She received the George Bornoff Memorial Scholarship to attend the American Strings Teachers Association Conference in March 2017 and a scholarship to attend the Bornoff Pedagogy Workshop in June 2017. In 2016, she received the PTA Teacher Recognition at Woodburn ES.

During the summers, Mrs. Marian’s work has included the Paul Rolland Kids on the Move Camp, Annandale Strings Camp, Future Music Educators Camp, and creating and directing the Woodburn Strings Camp. Mrs. Marian taught for six years in Fairfax County Public Schools before moving to Loudoun County, where she was the director of the Tuscarora High School Orchestra Program until 2024. At Tuscarora High School, Larisa grew the orchestra program by 120%, and the Tuscarora Strings Camp, which she created, by 300%. Larisa is now a full-time mom and private music instructor in Loudoun County.

Mrs. Marian’s two passions are pedagogy and community. She holds certifications in Paul Rolland Pedagogy Levels 1, 2, and 3; as well as certifications in Orff Schulwerk Level 1 and Bornoff Pedagogy Level 1. Her philosophy of music education is to build collaborative, dynamic music environments where students can be unafraid to make music.

  • Music creates transformative and powerful learning experiences. Carl Orff encapsulated this beautifully when he said, "Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand."

    I believe in creating meaningful and collaborative learning communities where each student feels empowered and unafraid to express themselves through music. Drawing from over 16 years of teaching experience and advanced certifications in pedagogical methodologies such as Paul Rolland Pedagogy, Orff Schulwerk, and Bornoff Pedagogy, I design dynamic, student-centered learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and foster creativity. My approach emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and real-world application. My learners and I co-create the learning experience; while we have a plan, the experience itself shapes our next steps. This approach yields result, exemplified in the learners' skill acquisition, and engagement with the learning experience.

    Music brings people together. Throughout my 16 years of teaching music, I have witnessed the powerful sense of community that music fosters—from leading Sunday School music groups and directing strings camps to managing public school programs. My core philosophy is to build an organically inclusive and supportive community where learners feel a sense of belonging and ease. By encouraging experimentation and embracing alternative musical styles, I aim to broaden students' horizons and inspire a lifelong passion for music. My ultimate goal is to nurture confident, creative, and compassionate musicians who can thrive both individually and collectively.

  • I have extensive experience in the one-on-one setting and working with adults, ranging from private lessons and small adult music groups to the unofficial mentorship of young teachers beginning their professions. Additionally, I have supervised college and high school students as they interned at our strings summer camps over the years and have been a coach to many former and current students.

    My effectiveness as a mentor is rooted in:

    • Active Listening and Empathy: I prioritize understanding each mentee’s unique goals, challenges, and learning styles.

    • Problem-Solving Skills: I excel at analyzing pain points and developing creative solutions to help mentees overcome them.

    • Extensive Experience: With over 16 years of experience in music education and advanced certifications in Paul Rolland Pedagogy, Orff Schulwerk, and Bornoff Pedagogy, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to my mentoring relationships.

    • Robust Network: My extensive professional network provides additional resources and support, connecting mentees with opportunities and other experts in the field.

    • Leadership and Initiative: I have successfully sponsored the National Music Honors Society at my high school, demonstrating my ability to lead and inspire students toward excellence.

    • Personal Mentorship Experience: I have been fortunate to be mentored by exceptional music educators who significantly impacted my professional and personal growth. This experience fuels my commitment to providing the same level of meaningful mentorship to others.

    As your mentor, I am dedicated to fostering your growth as a music educator. Whether you are navigating the pain points of a specific teaching situation, seeking advice on effective teaching strategies, or looking to expand your professional footprint, I am here to be a resource every step of the way.

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Dr. Elisa Janson Jones

Dr. Elisa Jones designs and scales learning systems for organizations and individuals. With an EdD in Instructional Design, an MBA in Strategy, and 20+ years building education platforms, she combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution experience.

She works at the intersection of people, systems, and technology—helping leaders and learners see what's actually working and what needs to change. Her approach is diagnostic, grounded in real-world constraints, and focused on outcomes that stick.

Learn more about her work at sovereign.plus, elisajones.ai, and the Music Teacher Guild.

https://elisajanson.com
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