top of page

Jake Betz

Bachelor of Music Education

Jake Betz has his Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). He has been a member of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) since 2014, when he served as the Secretary for UNC's chapter. He now teaches choir for Chino Valley Unified School District, working with six classes ranging from grades 6-12. Betz has collaboratively performed in multiple historic venues such as Carnegie Hall, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Limburg Cathedral in Germany. In his time of study, he has performed in choruses for 17 operas and five masterworks, including Bach’s B Minor Mass under Simon Carrington. Besides a background in classical voice, Betz boasts experience in five operatic roles, choral conducting, wind ensembles, musical theater, jazz ensembles, a cappella, and show choirs.

IMG_4419.JPG
Home: Welcome
Sheet Music

Music Education Philosophy

In an interview for a job in the field of education, the most asked question, almost guaranteed to be posed first, is “Why do you want to be a teacher?” Ninety-four percent of current teachers said that it is a desire to work with children that fuels them the most. But just the words “a desire to work with children” do not do our passions justice. I think it is safe to say that most educators were once inspired by one or multiple teachers. I was privileged enough to have teachers who led blossoming classrooms and touched the lives of my classmates and me. I can think of nothing more rewarding than doing the same, through music.


Between choir tours, marching band, opera, musical theater, traveling abroad in Europe, music education conventions, and many other musical endeavors, I have experienced first- and second-hand the impact music has on the lives of students. It is all powered and functioning thanks to teachers. It is a strong teacher-student relationship paired with good discipline that allow student knowledge and self-discovery to push borderlines. In my years of study, I have found that music is an undying influence on people both in recreation and in practice. It breaks ground and transcends communication among mankind. Students who participate actively in music ensembles or learn instruments show higher success rates, and are constantly incorporating their knowledge across both life and academic subjects we value in education. Young artists can not only learn to appreciate the aesthetic value of their study, but use their art to comfortably express themselves and find passion in something, no matter in which directions they pave their roads. I truly believe that music as a platform for education is one of the safest and most efficient ways to develop the brain, and it cannot ever go unnoticed or be neglected. It is my goal to consistently play a part in instilling an appreciation and basic knowledge for this art, and act as a support and ambassador for the necessity of it in schools. Michael Jackson once said, “The magic, the wonder, the mystery, and the innocence of a child are the seeds of creativity that will heal the world. I truly believe that.”


Taylor Mali, a wonderful poet and educator, said that good teachers encourage kids to wonder, question, criticize, and apologize. They are the non-parental adults who have the most influence on children. We can “... make parents see their children for who they are and who they can be.” We can make a difference, and I am dedicated to doing everything I can to keep art in the schools and using music as as my tool to help students be the best they can be.

Home: About

Byrd: Laudibus in Sanctus

Mark Ossip, Stacy Yeldell, Jake Betz, Tessa Espinosa, and Courtney Lorenz at St. Martin's in Lorch Germany

Home: Video

J. S. Bach

“It is the special province of music to move the heart.”

Home: Quote

Contact

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Thanks for submitting!

Legal Research and Writing
Home: Contact
bottom of page