Abigail Carter

6418 Gaulding Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111

(804) 356-3415
carterai@dukes.jmu.edu

To whom it may concern,

Please accept this letter in application for open choral teacher positions in Virginia schools. Currently, I
am a senior at James Madison University and will complete my degree in music with a concentration in
vocal music education in May 2022.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have had teaching experiences with a range of age levels from
preschool students to retirement community occupants and served as an undergraduate teaching assistant
and conductor for the JMU Treble Chamber Choir. I also served as music director of the JMU a cappella
group Into Hymn and received opportunities to serve the Harrisonburg community musically as a sister of
the professional music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. In addition to my coursework and study in the field
of music education, I have also gained invaluable performance experience through conducting courses as
well as singing in the most highly auditioned JMU choral ensembles, specifically The Madison Singers
and the JMU Chorale.

My undergraduate degree has further nurtured my passion for education and the impact that music has on
every person, regardless of their background. Encouraging a space and culture of creativity, self and
group expression, applicable skills and musicianship are just a few of the many benefits that the study of
music brings to communities both within and outside of choral settings. I believe that these elements of
musicking and community have only been encouraged by the adaptations and modifications resulting
from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More than ever, there are so many methods and spaces in which
music and fellowship can be developed alongside learning and growth.

My music education skills, ensemble and voice studies, and passion for teaching music have prepared me
for a career in choral music. I would welcome the opportunity to join the teaching community in Virginia.
I am thrilled to begin the next steps of my career journey, applying within my first job the knowledge I
have gleaned as a music student and developing a choral culture modeled after what I have experienced in
the School of Music at James Madison University.

In closing, thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully yours,
Abigail Carter