Jo Manning
Teaching Philosophy
I have always loved being a teacher and helping students enrich and empower themselves through music and the performing arts. Music is a universal language, connecting people to one another across cultures, genres, and time.
Biography
Jo Manning brings exceptional academic credentials and extensive performance experience to her role as music educator. She holds a Master of Music Education from Boston Conservatory of Music and dual master’s degrees from Lesley University in Music Therapy and Mental Health, reflecting her comprehensive approach to musical instruction and student development.
Manning’s teaching excellence has been recognized through nine Extraordinary Teacher Awards over the past decade from prestigious organizations including Crescendo International Competition, American Fine Arts Festival, and Amuse the World. She received the Top Teacher Award in 2024 from Crescendo International Competition and the Teacher Appreciation Award in 2022. Her professional certifications include Orff Levels I and II and PreK-12 certification in Orchestra, Band, and General Music.
As a performer, Manning has graced renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Symphony Hall Boston, Harvard Music Association, and the Shalin Liu Performance Theater. She has performed with the Wellesley Orchestra and Bach to Broadway String Quartet, demonstrating her versatility across classical and contemporary repertoire.
Manning’s teaching experience spans public school systems in Brookline and Springfield, Massachusetts, where she has developed comprehensive music programs. Her private instruction encompasses students from age 3 through adult, specializing in Suzuki methodology, early childhood group lessons, master classes, and chamber ensemble coaching. This diverse experience allows her to adapt her teaching approach to meet the unique needs of each student while maintaining the highest standards of musical excellence.
Degrees
Masters in Music Education, MME, Boston Conservatory of Music
Masters in Music Therapy, MMT, Lesley University
Masters in Mental Health, MMH, Lesley University