Through longstanding work as a cooperating teacher and mentor, David Matchim plays a pivotal volunteer role in supporting Peabody’s music education students as they prepare to enter the field. As the Director of Bands at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, Matchim has hosted numerous Peabody student teachers, offered countless clinics, and served as a consistent advocate for the importance of music education within schools and communities.
“Teaching is an art,” he says of the values instilled in him during his own training. “It asks you to be a master of your content, a thoughtful communicator, a counselor and coach, a generous colleague—and above all, someone who keeps learning. You’re never done learning.”
Through longstanding work as a cooperating teacher and mentor, David Matchim plays a pivotal volunteer role in supporting Peabody’s music education students as they prepare to enter the field. As the Director of Bands at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, Matchim has hosted numerous Peabody student teachers, offered countless clinics, and served as a consistent advocate for the importance of music education within schools and communities.
“Teaching is an art,” he says of the values instilled in him during his own training. “It asks you to be a master of your content, a thoughtful communicator, a counselor and coach, a generous colleague—and above all, someone who keeps learning. You’re never done learning.”
After an embouchure injury shifted his path from trumpet performance to music education, Matchim arrived at Peabody seeking direction and found it through faculty such as Harlan Parker and Laura Parker, who shaped both his craft and confidence. “The impact of the Peabody music education faculty on my life cannot be overstated,” he says. “They shaped me not only as an educator, but as a person.”
“Our strong alumni network is part of what helps Peabody inspire the next generation of music educators,” says Rachel Brashier, Chair of Music Education. “We could not do what we do without cooperating teachers—master teachers like David Matchim.”
More to explore:
Music Education Leadership Fund: Supporting access and scholarship for future educators