Music Together of Boulder - Meet the Teachers

All of our teachers have successfully completed the Music Together^® Teacher Training Workshop, developed by the Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton NJ. Additionally, all of our teachers participate in continuing education through Skills & Songs Workshops several times a year. They are passionate about music and young children, and hope to inspire a whole new generation of music makers who can sing in tune, move in rhythm and participate with joy and confidence as they create music with family and friends throughout their lives.

We love what we do--let us share it with you!

		Laura Nordson Laura graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in vocal music performance. A professional musician and performer, she found her passion in making music with children and their grown-ups as a teacher with Music Together of Boulder. She holds teaching certifications in Music Together (Level II) and Orff (Level II). Laura regularly performs with St. Martin's Chamber Choir and Harmonia. She had a child in 2013, and appreciates more than ever the musical community with the moms, dads, and caregivers in her classes. She began teaching for Music Together of Boulder in 2006, and through the years her passion for the business and its mission to make music a part of families' daily lives led her to take on the job of directing and leading the MToB team. In February of 2022, she became the owner when Jane Simms Roche retired. Laura is thrilled to be bringing Music Together to a new generation of Boulder families. Contact Miss Laura

		Jane Smolens Jane Smolens has been a Music Educator since 1986. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oberlin College and M.Ed. from the University of Utah with an emphasis on Music Education and Curriculum Development. She also studied at the Dalcroze School of Music in New York City. Jane completed her Music Together training in 1999 and has since been teaching/directing the Music Together Program for Boulder families. The Center for Music and Young Children in Princeton, New Jersey awarded Jane Smolens Certification Level 1 status for outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. Her focus is creating meaningful musical connections with children and families. Jane continues an active private piano studio for Music Together graduates through Mountain Song Music Studio, Inc. She is super excited to join the teaching team of Music Together of Boulder!

		Malia Van Rooy Malia Van Rooy has been musically involved throughout her life starting at a very young age, performing in various ensembles locally, nationally and internationally. Malia is passionate about connecting to people and especially young people through music instruction, focusing on the whole person in lessons. As such, she continues her successful studio in Lafayette, teaching both flute and piano to students of all ages. Malia collaborates with band directors teaching flute sectionals in local Boulder Valley schools of all grade levels. She works as a Teaching Artist through the Boulder Philharmonic to children in Boulder County’s Head Start program, and is excited to join Music Together of Boulder as a Music Together instructor! Additionally, Malia has served on the Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission, bringing grants, arts awareness, networking, and various opportunities to local artists and musicians in the Lafayette/Boulder area. Other than music, Malia keeps very busy with her husband, three kids and other passions, including reading, traveling, soccer, snowboarding/skiing, hiking, and camping!