Educational Background/Training

• Howard University (Jazz Studies/Guitar)
• Wolf Trap Teacher Artist Training, Wolf Trap Education Learning Center
• Music Together Teacher Training, Center for Music and Young Children
• SAGA Tutor Training
• University of Florida Institute (UFLI) literacy tutor training
• Ready Set Math (RSM) tutor training

ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

• Kennedy Center’s Teaching Artist Present (TAP)
• Music Director and Teaching Artist with Educational Theatre Company (ETC)
• Grammy nominated Music Producer
• Music Together Teacher
• Songwriting workshops for children grades 2-6
• Multidisciplinary Teaching artist working with grades Pre-K through early elementary
• Freelance abstract art teacher for grades Pre-K through early elementary

About the Artist/Ensemble

Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves played on his loop station, electric guitar, exotic musical instruments such as the mouthbow, talking drum, and kitchen utensils; laced with comedy, creative play, and puppet skits— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. Groovy Nate performs at birthday parties, school assemblies, summer camps, libraries and indoor/outdoor public events.

Groovy Nate’s music is unique and eclectic, using Funk music as the foundation and reference.   This is best represented in his two children’s music albums, “Meet Groovy Nate”, and “I’m Gonna Play My Bell”, along with a single promoting seat belt safety aptly called, “Put Your Seat Belt On” (he recently published a children’s book with the same title).  Additionally, Groovy Nate has a song titled, “Respect Everybody” that is featured in the 2022 Grammy nominated compilation album by One Tribe Collective, “All One Tribe”.

Since 2007, Groovy Nate has worked with a number of arts-based education organizations such as Music Together, Wolf Trap Education Learning Center, and Kennedy Center’s Teaching Artist Presents (TAP).  He also does extensive work with Arlington-based Educational Theatre Company (ETC), working as Music Director at Main Stage residencies, theatre-based after school programs, and lyric writing workshops at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. During the pandemic, Groovy Nate taught online songwriting classes with grades 3-5 for schools in New York City and Laurel, Maryland.  The social-distancing period was also an opportunity for Groovy Nate to launch his YouTube production of, “The Groovy Nate Show”.

Groovy Nate also works as a high impact tutor for Fairfax County Public Schools, teaches a percussion class using kitchen items on Outschool, and extends his musicianship by playing electric guitar at Berean Baptist Church in Washington, DC.  Lastly, his poetry writing can be found in the Day Eight poetry anthology entitled, The Great World Of Days, and in the upcoming Washington Writer’s Publishing House anthology titled, AMERICA’S FUTURE: poetry & prose in response to tomorrow.

Educational Program Description

The Groovy Nate Groove Circle Experience

​In the Groovy Nate Groove Experience, participants will create and play original rhythm patterns using various percussion instruments, including but not limited to, recycled materials, various hand drums, bells, sound shapes, rhythm sticks, and voice.  ​

​Rhythm patterns will be derived from children’s books, names, and other ideas from Groovy Nate and students.  Children will also, explore/learn musical fundamentals (deep listening, tempo, dynamics, etc.), participate in a group, develop focus, and express creativity.

Groovy Classic Tales Production

• Participants will explore music, movement and imaginative play to create and perform an age and skill appropriate production of a classic children’s story.

• Children will create funky chants, play percussion instruments, use props, and costumes to produce a comical rendition of a classic tale with a child inspired alternative ending.

• Tales include but not limited to: The Ginger Bread Man, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the 3 Little Pigs.  Grades Kindergarten to 3rd Grade.

Groovy Nate’s Fun in FUNk Music Movement Experience

Participants will take an imaginary field trip with Groovy Nate on a “club-hopping” musical journey filled with funky grooves that entertain and educate! Get ready to groove, shake, and have fun with a delightful blend of energetic beats and creative movement! Groovy Nate will lead you through a variety of funky and engaging rhythms that will have you moving and grooving in no time!  Pre-K to 2nd Grade.

Inside the Music: Meet Groovy Nate Teacher Training

Children’s entertainer, Groovy Nate, takes educators on an inside exploration of his music.  In this workshop, we break free from conventional boundaries and

explore innovative teaching techniques through the lens of funk and creativity. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

• Teachers are introduced to different genres of music that appear in his music:  Funk, Reggae, Techno, Hip-Hop, and Go-Go.

• Use Groovy Nate’s songs as teaching tools by altering the lyrics to fit curriculum standards (to include, but not limited to, making rhymes, teaching shapes, STEM standards of learning).

• Discover how incorporating music, songwriting, rhythmic chants, and creative movement can engage students and enhance their learning experience.

Fees

For pricing information, contact Groovy Nate at groovynate@groovynate.com

Audiences

• Preschool
• Elementary Students
• Adults