Ms. Irene Tang

What music is to me....

When I was young, I had the opportunity to try different activities such as: sports, dance, and art.

I loved all of those activities, but when I started music class it was a totally different experience. I was a very shy kid and got very nervous when I had to perform or talk in front of people but I built up my confidence and discovered my personality through music and playing the piano.

Today, I am directing a choir with more than 100 members and have the courage to present in front of my colleagues!

Why I teach...

Teaching music not only teaches a skill, it introduces a new language, a universal language that can be shared with anyone and everyone around us!

Music is healing. As a music educator, my goal is to foster a safe environment for students to grow musically, mentally, and emotionally. I want students to not only play an instrument, but also be able to turn to music when they need emotional support.

I believe in the spirit of excellence. Teaching is not a job, but a privilege.

We as educators must instill our love for teaching through our actions.

Trust me I'm a Teacher

I graduated from Biola University with a Bachelors of Music in Education and a Masters of Art in Education.

I hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in K-12 Music.

I have taught private piano lessons since 2007 working with ages from 4-20 years old with many of my students excelling through the Certificate of Merit program.

Currently, I'm an elementary music teacher at Garden Grove Unified School District with over 1,000 students ages ranging from Transitional Kinder all the way through 6th grade.

Students learn general music skills that cover all of the elements of music (Rhythm, Dynamics, Melody, Harmony, Form…) as well as learning how to play the recorders and ukuleles. I also direct 2 choirs with over 100 5th and 6th grade students.

My newest project was a 300-page 1st grade music curriculum my colleague and I created for our final project in our Master’s program. We are currently using this curriculum in our own classrooms and have found it to be very successful with our diverse group of students!

Our goal is to have a set of music curriculum for grades TK through 6th Grade.

And then some...

When I am not invading the minds of my students, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and two fur children.

I also love to eat and cook.

I spend my Sunday afternoon’s meal prepping for the week.

I am always up for a food adventure anywhere, anytime! (Btw, are we lucky to be in Irvine, CA or what? So many food options!)

​Lastly, I absolutely love trying new coffee shops with my best friend!

​Coffee is the best!​