Ashley Ricks is a lifelong musician, and doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved in music in one form or another.
- Master of Music, Music Education- Northern Arizona University
- Continuing professional education through attendance at conferences & workshops
- Bachelor of Music, Music Education- Northern Arizona University
- Alumni, Las Vegas Academy of the Performing Arts, Choral Music
- Private piano and voice instruction through high school & college years
- American Choral Directors Association*
- Feierabend Association for Music Education
- Music Teachers National Association*
- 2019 Best of the Vista Award for Best Educator
- 2019 City of Sierra Vista Arts & Humanities Commission Award for Arts in Education
- 2016 Dr. Leman Award for Excellence in Education- Leman Academy of Excellence
- Outstanding Teacher- Gilbert Public Schools, for innovation and work with special needs students
- Ensembles & private students consistently participate in festivals and adjudications, with high marks
- Clinician & adjudicator
Music should be fun! I am always looking for creative and innovative ways to teach my students. My approach to teaching based from a traditional “classical” approach; technique and theory are important building blocks to be successful musically. This must also be balanced with instilling a love for the instrument and art form. I believe that it is necessary for students to be exposed to a variety of musical styles. Students should learn to play and sing music that is meaningful to them, while ensuring it is developmentally and age appropriate. Just as we need to keep a balanced nutritional diet, it’s vital to keep a balanced musical diet. I endeavor to expose students to music of the masters, music of those less known, and current music.