Lesley Pond

I'm a career musician transitioning into music education. I'm so excited to share my experience and love of music with the next generation of music creators!

I studied composition and vocal jazz performance at East Carolina University under Dr. Carroll V. Dashiell Jr, and electronic music composition at North Carolina State University with Dr. Rodney Waschka II. I released original electronic music under the name "JANXX" for several years, touring the US and UK and securing licensing deals with companies like Microsoft and Sony.

Since retiring JANXX during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve continued my musical journey as a session musician for local artists and as a dedicated member of the Women’s Voices Chorus. After briefly stepping into the corporate world, I discovered my passion for teaching and am now fully committed to sharing my love of music and creative expression with students.

Teaching Philosophy

Music has been a constant thread throughout my life, from singing in the Arundel Cathedral Choir as a girl to organizing my own tours as an independent musician. Now, as a future K-12 music educator, my goal is to create a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking classroom where students of all backgrounds can find their place in music, whether as performers, producers, or behind-the-scenes creators.

I believe that music education should not only honor the classical traditions of choral, instrumental, and vocal music but also evolve to reflect the vibrant, multifaceted world of music today. Drawing from my academic background in composition, vocal jazz, and psychology, I aim to teach the fundamentals of music in a way that nurtures creativity, confidence, and collaboration. My classroom will be a space where students can engage in active music-making, explore diverse musical styles, and develop a deeper understanding of how music connects to culture and identity.

In addition to traditional instruction, I am passionate about integrating modern music technology into the curriculum. I want students to have hands-on opportunities with tools and equipment used in today’s music industry, such as microphones, electric guitars, amps, synthesizers, and digital audio workstations. Older students will be introduced to recording, editing, and music production software to build real-world skills in audio engineering and creative media. For students who may not be drawn to performance, I plan to offer pathways into related disciplines like lighting design, sound tech, music promotion, and event production, encouraging them to find their own niche in the musical world.

My experience as an artist, producer, and mentor has shown me how empowering it can be to gain technical skills and creative agency. I believe music class should not only teach students how to sing or play, but how to express themselves authentically, collaborate with others, and navigate the tools of modern artistic creation.

Though I am early in my teaching career, my time as a substitute and teaching fellow has reinforced the importance of flexibility, empathy, and strong relationships in the classroom. I am committed to building a supportive, student-centered learning environment where every learner feels seen, challenged, and inspired. Music is for everyone, and I want my students to know there’s room in the world of music for their unique voice, however it takes shape.