Testimonials
References
Letters of recommendation are available upon request from principals and department heads in the K-12 and university setting.
TESTIMONIALS
"Tony is a gifted musician, pianist, conductor, and singer, but he is first and foremost an incredibly skilled and effective educator. His focus is always on the students and their progress and well-being, and he is thoughtful and organized about both his daily lesson planning and his long-term goals for his students. He is a valuable member of any team, and he understands that his choirs and classes exist as part of a larger curriculum. He seeks out opportunities to collaborate with other educators outside his area and seems to thrive on this type of exchange."
Head of Choral Activities at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee / Graduate School Supervisor
"On stage, Tony had a wonderful presence that can’t be taught. He is a natural conductor and teacher."
Music Faculty Member at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
"He did an amazing job in helping students reach their potential but also helping them realize what they are capable of and building their self-confidence. It helps of course that he is such an expert in his own field ... our students feel safe to step out of their comfort zone and take safe risks."
Middle School Principal at the International School of Stavanger, Norway
"He has excellent rapport with all of his students ... Tony has often gone out of his way to help students be successful. He is an excellent model for other teachers."
Principal (Now Retired) at Hudson High School (Hudson, WI)
"In my 32 years as a music educator, I have worked with many talented people. I can honestly and sincerely state that the most gifted teacher I have ever known is Tony Mudra."
Choir Teacher at Meyer Middle School (River Falls, WI)
"Tony excels as a conductor and educator as well. He consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of the musical concepts he is teaching and the best practices for promoting lasting musical growth in his students. In the classroom, Tony’s enthusiasm and energy are infectious. He is a kind and endearing figure in rehearsal who possesses the emotional intelligence to stretch his students in ways that keep them engaged and wanting to learn."
Music Department Colleague at the International School of Stavanger, Norway
"Thank you for filling the theatre and our hallways with music, every single day ... For someone just coming to listen to the concert, it was a great experience ... I don't know how you can get all MS girls and all MS boys to sing together, when they don't even have choir at the same time. It's magic!"
Non-Music Colleague at the International School of Stavanger, Norway
"We've had some lovely comments about the concert and hope you have too. Most importantly, we know that all of us feel your whole organising team was brilliant! You should be extremely proud of yourself and of your colleagues. The school has such a wonderful warm feel to it. Of course it's the way it is because of all of you who work there looking for solutions instead of problems, and caring first about kids and then about music, and caring passionately about both."
Founder and Former Director of the Association for Music in International Schools (comment in regards to the International School of Stavanger hosting a 4-day honor choir festival for 85 students from 15 middle schools/13 countries)
"I always hoped there’d be a chance for Tony to be able to be a candidate. I was SO impressed the several times he conducted our choir!!!! He is exactly what we need and now we have him! What a mature, talented young man!"
Choir Member at Fox Point Lutheran Church (Fox Point, WI)
"Thank you for such a lovely concert yesterday! It's the best ever ISS concert I've been to. What teamwork! What dedication! Got served 1.5 hrs of goosebumps. :-) Came home with so much energy and happiness. You have an amazing team of music teachers. They trained the students so well. Watching the chemistry between the trio itself is a joy."
Middle School Parent at the International School of Stavanger, Norway
"I just wanted to say I really enjoyed seeing and hearing how you interact with the 5th graders today. You have a very direct and fun way with them and it is so obvious how much they respect you for this with how well they respond to you. It was fun to watch you with them today."
Non-Music Colleague at the International School of Stavanger, Norway
"The kids respond to his authenticity and they easily give him their respect. Our parents marvel at the ease with which he interacts with their children and their respect for this young man and his superior integrity is something I rarely see."
Senior Pastor at Fox Point Lutheran Church (Fox Point, WI)
"He’s probably one of the funniest, best teachers I’ve ever had.”
Women's Chorus Student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
"I had such an incredible experience in our Women's Choir! .... I quickly found myself in what felt like a community and not just a choir. I never felt outcast or like my lack of experience set me apart and I think that your style of teaching and personality as an instructor had a great deal to do with that. Thank you for creating an inviting, positive and creative environment in the classroom!"
Women's Chorus Student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
"This year in choir has been so much fun! Thanks for making it my favorite class. You were always so upbeat and positive. I could almost always count on choir to make me smile."
Choir Student at Meyer Middle School (River Falls, WI)
"You were always helpful from day one, but most importantly you made the learning fun! ... You helped me build my confidence in a field that originally made me incredibly nervous ... The impacts you had on the school community are still being felt today as you planted a love for music in many young students who are now growing up, ready to spread that love of music to the rest of the world."
Student at International School of Stavanger, Norway