Embedded Files
Click here for a printable pdf version
(make sure pop-ups are not blocked)
Education
Doctor of Education expected 2021 Teachers College
Music and Music Education Columbia University
Dissertation
“Lifelong music-making: Exploring why community orchestra members continue to make music”
Sponsor: Dr. Kelly Parkes
Additional studies with Dr. Harold Abeles, Dr. Randall Allsup, and Dr. Lori Custodero
Master of Music Education 2010 University of Illinois
with Certification Urbana-Champaign
Student of Dr. Gary McPherson, Dr. Louis Bergonzi, Dr. Joseph Manfredo, Dr. Greg DeNardo, Dr. John Grashel, and Dr. Matthew Thibeault
Bassoon student of Professor Timothy McGovern
Conducting student of Professor Eduardo Diazmuñoz
Master of Music 2008 University of Illinois
Performance and Literature Urbana-Champaign
Bassoon student of Professor Timothy McGovern
Conducting student of Professor Eduardo Diazmuñoz
Bachelor of Music 2006 University of Arizona
Performance (Bassoon) Tucson
Bassoon student of Dr. William Dietz
Mentored by music education faculty members Dr. Carl Hancock and Dr. Robert Bayless
Teaching - University/Conservatory
Student Teacher Supervisor 2021-present Music and Music Education
Teachers College
Columbia University, New York
Responsibilities: Formally and informally evaluate student teachers at various schools in the New York City Department of Education. Mentor students and assist with lesson planning, curriculum development, teaching methods, building student relationships, and working with cooperative teachers.
Marching Band Coach 2018-2020 CU Marching Band
Columbia University, New York
Responsibilities: Managed and supported a volunteer co-curricular ensemble of 60 university students. Supported all aspects of this student-centered group including rehearsals, student recruitment, and ensemble management. Taught individual lessons.
Teacher of Woodwind, Brass 2013-2018 SOI Music Academy
and Music Theory/History Mumbai, India
National Centre for the Performing Arts
Responsibilities: This is the premier western music training organization and is the in-house conservatory of the Symphony Orchestra of India. Taught lessons on all orchestral wind instruments. Developed innovative history of music courses. Taught Russian-School inspired solfeggio. Recruited all students and prepared them for regular performances with the SOI chamber orchestra. Prepared the student orchestra.
Music Education Teaching Assistant 2009-2010 University of Illinois
Conducting and String Music Education Urbana-Champaign
Responsibilities: Assisted and taught Advanced Conducting (the most advanced undergraduate music education conducting course) and String Pedagogy for the Public School Educator (a pre-service music education course) for Dr. Louis Bergonzi, chair of music education. Managed the online aspects of the course and graded student work. Performed video reviews with students.
Bassoon Studio Teaching Assistant 2006-2008 University of Illinois
Methods, Orchestra Repertoire, Chamber Music Urbana-Champaign
and Lessons
Responsibilities: Taught bassoon methods for music education majors and bassoon lessons for non-majors. Coached undergraduate wind quintet chamber music. Managed and substitute taught the orchestral repertoire class for wind graduate students.
Teaching - Secondary/Elementary
Director of Bands 2011-2013 Tamil Nadu, India
Kodaikanal International School
Responsibilities: This is a coeducation international boarding school of 600 students. Taught Wind Ensemble (the premier band grades 8-12), Wind Band (the intermediate level band grades 5-10), Beginning Band (grades 5-8) and individual lessons (all woodwind and percussion instruments). Oversaw entire band program of 100 students and four band teachers. Assisted the music department with student recruitment, revision of academic policies, and student auditions for the Indian National Youth Orchestra and the Association for Music in International Schools Honor Band. Organized field trips to Bangalore and Chennai.
Director of Bands 2010-2011 Holyoke, Colorado
Holyoke Re-1J School District
Responsibilities: 5-12 band director for the entire rural school district. Instructed grade 5 band, grade 6 band, grades 7-8 band, high school band, jazz band, marching band, and basketball band. Taught two non-music classes: grade 9 Individual Career Academic Plan and grades 8-12 Credit Recovery. Oversaw a $250,000 instrument inventory and music library. In charge of fundraising operations that netted $7000. Served on the district Accountability Committee.
Student Teacher 2010 (six months) Champaign, Illinois
Champaign Unit 4 School District
Responsibilities: This is a culturally diverse school district of approximately 9,300 students. Taught grade 5 band, grade 6 band, grade 7 band, grade 8 band, three bands grades 9-12, jazz band, marching band, basketball band, and guitar class.
Band Director 2008-2010 Champaign, Illinois
Next Generation School
Responsibilities: Created the first band program at this K-8 independent school. Developed all curricular materials and recruited students. Organized regular concerts during the school year as well as the summer.
Instrumental Music Teacher 2007-2010 University of Illinois
Illinois Summer Youth Music Urbana-Champaign
Responsibilities: Taught conducting, music theory, and grades 5-12 band at this premier summer music camp. Developed curriculum for elective classes.
Conductor 2004-2006 University of Arizona
University of Arizona Outreach Band Tucson
Responsibilities: Taught an honor ensemble of 60 culturally diverse students grades 5-9. Conducted rehearsals and concerts, adjudicated auditions, organized library, hired section coaches, maintained website, and recruited students.
Woodwind Section Coach 2012 & 2016 Bangalore and Mumbai
Indian National Youth Orchestra India
Responsibilities: Responsible for the training of the entire woodwind section for the premier youth orchestra of India. Taught distance learning lessons prior to meeting students and performed principal bassoon.
Private Music Teacher 2000-present NYC, Colorado, Illinois
Arizona, and Oregon
Responsibilities: Specialist at teaching bassoon as well as instruct lessons on all band instruments. Mentored co-curricular chamber ensembles and rock bands at various schools.
Creative Work
Editorially Reviewed Publishing
Potter, S. (2020). Teaching bassoon methods: An Essay for educators, instructors, and students. The Double Reed, 43(4), 94-108.
Potter, S. (2017). Mozart’s soul. The Creative Cafe.
https://thecreative.cafe/mozarts-soul-642b9a91d7
Potter, S. (2017). What I have learned playing in the most international orchestra in the world. The Ascent. https://medium.com/the-ascent/what-i-have-learned-playing-in-the-most-international-orchestra-in-the-world-3536b69fc27f
Potter, S. (2017). How to fight for the arts. The Junction.
https://medium.com/the-junction/how-to-fight-for-the-arts-62c2ad9bb691
Potter, S. (2017). Educating the unconscious. The Synapse.
https://medium.com/synapse/educating-the-unconscious-6fbf85a7b11
Potter, S. (2013). How to read western classical music. On Stage Magazine.
Guest Conducting/Teaching
Welham Boys’ School (Dehradun)
Strawberry Fields High School (Chandigarh)
Woodstock School (Mussoorie, Uttarakhand)
The Bangalore School of Music
Child’s Play (India) Foundation (Panjim, Goa)
Frank Anthony Public School (Bangalore)
Clarence High School (Bangalore)
The International School Bangalore
The Kala Academy (Panjim, Goa)
Mahomet Junior Senior High School (Illinois)
Franklin Middle School (Illinois)
Jefferson Middle School (Illinois)
Champaign Centennial High School (Illinois)
University of Illinois Bassoon Studio
University of Illinois Orchestral Repertoire Class
University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra Wind Section
Guest Lecturing/Outreach Performances
Prithvi Theatre (Mumbai)
The True School of Music (Mumbai)
Campion School (Mumbai)
Cathedral and John Connon School (Mumbai)
JB Petit School (Mumbai)
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar School (Mumbai)
Kherwadi Municipal School (Mumbai)
Love Grove Pumping Municipal School (Mumbai)
Vakola Municipal School (Mumbai)
EduCo Sai Baba Path Municipal School (Mumbai)
Happy Home School for the Blind (Mumbai)
NSS Hill Spring International School (Mumbai)
The Victoria Memorial School for the Blind (Mumbai)
Jamnabai Narsee School (Mumbai)
The Dikhush Special School (Mumbai)
DSB International School (Mumbai)
Raleigh Park Elementary School (Portland, Oregon)
Barnes Elementary School (Portland, Oregon)
Curated Projects
SOI at the True School of Music
Led the Symphony Orchestra of India Chamber Orchestra at India’s premier popular music academy. Created presentations that illustrated western classical music eras and orchestral instruments. The livestream for each performance regularly engaged 1000+ viewers.
Cool Classics: A Fun Week of Music with the Symphony Orchestra of India at the Prithvi Theatre
This was a week-long summer day camp where students learned about western classical music. Wrote the entire curriculum and instructed the large group events. Trained a team of five co-teachers to instruct the small group sessions.
National Centre for the Performing Arts Junior Strings Programme
This was a city-wide outreach violin teaching project for students of all ages. Managed a staff of 11 teachers working across 21 schools and engaging with over 200 students. Created professional development workshops for the teachers. Prepared students for regular school concerts as well as Associated Board of the Royal School of Music Exams.
Music Education Resources
Bassoon Basics
This is an online video series on specifics of bassoon technique and sound production.
www.stupotter.com/bassoon-basics
Music History Melodies
This is an online video study guide on the primary melodies of select orchestral and solo works.
Violin Exam Music Study Guide
This is an online video series to assist students in the preparation for the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music Violin Exam music grades 1-3 and prep test.
Commissioned Band/Orchestra Arrangements
Symphony Orchestra of India Chamber Orchestra (Mumbai)
Next Generation School (Champaign, IL)
Holyoke JR/SR High School (Colorado)
Kodaikanal International School (Tamil Nadu, India)
The Frank Anthony Public School (Bangalore)
Professional Musician
Second Bassoon 2013-2018 Mumbai, India
The Symphony Orchestra of India
This is a professional orchestra that performs at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai, India. Regularly performed with leading conductors and soloists such as Charles Dutoit, Rafael Payare, Alina Ibragimova, Barry Douglas, Maria João Pires, Zakir Hussain and Stephen Hough. Performed on tours of Switzerland and Abu Dhabi. Performed on all subscription concerts, operas and regular educational outreach concerts. Performed as a soloist with the orchestra on June 8, 2015. Was Principal Bassoonist of SOI Chamber Orchestra from August 2015 to April 2018.
Contrabassoon 2009-2010 Champaign, Illinois
The Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra
Freelance Bassoonist
Illinois Symphony Orchestra (Springfield and Bloomington)
Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra (Illinois)
Danville Symphony Orchestra (Illinois)
Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (Illinois)
Sinfonia da Camera Chamber Orchestra (Illinois)
Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana
Concert Band of Central Illinois
University of Arizona Faculty Wind Quintet
Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
Martha Graham Dance Company Pit Orchestra
Mark Morris Dance Company Pit Orchestra
Sinfonia Concertante Chamber Orchestra (Portland, Oregon)
Park Avenue Chamber Symphony (NYC)
Chelsea Symphony (NYC)
LItha Symphony (NYC)
Orchestra Amadeus (NYC)
Queer Urban Orchestra (NYC)
Amore Opera (NYC)
Alaria Chamber Ensemble (NYC)
South Orange Symphony Orchestra (New Jersey)
Bangalore School of Music Chamber Orchestra (India)
Summer Music Festivals
Sunflower Music Festival
Las Vegas Music Festival
Illinois Summer Jazz Festival
Arts In The Park, Inc.
Madeline Island Music Camp
Chamber Music For Winds, Portland State University
Solo and Chamber Music Recitals
Teachers College, Columbia University – 2019
Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai – 2016, 2017
Symphony Orchestra of India Wind Quartet India Tour – 2017-2018
Outreach Concert Series: Various Mumbai Schools – 2014-2016
Duet and Trio Concert: Alliance Française de Bangalore – 2012
Kodaikanal International School – 2012, 2013
Madras Musical Association Young Artists Recital – 2011
Joint recital with Next Generation School Ensemble – Summer 2009, Winter 2010
Chamber Duo Recital – Fall 2008
Master of Music Recital – Spring 2008
Senior Recital – Spring 2006
Junior Recital – Spring 2005
Sophomore Recital – Spring 2004
Various schools, museums, community events, bookstores, and coffee shops – 2000 to present
Professional Development
Masterclass Performances
Robert Williams, Detroit Symphony Orchestra
John Steinmetz, Los Angeles Opera
John Miller, Minnesota Orchestra
Albie Micklich, Arizona State University
Fred Korman, Oregon Symphony Orchestra (oboe)
Jeff Keesecker, Florida State University
Norbert Nielubowski, Minnesota Orchestra
Kristen Wolf Jensen, University of Texas at Austin
Mark Moore, University of Illinois (tuba)
Bryce Troy, Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Music Coaches
Renée Siebert, flute, New York Philharmonic
Timothy McGovern, bassoon, University of Illinois
Dr. William Dietz, bassoon, University of Arizona
Dave Griffin, horn, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mark Romatz, bassoon, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Susan Warner, clarinet, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Jelena Dirks, oboe, St. Louis Symphony
Dr. Jonathan Keeble, flute, University of Illinois
Dr. Neil Tatman, oboe, University of Arizona
J. David Harris, clarinet, University of Illinois
Academic Ensemble Experience
University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra
University of Illinois Wind Symphony
University of Illinois New Music Ensemble
University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra
University of Arizona Symphony Orchestra
University of Arizona Wind Ensemble
University of Arizona Opera Orchestra
Various Student Wind Quintets
Various Doctoral Conducting and Musicology Recitals
Service to the Musical and Educational Communities
Student Teacher Mentor 2011 Kevin Huseth
Kodaikanal International School St. Olaf College
Tamil Nadu, India
Current band director at Lewiston-Altura High School (Minnesota)
Charity/Benefit Performances
Puerto Rico Benefit Concert (Orchestra Amadeus, NYC)
Bahamas Relief Effort Concert (Orchestra Amadeus, NYC)
LGBTQ+ Pride Benefit Concert (Orchestra Amadeus, NYC)
Benefit for Gun Violence Prevention (Orchestra Amadeus, NYC)
Relief for Indonesia (Orchestra Amadeus, NYC)
Dr. Jamshed Bhabha Legacy Concert
Clarence High School (Bangalore) Christmas Concert
The Bangalore School of Music 25th Anniversary Concert
India National Youth Orchestra
Concert Honoring the Heroes of 26/11 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts
Kala Ghoda Festival (Mumbai)
Professional Organization Memberships
National Associate for Music Education, USA (NAfME, formerly MENC)
International Society for Music Education
International Double Reed Society
Awards and Honors
List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students
This is an award given to faculty and teaching assistants at the University of Illinois based on student course evaluations
Awarded fall 2006, fall 2007 and spring 2008
Regents Fine Arts Music Scholarship
This is a four-year, merit-based, full tuition scholarship to the University of Arizona
Florence K. Geffen Scholarship
This is an annual award from Teachers College, Columbia University
Two-time Finalist, University of Arizona Concerto Competition
This competition is open to all music students at the University of Arizona
Third Place, Tucson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition
This competition is open to all musicians ages 22 and younger
Media
Videos of my conducting and bassoon playing are posted here: http://www.stupotter.com/audio-video
Videos of my teaching are posted here: http://www.stupotter.com/teaching
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse