PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Nora Hernández
EDUCATION
2022 | Doctorate in Educational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Dissertation: Elementary Music Teachers’ Lived Experiences Implementing the National Core Art Standards: A Phenomenological Study
2018 | Master of Arts in Education
Biola University
2015 | Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Biola University · Vocal Emphasis
2015 | Bachelor of Science in Worship
Biola University · Vocal Emphasis
Minor in Biblical Studies
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Co-Founder | Harmonies of Grace Music Studio
Private and group music instruction, fostering musicianship, creativity, and confidence.
Visit Harmonies of Grace Music Studio ↗
2023–Present | Adjunct Professor
Biola University
Preparing future educators through elementary music methods instruction.
2016–Present | Music Educator
Garden Grove Unified School District
Elementary music education and middle school choral direction, including student performances at Carnegie Hall.
2011–2023 | Children's Worship Leader
Obra de Orange Church
Music program leadership, curriculum development, and student performances.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
June 2025 | Carnegie Hall — New York City
Historic Performance · Fitz Intermediate Choir
Fitz Intermediate Choir became the first school from Garden Grove Unified School District to take students to perform at Carnegie Hall, under the direction of Dr. Nora Hernández.
PUBLICATIONS & CREATIVE WORK
Music Genre of México: Mariachi! (Interactive Lessons) ↗
Published Educational Resource | Teachers Pay Teachers
An interactive curriculum unit introducing students to mariachi music, its history, instruments, and cultural traditions.
Mariachi Instruments Interactive Lesson (1st–3rd Grade) ↗
Published Educational Resource | Teachers Pay Teachers
An introductory music lesson designed to help younger students explore mariachi instruments through interactive learning activities.
Coloring the Melody Podcast
Co-Creator & Co-Host, with Darlene Machacon
A podcast exploring music education, culture, identity, and meaningful conversations about teaching and learning.
HONOR AWARDS
2023 | CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence
National recognition for excellence in music education
2023 | Curriculum Project Capstone of the Year
Academic recognition for Master’s Project
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
2025 | Biola Magazine
Changing Lives One Note at a Time
Read the Article ↗
2023 | ABC7 Los Angeles
CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence Feature
Watch the Interview ↗
2023 | CMA Foundation
Music Teacher of Excellence Award
View Official Recognition ↗
PRESENTATIONS & PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
2023 | Instrumental Literature
Biola University
2022 | Hispanic Heritage Month Lessons
Garden Grove Unified School District
2021 | Relationships > Repertoire
Crane School of Music · ACDA Chapter
2020 | Diversity in the Music Classroom
Biola University Conservatory of Music
2019 | Universal Design for Learning Music Lessons
Garden Grove Unified School District
2019 | First Grade Music Curriculum
Biola University & Garden Grove Unified School District
2019 | Classroom Management
Obra de Orange Church
2018 | Strategies and Resources for the K–6 Music Classroom
Garden Grove Unified School District
2018 | Bucket Drumming Curriculum Unit
Garden Grove Unified School District