Kaela McDougall
Faculty: Early Childhood
Education:
Bachelor of Music Education; All-level Teacher Certified
Bio:
Kaela has been a musician in Chicagoland for over two decades. She spent years singing with the Chicago Chamber Choir and Chicago Chorale performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She has extensive experience as a music educator in Chicago Public Schools through Columbia College’s Community Schools Program and The Salvation Army’s “Let The Music Begin” initiative. She has taught beginner level brass, woodwinds, percussion, piano, guitar, and voice to a variety of ages from early elementary school to adults. She also directed and served as a leader for the Salvation Army’s Metropolitan Youth Band and Chorus for over eight years. Kaela is a passionate youth advocate and understands the valuable role community partnerships play in increasing access and opportunity for all people. She is committed to enriching the lives of children and their families through music education. In her free time, Kaela can be found performing at local venues with her folk band “Dead Birds”, cheering for the Cubs at Wrigley Field, or chasing after her spirited twin daughters.
Favorite Musicians:
I love so many musicians, but one of my favorites is Chicago’s own John Prine. He was a poetic songwriter that could uniquely convey the complexities of the human experience through his simplistic storytelling.
Quote:
“Music is one of the most honest and unifying expressions of our humanity. It fills in the gaps where words fail us and provides endless possibilities for curiosity, creativity, and connection. Merit School of Music values a somatic approach to music education promoting social and emotional growth and wellness for all young people.”
