Sydney Smallwood, 'Cello and Bass Instructor

      Sydney Smallwood is a professional musician and private teacher local to Melbourne, Fl. They graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2022 with a B.A. in Music, where they studied with Mr. David Bjella and Dr. Yoon Joo Hwang. They currently work as the Strings Specialist for the Bayside HS feeder chain. They are passionate about using music to celebrate diversity and foster a culture of respect and collaboration and offers a safe space for everyone. 

     Sydney is always trying new things in their teaching and always looking for inspiration from colleagues. They are lucky to have had a long list of teachers throughout their life that have inspired them. Sydney spends a lot of time planning and designing curriculum to match the needs of each student and is always encouraging and empathetic.      

     As a performer, Sydney has a specific love for musical theater and has performed in dozens of pit orchestras in Central Florida, alternating between ‘cello, bassoon, and bass. They have also accompanied choirs, played at fundraising events, performed as a part of a quartet and duet, and has worked as a session musician. They hope that they may help inspire a love of music and the arts in students of all ages.