Priscilla Stilwell

Hi, I’m Priscilla. I am a life-long musician and lover of learning. I began teaching formally when I finished my highschool credits ahead of schedule and was “promoted” to kindergarten teacher at the small private school I attended. This began my long journey in the development of my unique teaching style.

Since then, much of my professional experience has been in teaching and coaching, largely in the area of music through private lessons and classes. But I’ve also gained experience through mentoring and counseling in a range of Christian organizations, leading worship teams, serving in church leadership, working for several years as a trainer and supervisor in a customer service setting, through a teaching assistant position in university, local community education programs, and as a university professor.

My experience is well-rounded and benefits from my having lived in four countries and working with an enormous diversity of people and settings. I have two undergraduate music degrees, an associates in performance and education, and a bachelor’s in vocal performance with heavy side-emphasis in composition and jazz studies. I then attended a music school for two years into their Master of Contemporary Vocal Performance and Hip-Hop Studies, but them felt led to change to the Master of Liberal Studies program in order to further hone my research and writing skills. I completed my masters research on the societal effects and significance of Haitian graffiti.

Currently I am a Doctor of Worship Studies candidate at Liberty University. I am focused largely on the interdisciplinary category of Ethnodoxology in which we look at how culture, language, and ethic artistic expression can and should be used in worship in a biblical way. I am focusing my doctoral research on the immigrant churches in the US and around the world, primarily focusing on the Haitian diasporic community.

I am an analytical learner, and process information based on my understanding of how things work in relationship to one another, and this informs my teaching style. I lean heavily on student-led discussion and on active class participation in my classes. I have no problem re-routing a discussion to address questions that come up in class as they relate to the subject matter. And I believe that learning is most effective when students enjoy themselves.

Currently I live outside the Boston MA area. I moved here from the Dominican Republic where I lived with my husband and dog, both of whom are Haitian, and the loves of my life. We pray that they will be able to join me soon. We believe that God has ordained our steps to this place and that He will be glorified in and through us, and even when the journey is hard, we rest His provision.

“My kids really enjoyed this class and learned a lot of new tips and tricks. The teacher made sure there was plenty of time for practice. Great class!” (Breathing for Actors and Vocalists)

“My daughter really enjoyed this class! The description was very clear that this particular class focuses more on the science than the actual singing, so we knew exactly what to expect. My daughter loves science, and even though she was familiar with the science of sound, she really enjoyed approaching it from a different angle and learning how it specifically relates to the voice. The teacher was also super engaging and made sure that each student was able to participate. Thanks for a great class! ” (Singing and Science)

“My daughter really enjoyed the class and learned fundamental techniques. She also appreciated Ms. Stilwell’s sense of humor and asked to take more classes with her.” (Find Your Voice: Intro Group Lesson)

“Great content and the kids loved the teacher!” (Different, Just Like Me!)

“Lots of fun and very engaging. My son ( 5 ) liked sharing his enthusiasm for pirates. The teacher was friendly and used a song, story, maps, and props to teach the lesson.” (Pirate Adventures)