Hello! I am Paula Rivard and I am in my 7th year of teaching music here at Stratton.  Before coming to Stratton, I taught music for 14 years and then I was an Assistant Principal for 3 years, before staying home when I had my son, Brody.  When he went off to preschool, I decided I wanted to go back to teaching music and inspiring young people to engage in the Arts. Upon entering my classroom, you will see a welcoming, safe place for kids to put down their pencils, try new things and perhaps, step out of their comfort zone.  I believe it is my calling to introduce students to all the performing arts in order to inspire them to have a lifelong love for music.  Whether they choose to go on to play an instrument in a symphony orchestra, sing in a rock band, act on a Broadway stage, or pursue their love of dancing, I want to make sure I have given them opportunity to see in what way music may touch their lives.  

If students leave my classroom with an interest, love or even respect for music – I have done my job.  By giving many options, making accommodations for successes, and providing an encouraging safe environment in which to learn, I believe I inspire students and meet their individual needs.