Teaching with heart, leading with purpose

When Emily Dominguez ’25 left Northern California for University of Redlands, she wasn’t simply chasing a dream of performing music; she was determined to set an example for those closest to her and for the students she hoped to one day teach.

In less than four years at Redlands, Dominguez completed both her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and her Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching. Today, she’s inspiring young musicians as an elementary music teacher in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. The role reflects her passion for music, commitment to guiding others, and underscores how a Redlands education turns dogged determination into community impact.

“I have two younger siblings at home, and I wanted to be a motivation to them and prove to my parents that I wasn’t going to take my education lightly,” she said. “This wasn’t just an experience for me to go to college, it was for me to go out, learn, and prepare myself for the classroom.”

Choosing Redlands for its small-town feel and proximity to adventure, Dominguez surrounded herself with those she met on campus, including Professor Nicholle Andrews, who pushed her to become a versatile educator.

“I’m a percussionist and I have no inherent desire to sing—I’m more like the heartbeat in the background,” Dominguez said. “I was learning how to be a choir conductor from Dr. Andrews, which was beneficial for becoming a music educator, even though choir is one of my most uncomfortable spots. She taught me what it was to be a choir educator, to strengthen the student voices, and to be selfless because the educational experience was for them.”

Dominguez also found a powerful mentor in Dr. Yuri Miyoshi, her private percussion instructor, who connected her to a network of women percussionists across Los Angeles and modeled how compassionate teaching can empower students.

“She taught me how to adapt, how to push without discouraging, and become someone I looked up to,” Dominguez said. “That’s the educator I want to be for someone one day.”

Outside of the practice rooms and rehearsal halls, Dominguez served as a resident assistant for three years, overseeing more than 80 students. That experience taught her to listen deeply and connect people to resources—skills that now shape how she leads her music classroom.

“Sometimes kids just need an ear,” she said. “Some of them come from hard home situations and are going through a lot, and at the end of the day, they might just need someone to talk to. Also, having resources to point students in the right direction if you don’t have the answer.”

In her classroom today, Dominguez blends everything she learned at Redlands—from percussion techniques to cultural inclusivity taught in her education courses. She designs lessons where students explore instruments like xylophones and drums and discover songs and dances from cultures around the world.

“I want my students to experience all styles of music and types of instruments,” she said. “It helps them remain curious, open to explore genres, and push them outside of their comfort zone.”

This passion for discovery has led Dominguez to create meaningful experiences while at Redlands, including leading a special education ensemble performance during her student teaching.

“I noticed one of my students, who was slightly more reserved, getting nervous during the performance, but halfway through, she came up and started drumming,” Dominguez said. “It was an awesome moment, and afterwards, seeing how proud she was, made me proud to be an educator.”

As she prepares her classroom for the new academic school year, Dominguez is focused on growing as a teacher and sharing her love of music with her students, offering advice for those curious to follow in her footsteps.  

“Take the opportunity to explore the Inland Empire, from local performances to the people that live here,” she said. “This area is so full of rich educators and people that'll give you a nutritious experience—come into it with an open mind, so you can leave with so much more.”

Learn how experiential learning at Redlands is shaping today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders—discover Music Education and Learning and Teaching at Redlands.