Faculty

Early Childhood Music and Movement / Guitar

Yulema Bernal earned her Master of Arts in Music Education from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from The Pedagogical Institute of Higher Learning Felix Varela in Cuba. Her post graduate study, seminars, and activities include: Orff Schulwerk Certification from the Trevor Institute; Advanced Bass Guitar and Classical Guitar Courses; Orff/Kodaly professional development workshops in New Jersey and New York sponsored by OAKE, AOSA, NNJOSA, NYCCAOSA, and NJCU; Guitar Seminars and Master Classes; NJMEA Annual State Conferences; and Early Childhood Professional Development Conferences. Yulema’s music specializations are strongly grounded in guitar, the Kodály and Orff approaches, and multicultural perspectives.

Music has always been part of Yulema’s life. She started to study guitar and voice at a very young age at the School of Arts in Villa Clara, Cuba. Her passion for music continued to grow during undergraduate and graduate courses, while developing the necessary teaching skills to transfer her creativity and musicianship to the classroom. Having taught music and guitar instruction at levels, from preschool to High School, Yulema is grateful to have found such a wonderful outlet for her passions. She is thrilled to be teaching and enriching child’s development and well being through music making, singing, moving, and working with families.

As a professional musician, Yulema has been in frequent demand to play in different settings including: bass guitar player in a variety of ensembles; member of guitar ensembles for 2, 4, and 5 guitars; and member of choirs.

Yulema is an active member in several professional organizations including: the National Association for Music Education; New Jersey Music Educators Association; Northern New Jersey Orff-Schulwerk Association; and New York City Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. She is a member of the New Jersey Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia Inc.