My name is Brad Ollmann, and I have been teaching general and vocal music here in the St. Paul Public School district since 1999. In 2006, I began my current position here in St. Anthony Park. I am originally from Merrill, WI, a town located approximately 190 miles east of the Twin Cities. My mother, who retired from teaching after 40 years in the elementary classroom, inspired me to enter the teaching profession. As far as my musical development, I began taking piano lessons at the age of six and continued through college. I also have been involved in choirs since fifth grade.

I enjoy spending my summers in Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba learning Spanish, studying dance and Cuban drumming. I also participate in various music education professional development opportunities throughout the year to continue to hone my skills as a music educator. Outside of school, I direct children's choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis. Through my church, I have served as a leader in a Vacation Bible School program in Matanzas, Cuba. Plus, I currently serve as a conductor in residency at Collegium Musicum in Morelia, Mexico, which toured the Twin Cities in October 2015. In my limited free time, I enjoy fitness classes (pilates, barre), time with friends and family, and watching my favorite sports teams (Packers, Badgers). 

I look forward to meeting each and every one of you and I strive to provide positive, inspiring music experiences for your child.

Degrees, Certifications, and Recognitions:

• Bachelor of Music Education -- University of Minnesota (1999)

• Dalcroze Certification (Completed Levels 1-2, 2003)

• Orff Certification (Completed Level 1, 2004)

• Kodály Certification (Completed Levels 1-3, 2005)

• Master's of Music Education -- University of Saint Thomas (2006)

• Yale University Distinguished Music Educator Award (2009)

• National Board Certification (2009)

• Fund for Teacher Fellow (Summer 2011) -- Song Collecting in Mexico

• Learning and Leadership Grant (Summer 2012, Summer 2014) -- Study of Spanish Language and Mexican Culture

• Featured Music Educator -- Minnesota Public Radio (November 2013)

• Spring Sabbatical (Spring 2014) -- Conductor in Residency at Collegium Musicum in Morelia, Mexico

• Fund for Teacher Fellow (Summer 2016) -- Spanish and Dance study in Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico

• Spring Sabbatical (Spring 2018) -- Conductor in Residency at Collegium Musicum in Morelia, Mexico