Michelle Yarnell is a music teacher, performer, and a yoga instructor!
Music Educator
Michelle graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Kaplan University in Illinois, U.S.A. Prior to that, she had earned her Bachelor’s of Music with Honors in Bass Clarinet from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. During her time in Aberdeen, she was a Derek Ogston Music Scholar and received her Kodaly certification. She was also president of the wind band, led by the renowned Lt. Robert Own and Prof. Paul Mealor.
Michelle is passionate about music education and has taught music all over the world. During her undergraduate studies in Scotland, she was involved in the music program at the International School of Aberdeen. Following graduation in 2011, she became the band intern at The American International School of Muscat in Oman. Then, from 2013 to 2015, she taught middle school band and co-directed musicals at The American School of The Hague, her alma mater in her home country of The Netherlands. And during the 2015-2016 school year, she taught elementary school music and middle school band at the Next Generation School in Illinois, U.S.A.
After a year in the U.S.A., Michelle found herself longing again for the world and culture of International Schools. So since 2016, she has been working at Ålesund International School in Norway, teaching PYP performing arts, MYP music, and acting as the Director of Bands.
Michelle also teaches instrumental music and bands in the wider Ålesund community, and she enjoys working as a woodwind instructor and performer. She also remains active in the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).
Yoga Educator
In addition to working as a music educator, Michelle is also a yogi. She has been practicing yoga for many years, first with the goal of gaining strength and flexibility. But it was only fairly recently that she became aware of its true potential and really made yoga part of her life.
While undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), she learned how her body was physically holding on to negative energies. So in conjunction with this therapy, Michelle used yoga on the path towards healing.
This had such a positive effect on her, that in collaboration with her therapist and other yogis, she earned her YTT500 (500-hour Yoga Teacher Training) from My Vinyasa Practice. Passionate about the potential of yoga, she then continued her training with specializations in adaptive yoga, trauma-informed yoga, and yoga for musicians.
Michelle’s excitement for both yoga and music ultimately led to Artsy & Me, which she established with her friends and colleagues. Learn more about these other Artsy & Me team members here.