Sheldon Naja

Hi! I'm Sheldon Naja, and I have had the joy of teaching K–5 general music at Hazel Grove Elementary since 2022. Some of my younger students know me better as "Ms. Ninja" - a nickname I happily answer to when “Ms. Naja” is still a little tricky to say! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Music Education with an emphasis in instrumental music from Toccoa Falls College and my Master of Music Education from the University of Georgia. In addition to teaching at Hazel Grove, I teach general music at Woodville Elementary and serve as an Adjunct Instructor of Applied Brass at the Piedmont University Conservatory of Music.

I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy of making music and to feel successful while doing it. In my classroom, students have opportunities to sing, move, play instruments, listen, create, and learn about music from a variety of styles and traditions. Students come into the music room with different experiences, abilities, and interests, and one of my favorite parts of teaching is helping each of them discover the ways they can be successful musicians. I want my classroom to be a place where students feel comfortable being themselves, enjoy making music together, and know that they belong.

More than anything, I hope to instill a genuine and lifelong love of music in my students. Whether a student goes on to join band or chorus, continues making music in another way, or simply grows up to be someone who loves listening to it, I want their time in elementary music to give them a foundation for keeping music in their lives. Getting to teach students from kindergarten through fifth grade makes it especially rewarding to watch their confidence, independence, and musicianship grow year after year.

Music is also a huge part of my life outside of school! I am a trombonist and vocalist and currently perform with several ensembles throughout Northeast Georgia, including the Toccoa Symphony Orchestra, Toccoa Jazz, Piedmont University Wind Ensemble, NOVA Women’s Choral Collective, and Lux Treble Choir. I also work with the Habersham Central High School Band of Blue marching band staff. One of the coolest parts of working with music students throughout Habersham County is getting to see some of my former elementary students continue making music long after they leave my classroom!