Richard Grennor, Ed.D. has been teaching instrumental music to students of all ages and grade levels for over 20 years. He holds a B.A. degree in Music Education from Kean University, and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Richard earned his Ed.D. degree from Nova Southeastern Universities -National Program for Educational Leaders. While at Kean University, Richard studied with long-time lead alto saxophonist from the Buddy Rich Big Band, Andy Fusco.

Dr. Grennor has a record of accomplishment in education and the ability to get the very best out of his pupils. Performance ensembles under his direction have consistently received first place trophies, superior or excellent ratings at the Festivals of Music Competitions. His students have been recognized for their improvised solos in the following categories: best drum set soloists, best saxophone soloists, best piano soloist, best bass soloist and best flute soloist. He has conducted the Central Jersey Music Educators Association Elementary Honors Band and is an accomplished musician and a well sought after private saxophone instructor. Dr. Grennor is an Adjunct Professor in Kean Universities Music Conservatory.

Dr. Grennor has presented professional development workshops for the New Jersey Music Educators Association Summer Conferences and research for the 55th Annual National Association for Music Education Biennial In-Service Conference. He is a certified by the National Judges Association as an Individual Music Analysis Judge. As an adjudicator, Dr. Grennor has adjudicated both Regional Championships and the Atlantic Coast Championships for the Tournament of Bands at Hershey Park Stadium, PA.

Other areas of interest include: educational leadership, curriculum, instruction and program development, assessment and evaluation, technology literacy, leading in a learning organization, instructional leadership, woodwind methods, concert band and jazz pedagogy.

Kawameeh Middle School Music Students Excel at 'Music in the Parks'

Publications & Presentations

Grennor, R. (2018). The beginner’s guide to improvising: A three-Step process for your beginner jazz students. [Blog] National Association for Music Education: Music in a Minuet. Available at https://nafme.org/beginners-guide-improvising/[Accessed 6 Dec. 2018].

Grennor, R. (October, 2018). Danielson toolbox for music and art educators. Union, NJ: District Staff Development Workshop at Township of Union Public Schools.

Grennor, R. (2018). Four tips for getting the most out of your marching band adjudication tapes. [Blog] National Association for Music Education: Music in a Minuet. Available at: https://nafme.org/four-tips-getting-most-your-marching-band-adjudication-tapes/ [Accessed 2 Oct. 2018].

Grennor, R. (September, 2018). Developing a growth mindset in the arts. Union, NJ: District Staff Development Workshop at Township of Union Public Schools.

Grennor, R. (August, 2018). Zero to Jazz: teaching beginning improvisation in jazz band rehearsal. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Music Educators Association Summer Conference XI at The College of New Jersey.

Grennor, R. (2018). A summer bucket list for teachers: Seven ideas for “self-care” for teachers. [Blog] National Association for Music Education: Music in a Minuet. Available at: https://nafme.org/summer-bucket-list-for-teachers/ [Accessed 26 Jul. 2018].

Grennor, R. (April, 2017). Effects of instrumental and choral music instruction on achievement in mathematics and English Language Arts. Atlantic City, NJ: Poster Session, National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Biennial In-Service Conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Grennor, R. (August, 2016). More than minutes: Teaching band and orchestra students to practice effectively. Trenton, NJ: New Jersey Music Educators Association Summer Conference IX at The College of New Jersey.

Grennor, R. (2016). Effects of instrumental and choral music instruction on achievement in mathematics and English-Language Arts. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education.

Grennor, R. (February, 2013). Kawameeh Middle School World Music Drum Ensemble. Lobby Concert, New Jersey Music Educators Association State Conference at the East Brunswick Hilton.

Accomplishments as Band Director

2007 Superior Jazz Band, High Note Music Festival

2008 Superior Jazz Band, High Note Music Festival

2009 1st Place & Excellent Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2010 1st Place & Excellent Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2011 1st Place & Superior Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2012 1st Place & Superior Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2013 1st Place & Superior Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2014 1st Place & Superior Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2015 1st Place & Excellent Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2016 1st Place & Excellent Jazz Band, Festival of Music

2017 1st Place & Excellent Jazz Band, Festival of Music

My Student’s Accomplishments as Band Director

2009 Best Drum Set Soloist

2010 Best Saxophone Soloist

2010 Espirit De Corps Award

2011 Best Saxophone Soloist

2012 Best Piano Soloist

2013 Best Bass Soloist

2014 Best Drum Set Soloist

2015 Espirit De Corps Award

2016 Best Flute Soloist

2016 Espirit De Corps Award

2017 Espirit De Corps Award