After years of working in the Nashville music industry, Dave Petrelli had a transformative experience in Shelby Park that surpassed any career aspirations he had previously held.
Petrelli, who once served as a creative assistant at peermusic and director of events at the Nashville Songwriters Association International, intentionally transitioned into music education. Part of this journey involved teaching general education to fourth graders. Leveraging his natural talents, he often adapted existing songs for educational purposes. When a total solar eclipse took place in 2017, Petrelli prepared his students by reimagining the Bonnie Tyler/Celine Dion classic “Total Eclipse of the Heart” as “Total Eclipse of the Sun.”
On the day of the eclipse, Petrelli and his wife - songwriter Victoria Banks, known for hits like “Come On Over” and “Saints & Angels”, joined thousands in Shelby Park to witness this celestial event. A group of children recognized “Mr. Petrelli” and enthusiastically sang their version “Total Eclipse of the Sun.”
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Reflecting on that moment now, Petrelli admits it was unexpected yet incredibly memorable.
Petrelli is among 30 educators from eight states who will be honored tonight (Sept. 17) by The Country Music Association (CMA) as CMA Music Teachers of Excellence at an event held at The Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum. The CMA has made music education its mission by channeling revenue from its annual CMA Fest into programs crucial for nurturing future generations.
The awards ceremony will be attended by an equal number artists and teachers including notable names such as Walker Hayes, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Terri Clark and Gretchen Wilson.
While teaching may not have the glamour of touring, CMA senior vp of industry relations, Tiffany Kerns says it’s “way more important.” She adds, “We have the best gigs in the world, don’t get me wrong. But what they do is far more impressive. They make a profound impact in communities.”
The influence of music education is extensive. It fosters collaboration skills, instills discipline through learning an instrument and enhances brain connectivity by providing multiple pathways for thoughts to travel. According to Kerns, schools with music programs report lower absenteeism rates. Music teachers often spend more one-on-one time with students as they learn their instruments which makes them trusted figures for students dealing with issues like hunger or mental health.
In Petrelli’s case, his relatability stems from his own experiences growing up in Connecticut where he had to fend for himself at a young age after losing his mother.
“I grew up too fast,” he says “and because of that there’s still a lot of kid in me.”
Petrelli was drawn towards music early on and after graduating from Boston College taught at a private Catholic elementary school before earning a songwriting degree at Berklee College Of Music. He then moved to Nashville and integrated into the local music community before transitioning into education for job security after marrying Banks.
His unique approach blends music with other aspects of curriculum which was evident when Lockeland Elementary adopted the theme “Lockeland is out of this world”. Petrelli used songs like David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man” to help students understand space better.
Petrelli says, “What I have found is that that gets the kids really, really, really interested in what they’re going to learn today. My lesson springboards off that.”
While subjects like math or science may seem more straightforward to students, Kerns believes Petrelli’s music room offers a vibrant learning environment.
“When you walk into that music room,” she says “I truly believe Dave’s students immediately feel and see color. His personality and teaching style are a gift.”
The CMA doesn’t limit its Teachers of Excellence awards to those who use country music exclusively in their classes. Past recipients have used pop, jazz, R&B and mariachi extensively in their lessons although Petrelli does incorporate country with songs by Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and Shania Twain.
“The storytelling aspect is huge,” he says.
Despite not having the glamour associated with being an artist, teaching satisfies Petrelli’s creative needs.
“I teach six classes a day,” he says “and it’s six one-hour performances. It is physically demanding but also mentally exhausting especially after a particularly hard day of teaching.”
Teaching often goes unappreciated but events like the Teachers of Excellence offer some recognition. Moments like the 2017 eclipse remind Petrelli about his role in inspiring future generations even if it differs from his initial dreams.
“I always dreamed of girls screaming my name” Petrelli jokes “I didn’t think they’d be 9 years old yelling ‘Mr.Petrelli!’ from their cars.”
