Alan and Steve talk with Athens, Georgia–based music educator and Tones Collective co‑founder Cortez Daniel about what he’s learning from teaching “today’s kids” in K–12 and community settings. Cortez shares how his work in public schools and with organizations like Evergreen Children’s Chorale and Tones Collective informs his approach to accommodations that maintain rigor, preventing learned helplessness, and meeting students with diverse needs—non‑verbal learners, English language learners, and blind students—where they are. They explore how he uses AI as an inclusion tool, why “relentless positivity” matters, what’s changed in students’ attention and motivation since pre‑pandemic days, and how inviting families’ skills and goals into the program can transform a music community.
Links:
- Website: tonescollective.com
- Facebook: Tones Collective LLC
- Instagram: @TonesCollectiveLLC
About Cortez Daniel
Cortez Daniel began his musical journey in Riverdale, Georgia. At just
seven years old, he joined his all-county musical as an ensemble
member and marking the start of a lifelong commitment to performance
and artistry. He later attended a magnet school as a vocal major under
the instruction of Dr. Kay Pace. During high school, he was selected
for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in Vocal Music and served as
a four-year All-State Singer. While performing choral music across
Georgia, Cortez discovered his passion for composition and piano.
Those interests significantly shaped his musical identity.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Simpson College
in Iowa. During this time, he studied voice with Matthew Lau, a
regular performer on the American opera circuit, and piano with Dr.
Michael Patterson, a published composer. Determined to perform his own
works, he committed himself to developing advanced piano technique and
piano soon became one of his primary instruments. From 2018 to 2021,
Cortez served as a K–12 Music Teacher in Sigourney, Iowa.
In 2015, Cortez co-founded the jazz band Blacknotes alongside drummer
Zachary Howarth. The ensemble was created to provide artistic freedom
beyond traditional classical structures, allowing its members to
explore jazz and contemporary repertoire on their own terms. The group
performed throughout Iowa until disbanding in 2018.
From 2021 to 2023 Cortez lived in Colorado. He served as Assistant
Director and later Director of the Evergreen Children’s Chorale, while
also specializing in private instruction for students ranging in age
from 18 months to 65 years old. He currently teaches at Stroud
Elementary School in Athens, Georgia, where he continues to integrate
music, theater, and collaborative learning into his classroom.
In addition to his work in schools and private studios, Cortez
currently serves as the Music Director for his local synagogue.
Stepping into this role has been an energizing and meaningful
experience, allowing him to explore new traditions, repertoire, and
cultural expressions of faith through music. It stands as one of the
many creative milestones he is proud to have embraced.
As co-founder of Tones Collective, Cortez not only performs and
educates but also serves as Head of Marketing for the organization. He
leads strategic branding, community engagement, and campaign
development while organizing and planning monthly performances.
Through consistent marketing and thoughtful storytelling, he helps
shape the public voice and growth of the Collective.
Cortez believes students should have ownership in the rehearsal space
and feel responsible for their own growth. He prioritizes building
meaningful connections with both students and families while inspiring
a lifelong love of music and creativity. His goal is to cultivate
environments where students develop confidence as solo artists and as
collaborators. Whether guiding vocal technique or helping students
feel at ease behind the keyboard, he is committed to fostering
artistry with clarity and warmth.
Ready to begin your own musical journey? Visit tonescollective.com to
learn more or sign up for lessons.