Strengthening our Education Team

Strengthening our Education Team

Meet our Newest Education Experts

At MusicFirst, we are committed to empowering music educators with the tools, support, and expertise they need to create meaningful music learning experiences for students of all ages. To further that mission, we are proud to announce the addition of Dr. Mary Birkner and Frank Coachman to our U.S.-based education team.

Dr. Mary Birkner- Elementary Content Specialist 

Dr. Mary Birkner joins MusicFirst as Elementary Content Specialist, where she will play a key role in shaping and developing music curricula for general elementary music classrooms inside the MusicFirst Elementary Platform. With deep expertise in both teaching and curriculum design, Dr. Birkner brings a wealth of experience from the classroom and the university level.

Prior to joining MusicFirst, Dr. Birkner served as the USA Curriculum Advisor for Charanga, our trusted partner in elementary music education, and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in music education and performance at the University of Florida. Her academic background is matched by over a decade of classroom experience teaching elementary general music, choir, and early childhood music in Michigan, Texas, and Florida.

In addition to her work as an educator, Mary has performed for over fifteen years as a flutist with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Her combined experience as a performer, educator, and curriculum leader makes her an incredible asset to our growing elementary team.

Frank Coachman-Strategic Consultant for Texas

We are also honored to welcome Frank Coachman as a Strategic Consultant for Music Education in Texas, where he will support initiatives in one of the country’s largest and most influential music education communities.

Mr. Coachman brings over two decades of leadership experience from his time as Deputy Director of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), a position he held from 1999 until 2025. During that time, he also served as the primary facilitator of the TMEA & Texas Music Administrators Conference (TMAC) music assessment project, playing a key role in how music programs across Texas align with statewide initiatives and standards.

Before his service at TMEA, Frank spent many years as Director of Bands at C.E. Ellison High School in Killeen ISD. He is also an honorary lifetime member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, a testament to his ongoing influence and dedication to music education at the highest levels.

At MusicFirst, we believe that the best educational solutions are built by educators, for educators. Dr. Birkner and Mr. Coachman exemplify that belief—bringing a shared passion for music and decades of hands-on experience into their new roles.

Please join us in welcoming Mary and Frank to the MusicFirst team. We’re proud to work alongside such respected and impactful leaders as we continue our mission to serve music educators and their students across the United States.