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The power of music

Because music uses a different part of the brain than language, many times in my career music has been the key to unlock hidden talents, content knowledge, and even the power of speech in my students.  I offer personalized music lessons, sometimes combined with physical activity, to help my students reach their goals.  I specialize in students with neurodivergence who may not find a good fit with a traditional music teacher and the traditional music lesson setting. 

 

My lessons are dynamic and are driven by the interests of my students.  Because I can play almost every instrument, I am able to help students find and persue their passions.  I am a certified music teacher with 17 years experience in the classroom.  I have presented research on music's connection with autism internationally.  I was the LRSD elementary educator of the year in 2023-24, and I am the Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025.

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To find out more, contact me here.

Recent Awards for Music Education

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Karyna Johnson

LRSD 2023-2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year

I was first awarded the Teacher of the Year award for Otter Creek Elementary.  The Teachers of the Year from each elementary school in the district are evaluated against a rubric and an Elementary Teacher of the Year is chosen.  I had that distinction in 2023-2024.

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Karyna Johnson

Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year 2024-2025

I was nominated for and received this distinction based on my work at Otter Creek Elementary.  I created an inclusive Ukulele band, and I worked closely with students in our CBI rooms to achieve their academic, therapeutic, social, and emotional goals alongside their musical goals.

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Our Clients Say

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Karyna is the Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year and works in LRSD at on eo four schools with a highly diagnosed population including autism.  If there's anyone in this state who is thriving in their work with children and music (neurotypical and neurodivergent), it's her.  Ask her about her non-verbal clients who sing.  She is something special.

Mary - Colleague - 12/29/2025

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