Kaylah Bell
Music Teacher & 1-on-1 Support
As Music Teacher and One-on-One Support at Otto Specht School, Kaylah Bell brings warmth, creativity, and a lifelong love of music to his work with students. He holds a B.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy with a concentration in Music from Warren Wilson College and is pursuing his Master’s in Music Therapy at SUNY New Paltz. Kaylah has always been drawn to the ways music can heal and uplift, and he feels inspired to carry forward the growth of the school’s music program following in the spirit of his beloved colleague, Sam Leopold. His teaching invites students to explore rhythm, voice, and joy through active music-making. Outside the classroom, Kaylah loves surfing, basketball, gardening, and cooking, and enjoys road-tripping with family. He also writes and records his own songs under the name Moking Sea.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
Music Teacher & 1-on-1 Support
When did you start working at OSS?
12/1/2022
What is your educational background?
B.A. Expressive Arts Therapy (Music Concentration) from Warren Wilson College
Currently enrolled in a Masters in Music Therapy at SUNY New Paltz
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
I have always been making music since I was a child, I have also had an interest in using music to uplift people. Working with music in a therapeutic way has been a part of my life for a long time and to be able to make music with the students at Otto Specht has been a very meaning career path. I feel inspired to be a part of the continual growth of OSS!
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
I like to think that I have continued the development of the music program after our beloved Sam Leopold passed away!
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
I love surfing and playing basketball whenever I have time. I love cooking, gardening and roadtripping with family. One of my favorites things to do is collaborate with other musical, visual and dance artists. I also have a music project called Moking Sea where I write and record my original songs.