I build reliable back ends and accessible tools for music and education, including the scoring API that has served thousands of music students over the years.
The scoring engine behind My Musicianship
In 2020 My Musicianship moved to self-paced learning with detailed statistics and insights for every student. The old database couldn't support it, and every exercise a student finishes has to be scored and tracked in real time.
I chose a new back end for the job, Node.js and MongoDB, and designed the real-time scoring and stats API around it. I tested it extensively, so every update, refactor and feature ships with confidence. Since its June 2020 launch it has stayed solid, with new features added in sprints over the years.
Test suite checks every change
Student work
Scoring API
Node.js
MongoDB
Scores and progress for teachers and students
"The backend that John built has been completely steady for 5+ years. I've been amazed. Even with other changes in how things are done on the internet, John's work on Node.js and MongoDB has held compatible and completely steady. I totally appreciate something that ‘just works!’. John is very easy to work with, understands what is needed, is patient in explaining any issues, and most importantly, just gets the job done well!"
[Portrait: warm light from one side, eye level, a guitar or the studio desk behind you]
How I work
I've been building for the web for over 20 years, and the longest client relationship I have, with My Musicianship's founder, started in 2006 when I was a consultant and grew into lead developer through two platform rewrites.
I like systems that just keep working. I take time to understand what's actually needed, I explain problems in plain language, and I test my work so changes ship without drama. When something breaks, I'm the one who stays with it until it's fixed.
Outside of work I'm a musician and audio engineer. I grew up in my dad's music store, so music teaching is familiar ground.
How I can help
APIs that keep running
Node.js back ends with real test coverage, built so the next feature is as easy to add as the first.
Tools for teachers and schools
Lesson scheduling, studio portals and learning tools, shaped with working teachers so they're easy for every student and family to use.
Rescues for older systems
The PHP and MySQL app nobody wants to touch. I've worked in that stack for twenty years, and I'll leave it tested and documented.
I also mix, master and edit audio and video for podcasts, YouTube and bands.
On my desk now
A lesson-booking and sheet-music portal for an independent music teacher. Families book recurring weekly slots and request reschedules, and every student gets a private library of their music. A special-education teacher reviews each screen for accessibility.
In progress since [MONTH YEAR]
Hiring, or have a project?
I'm open to full-time roles and contract work. Tell me about the team or the project. Based in Texas, working remotely with anyone. I reply within [X] business days.
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