Author: Charles Laux

Color-coded finger patterns

The Bornoff finger patterns are an important part of my teaching as they help students visualize patterns of half steps and whole steps and chunk information into a single unit. Another wonderful thing about them is that they are transposable and can be used in any position on the fingerboard....

OSU String Teacher Workshop 2019

I absolutely love coming back to campus each year for the OSU String Teacher Workshop! It was great to present four sessions in 2019. As promised, below are links to the four sessions that I presented: Empowering Parents as Colleagues: Boosters and Fundraising Assessing Your Students to Determine Seating, Auditions,...

Tired of V.S.O – “Violin Shaped Objects?” So am I.

Are you tired of getting those cheap internet violins in your classroom? Are they hindering your students progress? Are they wasting class time? It’s time we educated parents about buying those “Violin Shaped Objects” (V.S.O) before the school year begins so they don’t make a huge mistake! On my school...

Idaho MEA Sessions 2019

This is my first time presenting in Idaho! I’m excited to meet all of the string teachers there. The slides to my presentations are below…

Michigan MEA 2019 Sessions

It was incredible to present sessions at Michigan Music Educators Association! The teachers were welcoming and enthusiastic about learning. It was wonderful meeting so many new people! Here are links to the four sessions presented: Setting your string students up for success! Diagnose and correct common technical problems to allow...

How to lubricate string instrument fine tuners (without making a mess)

Ever try to twist a fine tuner that is frozen or just difficult to turn? They can really rip up your fingers, especially after tuning lots of instruments! If fine tuners are difficult to turn, try lubricating them. A properly lubricated fine tune can make turning so much easier for...

TODA 2018

It was great to be in San Antonio presenting at this year’s TODA conference! I love the energy that the Texas teachers bring!  Below are the resources from my presentation. Practical Approaches to Assessment in the 21st Century String Classroom Download Slides (PDF) Some web resources mentioned in the presentation:...

ASTA 2018 Session Information

Assessment Practices of the 21st Century String Classroom presented by John-Rine Zabanal and Charles Laux Handout Download (PDF)   Setting Up Your Students for Success! presented by Charles Laux Downloadable slides and more coming soon!    

How Pure is Your Ensemble’s Intonation? Introducing the Yamaha Harmony Director

Session co-presented by Dr. Charles Laux and Dr. David Vandewalker at the 2018 Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. Download Presentation Slides [gview file=”http://www.orchestrateacher.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Harmony-Director-Session-Slides.pdf”] App Links Tonal Energy Tuner | iOS |Android (~$4) ClearTune | iOS | Android (~$4) iStroboSoft (Peterson Strobe Tuner) | iOS | Android. (~$10) YouTube Playlist of HD-200...

Engage Your Music Students With a Personalized Learning Environment

Session co-presented by Charles Laux and Megan Endicott at the 2018 Georgia Music Educators Association Conference Charles Laux Megan Endicott Download Presentation Slides [gview file=”http://www.orchestrateacher.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Personalized-Learning-GMEA2018.pdf”] Other Resources Home Practice Organizer (example) [gview file=”http://www.orchestrateacher.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AHS-HPO-Form.pdf”] Fulton Schools Personalized Learning