OrchestraTeacher.net

Category: Equipment

Best Practices / Care & Maintenance / Equipment

A string teacher’s guide to basic instrument care & maintenance

With all of the mechanical variables of string instruments, a teacher may easily get overwhelmed when dealing with the various problems that can occur with school instruments or a student’s personal instrument. With a little knowledge and some practice, basic instrument maintenance and adjustments can be something every teacher can...

Equipment / Practice

Quick access to instruments at home = more practicing!

When I’m at home, I generally have a tendency to practice more when I have quick access to my instrument. I keep violin and viola on a wall hanger in my studio and it’s easy to grab my instrument quickly and start playing. I encourage my students to do the...

Best Practices / Equipment / Lower Strings

Double Bass Stool Selection for Orchestra Teachers

Sit or stand? I prefer my students sit. Which bass stools are best for your students? A stool is an essential piece of equipment for your double bass students. While some bass professionals advise standing while playing, I’m a fan of having students sit so that they have an easier...

Rock stops

Equipment

Cello End Pin Anchors – What are your favorites?

Cello end pin anchors, also called end pin stops or rock stops, keep cello end pins from slipping and also help protect carpet, tile, and hardwood floors from damage. They are an essential accessory for every cellist. With so many different styles, types, and brands, which is the best for...

Equipment / Hardware / String Repairs

String recommendations for school orchestras

Using fresh, high-quality strings is probably one of the most important factors that can help your students and your orchestra sound their best. As a public school educator, I understand that budgets can be tight and teachers need high quality products that deliver good performance and are durable enough to...

MMEA2021 Headliner

Apps / Equipment / Hardware / iOS / Technology Integration / Virtual Teaching

Minnesota MEA Midwinter and Fulton Education Conference

It was an honor to be invited to present at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter conference and the Fulton Education Conference on the same weekend. I presented on three different topics involving audio recording, instructional technology, and building a complete music program. The great thing about presenting on technology...

Classroom Pedagogy / Equipment / String Repairs

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...

Equipment

Ascenté: A Quality Synthetic Core Violin String Set

Using quality strings can help create a healthy and mature sound on a student instrument and improve the tone quality and tuning of your orchestra. For many years there were few options — either you chose inexpensive steel strings that sounded loud and harsh or you opted for a set...