Category: Uncategorized

StringEdTech.com is now OrchestraTeacher.net

I was waiting until the start of the 2015 Ohio State String Teachers Workshop to make this big announcement, so here it is… StringEdTech.com is now OrchestraTeacher.net! This site originally started as a technology blog but has morphed into a much broader resource, so I have decided to make some changes. The rebranding...

GMEA 2013 Sessions

Session materials and links are online.  Just click under “Topics” menu for information and the “Links” menu for hyperlinks to software and hardware. Essential Elements Interactive Automate and Motivate 21st Century String Players with Instructional Technology Envisioning and Developing the Complete Music Program It was a pleasure to present and...

Great classical music for cheap

What a great deal on classical music today from Amazon.com! Under $4.00 for 50 selections!  That’s only 8 cents a track – an excellent value. 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music performed by the London Philharmonic The tracks do not contain complete symphonies, but rather, the most popular movements from famous...

Videoconferencing with Composers

Recently my students had the opportunity to video conference with two major composers in the world of string education, Michael Hopkins and Bob Phillips. The composers were professional contacts who I had met previously through various professional development opportunities, including ASTA conferences. Because my students were performing pieces by composers whom I knew personally, I...

Cheap Mics for SmartMusic

I recently purchased a set of five REALLY cheap clip on microhones from eBay (they came directly from China) and tested them with SmartMusic.  They work extremely well (with a violin at least).  They cost under $1.50 each with shipping.  The clip is a little more flimsy, but anyone can...

Customizable Music Theory Drills

For many years now, MusicTheory.net has been a great website to send students to for drill practice of music theory, especially note reading. The site has undergone a transformation by moving to HTML5 coding language and away from the reliance on the proprietary Adobe flash format. Now the teachers is...

Tuning Sequence

I’ve developed a 3 step tuning sequence I use when students are able to tune their instruments comfortably. I created a track using Apple’s Garageband that automates this process. The track allows me to get away from standing in front of the class and provides me the ability to wander...

iPod Nano for $99

For a limited time Apple is selling refurbished 8GB iPod Nanos for just $99 (regularly $149 new). Apple Store Link I used these iPods for my orchestra students’ individual assessment last year and was very happy with the results. I was able to seamlessly integrate the iPods into my rehearsals...

An iPhone/iPad as a violin effects processor?

Griffin Technology recently announced a guitar connection cable for the iPhone/iPad/iTouch. This cable allows you to plug in a guitar/bass/keyboard to the iDevice and use it as an effects processor while running the free iShred LIVE app. Check out the video… The big question is, will it work with an...

OSU Workshops Information

All of the presentation files and links shown at my sessions at the 2010 OSU String Teacher Workshop are now available on my website It was a pleasure working with all of the participants and such a joy to see so many interested in String Ed Tech! I am looking...