OrchestraTeacher.net Blog
We all know that music reading takes practice and simple memorization of what each note looks like on the staff. But what holds many students back is the speed that they can recognize and play notes. There are some great software programs out there, but one of my favorites for...
For those of you who are starting beginners this fall, I would like to share some foldable flash cards for violin, viola, cello and double bass. They are PDF’s and can be printed and cut. Feel free to share on your website/blog! When I was teaching elementary strings, I did...
Using a rubber band attached to the frog can help the bow become more manageable for students who are new to string playing. Or, the rubber band can serve as an aid to correct students who have developed bad bow hold habits. A rubber band (the “seat belt”) attaches to...
It was great to be back in Buckeye Country, presenting at the OSU Summer String Teachers Workshop! Below is some information about what we discussed, including links to hardware, software, and websites. Essential Elements Interactive A new supplementary technology tool to accompany Essential Elements 2000 for Strings or Band. Visit...
It was another awesome ASTA conference! ASTA is always the conference I get most excited about. How could you not?? So many excellent sessions, concerts, and string vendors! Here are links to information from my sessions: Essential Elements Interactive (Hal Leonard) Reach your audiences with social networking Teaching and reinforcing...
When students first start to play a stringed instrument, they don’t usually have the hand strength or fine motor skills to hold the bow correctly and without tension. The muscles in the hand need to be trained and strengthened. So, as Arnold Swartzenegger said in the movie Kindergarten Cop, “It’s...
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...
Strings are technology too! Many students ask what brand/type of strings I use on my personal instruments, so I thought I would post my favorites and why I like them. Violin (First Choice): D’Addario Kaplan Amo Kaplan Am help provide a me with the greatest quality sound, projection, and response....
It was great to present again at the OSU String Teacher workshop! It’s always so fun meeting new people and learning about their experiences. Below are links to topics we covered during my sessions. I hope the information below is helpful. Please feel free to contact me should you have...
9:00 – The 21st Century String Classroom Topics Discussed: Understanding 21st Century Learners Classroom automation of daily routines Technology to assist home practice Communication – reaching out to your audiences Enrichment through Skype sessions 4:15 – Teaching Beginning Strings in the Digital Age Essential Elements Interactive is a new resource...