While there was a time when improvisation was seen as nonessential to string education, today most teachers agree that they would like to incorporate improvisation into their classrooms.
Embracing Similarities #2: What Orchestras Can Learn From Bands
Many commonalities exist between the band and orchestra, yet an unnecessary divide can develop between the two. In our previous post, we began to bridge this gap by looking at what bands can learn from orchestras.
Empowering the Fourth Finger in Beginning String Instruction
Do your students seem to find a thousand creative ways to thwart your attempts to get them to use their fourth finger?
A Short Guide to Successful String Instrument Rentals
[Editor’s Note: The following post is intended as a resource for parents of first year orchestra students. Feel free to link to this post in your communications with parents and students.]
Renting, rather than purchasing, a string instrument can be a wise decision.
Recruiting and Developing Violists in your School Orchestra
While teaching viola is slightly different than teaching the other string instruments, it’s not more difficult. Below are a few suggestions for helping the school orchestra teacher develop violists, including recruitment ideas, technical assistance, and ways to fully engage violists in rehearsals – and your program.
Intonation Lessons Learned from Suzuki Pedagogy
Within the Suzuki method of violin pedagogy, there is a huge emphasis on the importance of listening in the acquisition of musicianship skills.
Fun and Games with Young Instrumentalists
You’ve no doubt heard the old saying, “You can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Likewise, sometimes you can get more out of your young instrumentalists when you embed the learning in a game!