Join Peggy Rakas, woodwind methods instructor at Hofstra University, for a fun and informative refresher on the basics of woodwind pedagogy. She’ll also share up-to-date tips on mouthpieces, instruments, reeds, vibrato, and tone production. You’ll leave with helpful handouts, go-to warm-ups, and fresh ideas to keep your woodwind players engaged and sounding great at every level.

Classroom behavior strategies make or break a lesson. No matter how much we prepare for our students to engage with our content and learn, if we are not prepared to meet their potentially challenging behaviors, then we are wasting everyone’s valuable time. In this session, we will explore how to approach classroom behavior with curiosity and restorative practices to enhance everyone’s experience and increase student success.

Today’s students need more than just a reminder to practice—they need structure, inspiration, and tools that meet them where they are. In this session, discover how MakeMusic Cloud can transform practice from a chore into a motivating and measurable part of your students’ musical journey. Learn how to use built-in features like assignments, real-time feedback, and goal-based challenges to promote consistent, effective practice habits. We’ll also explore ways to spark intrinsic motivation, encourage accountability, and make practice feel personal, purposeful, and possible for every learner.