One thing I want to do better is help students develop a practice plan by teaching them what and how to practice.  Also, I believe it is im...

  A couple of months ago, jazz violinist and educator Christian Howes spent a day working with all of my students. I admit I was a bit nervo...

  Teaching beginning orchestra is fun.  Students are excited to learn and there are so many warm-ups, activities, and games to play that are...

  Do you have students practice rhythmic dictation?  I have found my beginners enjoy doing dictation and it makes a great assessment tool!  ...

  Here's a simple, easy activity you can do with your beginning orchestra students to review notes and rhythms at the end of the year. T...

 It's the last 2 weeks of school for me! I like to make sure students are engaged and busy through the end of the year.  Otherwise teach...

 Through-out the school year, my students beg to try and play different instruments. I always promise to let them try a different one at the...

  My concert is just a week away!  I feel my students are ready and will have a successful, rewarding experience.  To make sure they are rea...

  NOW AVAILABLE TOP HECK HACKS:  How to create your own orchestra resources using google slides. This will be one of the most beneficial cla...

  Maybe I'm weird, but I love presenting.  I have very high standards for my presentations and I strive to make each one relevant, usefu...

I spent years doing playing tests.  My first year teaching, I did a playing test every single Friday.  It was great!  I taught 4 lessons per...

  This week I wanted my orchestra 2 (2nd year) orchestra students to work on unifying bow strokes.  We watched a performance from TwoSet vio...