OrchestraTeacher.net Blog

Quick access to instruments at home = more practicing!

When I’m at home, I generally have a tendency to practice more when I have quick access to my instrument. I keep violin and viola on a wall hanger in my studio and it’s easy to grab my instrument quickly and start playing. I encourage my students to do the...

Proposal for a High School String Nonet Honors Program (part 2, conclusion)

Please read part 1 of this post before reading on… The feedback I received from my original post has been pretty awesome.  Thank you to all of the string teachers and string parents out there who read the post and commented on this website, social media, or via direct message....

Proposal for a High School String Nonet Honors Program (part 1)

Dear string and orchestra teachers (and parents of string/orchestra students), I’d love your feedback on a proposal I’m putting together for an honors string ensemble that I’m considering starting for my high school orchestra program for the 2024-2025 school year. The proposal is below. Please leave your comments at the...

How many spare strings do you have? Do you know?

I’ve always kept a decent supply of extra strings, but this year I decided that I wanted to know EXACTLY how many I had, so I created a String Inventory Sheet to help me keep track. I went through all of my strings and was able to easily inventory them...

Double Bass Stool Selection for Orchestra Teachers

Sit or stand? I prefer my students sit. Which bass stools are best for your students? A stool is an essential piece of equipment for your double bass students. While some bass professionals advise standing while playing, I’m a fan of having students sit so that they have an easier...

Rock stops

Cello End Pin Anchors – What are your favorites?

Cello end pin anchors, also called end pin stops or rock stops, keep cello end pins from slipping and also help protect carpet, tile, and hardwood floors from damage. They are an essential accessory for every cellist. With so many different styles, types, and brands, which is the best for...

Holiday Gift Ideas for String Players

With the holidays fast approaching, I always hear from parents asking me what sort of thing they could get for their favorite string players. The first thing I mention is an upgrade of instrument and or bow. If this is not feasible, smaller items like rosin, mutes, tuners, strings, shoulder...

Top 5 best selling cello fine tuners

Fine tuners are super handy for making those micro adjustments to a violin, viola, or cello string. They also allow beginners to learn to tune without too much fear of breaking strings. Using the pegs can be somewhat difficult for beginners and it is very simple to overturn and break...

String recommendations for school orchestras

Using fresh, high-quality strings is probably one of the most important factors that can help your students and your orchestra sound their best. As a public school educator, I understand that budgets can be tight and teachers need high quality products that deliver good performance and are durable enough to...

Reminding students to loosen their bows

Do your students ever forget to loosen their bows? No? Mine neither! Ha ha, yeah right!! I’ve found that creative posters and memes can help students to remember to do this very important task. Below is a small flyer/poster I made for my classroom. Feel free to download and print...