OrchestraTeacher.net

Author: Charles Laux

Administration / Conference Recap / Recruiting / Retention / Teaching Strategies / Technology Integration

ASTA 2020 Sessions

Attending the ASTA conference is always one of my favorites mostly because of the amazing people I get to interact with. I am able to catch up with friends who I haven’t seen in a long time and have meaningful conversations with them. In addition, I always meet new people...

Classroom Pedagogy / Personalized Learning / Practice / Teaching Strategies / Technology Integration

Making Practice Videos for Your Students

I have a few sections within my orchestras where students need some extra help, so I’ve decided to make a few “play along” videos for them to view (and listen) that may help them practice at home. I recorded these in class, during rehearsal with a metronome at a slower-than-performance...

Classroom Pedagogy / Pedagogy / Practice / Teaching Strategies

GMEA 2020 Session Information

I love the opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues from my state. Even though we are relatively close geographically, there is never enough time to get together and get into a deep discussion about what we are all doing. Attending GMEA allows this to happen! It’s fantastic to meet...

Podcast

“The Orchestra Teacher” Podcast

I am proud to introduce my latest project, a podcast entitled “The Orchestra Teacher!” It is my hope that I will be able to capture the interest of string and orchestra teachers by interviewing some of the most outstanding educators in our profession to get their insight into what they...

Classroom Pedagogy / Intonation / Left Hand / Pedagogy / Teaching Strategies

Color-coded finger patterns

The Bornoff finger patterns are an important part of my teaching as they help students visualize patterns of half steps and whole steps and chunk information into a single unit. Another wonderful thing about them is that they are transposable and can be used in any position on the fingerboard....

Administration / Assessment / Classroom Pedagogy / Conference Recap / Technology Integration

OSU String Teacher Workshop 2019

I absolutely love coming back to campus each year for the OSU String Teacher Workshop! It was great to present four sessions in 2019. As promised, below are links to the four sessions that I presented: Empowering Parents as Colleagues: Boosters and Fundraising Assessing Your Students to Determine Seating, Auditions,...

Classroom Pedagogy / Equipment / String Repairs

Tired of V.S.O – “Violin Shaped Objects?” So am I.

Are you tired of getting those cheap internet violins in your classroom? Are they hindering your students progress? Are they wasting class time? It’s time we educated parents about buying those “Violin Shaped Objects” (V.S.O) before the school year begins so they don’t make a huge mistake! On my school...

Assessment / Classroom Pedagogy / Conference Recap / Teaching Strategies

Idaho MEA Sessions 2019

This is my first time presenting in Idaho! I’m excited to meet all of the string teachers there. The slides to my presentations are below…

Apps / Assessment / Classroom Pedagogy / Left Hand / Pedagogy / Right Hand / Teaching Strategies / Technology Integration

Michigan MEA 2019 Sessions

It was incredible to present sessions at Michigan Music Educators Association! The teachers were welcoming and enthusiastic about learning. It was wonderful meeting so many new people! Here are links to the four sessions presented: Setting your string students up for success! Diagnose and correct common technical problems to allow...

iOS

How to lubricate string instrument fine tuners (without making a mess)

Ever try to twist a fine tuner that is frozen or just difficult to turn? They can really rip up your fingers, especially after tuning lots of instruments! If fine tuners are difficult to turn, try lubricating them. A properly lubricated fine tune can make turning so much easier for...