9 episodes of practical advice, honest conversations, and strong opinions about bow holds.
Janet and Jessica are back — and they're getting real about burnout. In this candid, part-pep-talk, part-group-therapy episode, they share several survival strategies, which includes tips for separating your identity from your career; proven stress management strategies; and connecting with what called you to this profession in the first place. If last year nearly broke you, this one's for you. You are not alone!
As students advance, so should their practice strategies. Jessica and Janet explore evidence-based practice techniques backed by neuroscience research, including insights from Dr. Molly Gebrian's work on how the brain actually learns music.
Teaching students what to practice is easy. Teaching them how to practice? That's the hard part. In this first of a two-part series, Jessica and Janet focus on building healthy practice habits with beginning string students—before bad habits take root.
How do you make sure your orchestra program survives budget cuts and administrative changes? Retired teacher and former NAfME president Leyla Sanyer shares her proven 'embedded advocacy' approach for building lasting support among the people who matter most.
Why do orchestras struggle to reflect the diversity of their communities? Guest Stephen Spottswood joins Jessica and Janet for a candid conversation about breaking down barriers and making string education accessible and welcoming to all students.
Who says skill-building can't be fun? Jessica and Janet share their favorite orchestra classroom games—activities that energize students while sneakily improving their musical abilities. Your students will be learning without even realizing it.
Bow holds falling apart? Posture slipping? Jessica and Janet share their most effective strategies for teaching and reinforcing fundamental technique in a group setting—without losing your mind or your rehearsal time.
Can a teaching approach designed for singers work for string players? Janet explores how to adapt the Kodály method—known for its emphasis on ear training and musical literacy—for the unique challenges of the orchestra classroom.
How do you build an orchestra program that students want to join—and stay in? Jessica and Janet dive into research-backed strategies and share hard-won lessons from their own classrooms on growing and sustaining thriving string programs.