In Episode 134 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with master educator Joanne May to reflect on five decades of transformative teaching in public schools and higher education.

A retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, Joanne previously spent 33 years in public school classrooms, most notably at Glenbard East High School in Illinois. From launching a kindergarten Suzuki/Rolland program that grew to over 400 students, to rebuilding collegiate string programs, her career is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and pedagogical excellence.

A devoted student of Paul Rolland, Joanne has carried Rolland’s movement-based pedagogy into every level of her teaching. In this episode, she shares:

• What it was like studying directly with Paul Rolland

• How movement, balance, and whole-body awareness transform string technique

• Practical applications of Rolland pedagogy for beginners through advanced players

• How she built thriving string programs from the ground up

• Why professional organizations like American String Teachers Association are vital for growth and leadership

• The philosophy behind her book Skills, Scales, and Tunes: Developing String Technique with Paul Rolland Pedagogy

• The importance of guarding students’ vulnerability in the orchestra classroom

Joanne also discusses her leadership roles, including serving as Past President of Illinois ASTA, former Orchestra Council Chair for NAfME, and her work on the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society Certification Committee. Her influence extends internationally through workshops and clinics across the U.S. and abroad.

This episode is filled with wisdom for orchestra teachers at every stage — from beginning directors to seasoned educators seeking renewed inspiration.

🎻 If you believe technique should feel free, balanced, and expressive — and that great teaching is both art and responsibility — this conversation is for you.

— BIORGRAPHY —

Joanne May is a retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, where she also founded the Elmhurst World Music Festival. With 33 years in public school teaching, she has extensive experience in string education. A student of Paul Rolland, she is a leader in Rolland pedagogy, presenting internationally and contributing to certification programs. May is a past president of Illinois ASTA, an award-winning educator, and an active clinician, conductor, and author of multiple string education resources.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

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133: Dr. Brenda Brenner — Changing Lives Through Strings

In Episode 133 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes one of the most influential leaders in string education, Brenda Brenner.

Dr. Brenner serves as the Eugene O’Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean and Professor of Music Education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she specializes in string pedagogy and applied violin. A Past President of the American String Teachers Association, board member of the Midwest Clinic, and co-director of the IU String Academy since 1993, Dr. Brenner has shaped generations of performers and teachers.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brenner shares:

• The evolution and impact of the IU String Academy

• The powerful story behind the Fairview Project, where every first and second grader in a Title I school learns violin as part of the curriculum

• Research connecting early instrumental instruction to cognitive, academic, and social growth

• Why healthy physical setup and body awareness are foundational in string pedagogy

• The influence of master teachers like Mimi Zweig and Paul Rolland on her approach

• How to train future teachers to think diagnostically and teach efficiently

• Why mistakes are “just information” — and how that mindset transforms learning

• Reflections on 34 years in higher education and what the future holds for music education

From grocery-store moments that reveal music’s lifelong impact to big-picture conversations about access, equity, and lifelong learning, this episode is a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

If you believe in the transformative power of early string instruction — and want practical wisdom from one of the most respected voices in our field — this episode is a must-listen.

🎻 Listen now and be inspired to build programs that truly change lives.

Brenda Brenner is the Eugene O’Brien Bicentennial Executive Associate Dean and Professor of Music Education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. A specialist in string music education, she teaches applied violin and courses in violin and string pedagogy.

Brenner earned Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Wichita State University and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music.

Since 1993, she has served as co-director of the IU String Academy, where her students have performed in major venues across the United States and toured internationally throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. She also directs the Fairview Project, a program in which every first- and second-grade student in a Title I school learns violin as part of the curriculum while she researches the cognitive, academic, and social impacts of early instrumental music instruction. She is a past president of the American String Teachers Association and serves on the board of The Midwest Clinic.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

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In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Damián Berdakín, Director of Orchestras at South Salem High School in Oregon, for a rich and inspiring conversation about artistry, intention, and innovation in the orchestra classroom.

A native of Córdoba, Argentina, Damián began his professional career as a double bassist before pursuing studies at the Longy School of Music and later earning an MFA in Orchestra Conducting and Double Bass Performance from the California Institute of the Arts. His career has included work with youth orchestras in Los Angeles, serving as an Artist Teacher for the LA Philharmonic, and conducting and teaching across multiple states before building a championship-winning program in Oregon.

Under his leadership, the South Salem Chamber Orchestra has won five Oregon State Championships, and the Symphony Orchestra has earned three state titles. But beyond accolades, Damián is deeply committed to expanding the musical experiences of his students.

In this episode, he shares:

• How he integrates mindfulness and meditation practices into daily orchestra warm-ups

• The power of predictability and intentional routines to combat student anxiety

• Practical tools to help students manage performance stress

• His philosophy of programming lesser-known masterworks and contemporary music

• Why commissioning and premiering new works can transform a program

• His collaborations bringing authentic tango music to young performers

Damián also discusses his published work, “The Mindful Warm-Up: Practicing the Skill of Concentration,” and offers concrete, classroom-ready strategies that orchestra directors can implement immediately.

🎻 Listen now and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and thoughtful programming can elevate your orchestra program.

Mr. Berdakin’s Repertoire Ideas (Lesser-Performed Favorites)

• Ponce – Estampas Nocturnas (rental)
• Christopher Wilson – Suite, Mvt. I
• Chadwick – Suite, Mvt. II
• Gabriela Lena Frank – Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout (Coqueteos) (rental)
• Rautavaara – Divertimento (all three movements)
• Holst – Moorside Suite (especially the March)
• Victor Herbert – Serenade (Canzonetta)
• Victor Herbert – Three Compositions for String Orchestra
• Oscar Straus – (I have performed the Waltz and would enjoy exploring the full work)
• Schreker – Intermezzo
• Schreker – Scherzo (rental)
• Max Bruch – Octet (for octet or string orchestra; especially the second movement in E-flat minor—his final composition)
• Aldemaro Romero – Fuga con Pajarillo (rental)
• Leo Weiner – Divertimento No. 1
• Felix Weingartner – Serenade for String Orchestra
• Akutagawa – Triptyque (rental)
• Pericón: Tango sin Fin (ensemble de cuerdas edition): https://tangosinfin.org.ar/en/ediciones-de-libre-descarga/

To hear some of these works, I recommend recordings by Sur del Sur Ensamble, led by Guillermo Rubino:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFX4hXfVz4&list=RD-XFX4hXfVz4&start_radio=1

South Salem HS Orchestra – Collaborations with Argentine Composers

• Candombe a Cuerda – Exequiel Mantega
• https://www.jwpepper.com/candombe-a-cuerda-11606428/p
• De Viento y Tierra – Pablo Jaurena
• https://www.jwpepper.com/de-viento-y-tierra-11606429/p
• Grillo Amaro – Exequiel Mantega
• https://www.jwpepper.com/grillo-amaro-11606430/p
• Persecución Tango Tierra – Pablo Jaurena
• https://www.jwpepper.com/persecucion-tango-11606431/p

Guillermo Copello – Chacarera de los Dos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7MKiN_XDbk

Orquesta de Cuerdas del Plata – Julián Peralta / Pétalo Selser

• Pompeya - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Nscf_zO24_s
• Vicios - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UEsILgG6R6s&list=PLmotOQukpdET4K9PJKuM8BW4MUheaBZC3
• Noche Random - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cW9ah9Zsvjg&list=PLmotOQukpdERdqY29IPkMR6juG3VohOgG

#OrchestraTeacher

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ASTA Conference 2026 Coverage (parts 1 and 2)Welcome to The Orchestra Teacher Podcast ! We're live from ASTA 2026 in San Francisco, proudly featuring D'Addario, the title sponsor, and their exceptional strings. We talk with a few vendors and some people in the exhibit hall.

PART TWO:🎻 Live from the 2026 ASTA National Conference in San Francisco! 🌉Dr. Charles Laux, with The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, bringing you exclusive live clips from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference held in beautiful San Francisco.In this special episode, you’ll hear candid conversations with string educators, ASTA leaders, mentors, and industry partners about:✨ The incredible energy and camaraderie of opening day🎶 Music happening at every turn🤝 The power of community in string education🌎 Connecting with colleagues from across the countryFeatured guests include: • Rebecca MacLeod (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Immediate Past President of ASTA) • Tiffany Ou-Ponticelli (ASTA Board Member, San Francisco Bay Area) • Kelly Bell, Executive Director of The Midwest Clinic • String educators from Rhode Island and New Mexico sharing insights on the ASTA Mentoring ProgramYou’ll also hear about:🎼 The 80th anniversary of The Midwest Clinic in Chicago📋 Upcoming application deadlines for clinics and performances🎓 ASTA’s mentoring program — designed for both new AND veteran teachers -- https://www.astastrings.org/site/mentor-program🙌 Gratitude for presenters, committee members, and sponsors who make the conference possibleA special thank you to our conference partners, including D’Addario (Title Sponsor) and Eastman Strings, who provided instruments for the National Orchestra Festival.If you love networking, professional growth, and celebrating the string teaching community, this episode captures the heart of what makes ASTA so special.👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow orchestra educator!🎙️ And we’ll see you next time on The Orchestra Teacher Podcast.— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

In Episode 130 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Liz Dinwiddie, Director of Strings at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, for a powerful conversation about access, community, and joy in string education.

At Rabun Gap, every student from age three through fifth grade is required to take strings. Yes — every student. Liz shares how she structures this unique program, including cardboard starter instruments, singing-based instruction, floor staff games, color-coded finger systems, and creative approaches to teaching clefs and note reading that make learning accessible and fun.

Serving a diverse student population that includes local Appalachian families and boarding students from over 50 countries, Liz discusses how she builds a culture where music is not just about performance — it’s about life skills, belonging, and exposure to beauty.

But the story doesn’t stop in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Liz also shares her extraordinary experience traveling to Onitsha, Nigeria, where she helped launch and grow a youth string program connected to a local parish. From crash-course string pedagogy workshops to coaching students preparing excerpts from Messiah, her work demonstrates the global power of music education to connect cultures and expand opportunity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to structure a required elementary strings program

• Practical tools for teaching 3–10 year olds successfully

• Using movement, singing, and visual mapping for early note reading

• Managing mixed socioeconomic communities with intentional culture

• Building student ownership and leadership

• Launching and sustaining international string outreach

This episode is a reminder that whether you’re teaching in a rural mountain town or halfway across the world, strings can be a powerful vehicle for connection, growth, and joy.

— BIORGRAPHY —

Liz Dinwiddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Boston University, a Master’s from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Specialist Graduate Degree Certificate from Indiana University focused on Music Education and Community Music Schools. She has performed with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic, Fort Collins Philharmonic, and the Prague Multicultural Music Project, and has presented nationally at ASTA and multiple state music educator conferences.

Contact: www.lizdinwiddie.com

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

IS YOUR THUMB BENT? Get stickers here! www.orchestrateacher.net⁠/stickers

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

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Shoulder Pain? Injury Prevention & Longevity for String Players | Dr. Caleb Davis

Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries in musicians—especially string players. In Episode 129 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with his former student, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, and lifelong cellist Dr. Caleb Davis to talk about shoulder injuries, rotator cuff tears, strength training for musicians, and how to prevent long-term damage.

Dr. Davis specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery, including rotator cuff repair and robotic-assisted shoulder replacement—but this episode focuses on prevention first. Drawing from both his surgical expertise and his background as a trained cellist, he explains how musicians can avoid unnecessary surgery through smart training, mobility work, and better practice habits.

If you’re an orchestra teacher, private lesson instructor, or performing musician dealing with shoulder tension, overuse injuries, or chronic pain, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Common causes of shoulder pain in violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists

• Rotator cuff injuries and when surgery is actually needed

• Injury prevention strategies for musicians

• Strength training and mobility for string players

• Posture myths in orchestra and how tension develops

• How music teachers can talk to students about pain

• Longevity, performance health, and staying active for life

Dr. Davis is also the co-host of The Shoulder Blueprint and host of The Wellness Blueprint, where he shares modern, evidence-based strategies for shoulder health, injury prevention, and long-term performance.

Whether you’re trying to prevent musician injuries, recover from shoulder pain, or help your students build sustainable technique, this episode will change how you think about health in the orchestra classroom.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Dr. Caleb Davis is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, with a focus on rotator cuff repair and shoulder replacement. He is passionate about helping people stay active through prevention, education, and smart training. He is the co-host of The Shoulder Blueprint, host of The Wellness Blueprint, and a lifelong cellist.

calebdavismd.com

calebdavismd.com/podcasts

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Socials: @calebdavismd

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

In this episode #128 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux is joined by Jonathan Glawe, Director of Orchestras at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and sustainability in orchestra programs.

Jonathan shares his path from growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, to leading one of the nation’s most respected high school orchestra programs. Along the way, he opens up about impostor syndrome, professional pressure, and a life-altering health crisis that forced him to rethink how orchestra teachers balance excellence with well-being.

This episode goes far beyond trophies and performances. Jonathan breaks down how he builds trust, belonging, and accountability in his program through intentional culture-building, rotating seating, student leadership committees, and servant leadership principles. He explains why investing in people—not just rehearsal time—leads to stronger musical results and healthier classrooms.

You’ll also hear about:

• Rotating seating and redefining “first chair” culture

• Creating buy-in without fear or competition

• Designing orchestra experiences instead of chasing rankings

• Supporting students through “maintain days” and mentorship systems

• Programming underrepresented composers with student input

• Leading at a high level without burning out

Whether you’re a new orchestra teacher or a veteran educator navigating long-term sustainability, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply immediately.

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

🎻 Orchestra Teaching, PD in Your Pocket & Practical Music Education | Angela Ammerman | Episode 127

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Angela Ammerman—music education professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, author, guest conductor, and creator of the viral “PD in Your Pocket” series for music educators.

Angela shares her journey back to higher education, her work building a Master’s degree in Music Education for Practicing Educators, and how she supports orchestra and string teachers through practical, classroom-ready strategies. This conversation is packed with ideas you can use immediately, whether you teach elementary strings, middle school orchestra, high school orchestra, or collegiate music education.

🎼 Topics covered include:

• Practical professional development for music teachers

• Movement, breathing, and body awareness in string teaching

• Recruitment and retention strategies for orchestra programs

• Teaching English Language Learners in music classrooms

• Reducing teacher talk to improve student musicianship

• Empowering students to become confident, independent musicians

• Using social media and short-form video for music teacher PD

• Building access to music education in rural and underserved areas

👩‍🏫 About Angela Ammerman

Angela Ammerman is a music education professor at UT Knoxville, director of the UTK String Project, and author of The Music Teacher’s Guide book series. She is a frequent clinician and guest conductor and connects with thousands of educators through her Instagram account @musicteachersguide.

🎧 Listen to Episode 127 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast for inspiration, practical strategies, and encouragement for orchestra teachers at every stage of their careers.

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

In Episode 126 of the Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with master elementary string educator Susan Ott Rodberg for an inspiring and deeply practical conversation about building strong string programs from the very beginning.Susan is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early/Middle Childhood Music and Orchestra, a Suzuki-trained violinist, and a passionate advocate for access to high-quality string education. With nearly three decades at U.B. Kinsey Palmview Elementary School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, she has shaped generations of young musicians—some of whom return years later with children of their own!In this episode, Susan shares her journey from Suzuki violin training (including meeting Dr. Shinichi Suzuki) to discovering her true calling in elementary orchestra education. She discusses teaching students as young as kindergarten, designing developmentally appropriate systems that emphasize posture, setup, and musical independence, and helping students earn the right to play a real instrument through intentional preparation.Listeners will hear Susan’s philosophy on: • Teaching K–5 orchestra in a Title I, arts-focused magnet school • Blending Suzuki principles with traditional classroom instruction • Building left-hand setup, posture, shifting, and even vibrato at the elementary level • Classroom management strategies that are simple, positive, and effective • Why modeling, consistency, and community relationships matter more than any single method book • Repertoire she returns to year after year that truly works for young string playersSusan also offers invaluable advice for new teachers, emphasizes the importance of mentorship and professional organizations, and reflects on what has never changed in her 30-year career: putting students first and building a solid technical foundation from day one.This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable ideas for any orchestra teacher, especially those working with beginners and elementary programs.🎻 Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach with young string players, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions! https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Episode #125

Guest: Sheldon Fisher

In Episode 125 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we sit down with Sheldon J. Fisher, a master teacher whose career represents the very best of long-term program building, musical integrity, and service to the profession.

A retired orchestra director from Fulton County Schools near Atlanta, Georgia, Sheldon led ensembles that performed on some of the most respected stages in music education, including the GMEA State Convention, ASTA National Conference, The Midwest Clinic, and Carnegie Hall. In this wide-ranging and reflective conversation, Sheldon shares the thinking behind those successes—focusing not on trophies or destinations, but on daily habits, musical standards, and student-centered teaching.

Throughout the episode, Sheldon discusses:

• Building a culture of consistency and excellence over time

• Programming with purpose and teaching students how to listen

• Rehearsal strategies that prioritize musical independence and ensemble awareness

• The role of mentorship, professionalism, and humility in a long teaching career

• What changes—and what stays the same—after retirement

Sheldon also talks about staying musically active beyond the classroom. He currently serves as co-conductor of the Fulton County Youth Orchestra, works as a rehearsal pianist for Tolbert-Yilmaz Dance Studio in Roswell, Georgia, and remains highly involved as an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician, sharing his experience with teachers and students across the region.

This episode is full of wisdom, perspective, and thoughtful reflection from an educator who understands that great orchestra teaching is about far more than performances—it’s about people, process, and purpose.

🎻 Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about the legacy you want to leave, Episode 125 offers invaluable insight from Sheldon Fisher.

— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!

https://www.keiserproductions.com

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠