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RE: Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

celloguy — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 08:42:04 GMT

I have had a good and cordial discussion with the teacher. She acknowledged that she had some difficulty teaching strings, and welcomed my offer of assistance (on occasion) with the class. I now come in every few weeks for about 45 minutes to work with the three cello students in a little "sectional" group. In just the few sessions I have had, I have found the experience not only beneficial for the students (what great kids!), but also very rewarding for me.

The teacher has also recently been in touch with a local private violin studio teacher who will also be assisting with the class on a more regular basis (and mentoring the regular class teacher as well). I think that this in and of itself will do the most to make the kids' orchestra experience pleasurable and beneficial. I will also be looking into private lessons for my own child as additional enrichment.

Thanks to all for your suggestions and comments!

RE: Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

StringAmbassador — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:11:24 GMT

If your son could start private lessons with a viola or violin teacher, that might take the pressure off of you. There should be some conflict in the teaching methods and help might be on the way with the teacher intervening. It might only take one or two lessons to accomplish your goal.

RE: Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

celloguy — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:41:52 GMT

Hi!

Thanks for the good advice. I appreciate the perspective of a professional educator on my question. I will take your advice on how to approach the situation and will let you know how things transpire.

Any other comments are welcome. Do any other people have a similar situation where dedicated string orchestra classes are taught by non-string players?

Thanks again!

RE: Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

DescendingA — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 03:52:42 GMT

Hello!

You have a tricky problem there.. but, as a teacher (not music one), i know these things happen, and neither of us knows everything.
You already pointed out few very important things: 1st. teacher is a nice person, 2nd. you want to work problems out in constructive way, and 3rd. you are musician yourself. I know that in this situation you are first and foremost THE PARENT, but you should deal with this problem as musician who happens to have a child in school orchestra. So, my suggestion would be to approach her after class, and congratulate her on her good work, tell her how much kids like her, and how much they enjoy in playing, and THEN tell her that you, being musician yourself, noticed couple of problems. Point them out, and then offer your help. I don't think that any teacher would feel offended, attacked, or humiliated by this. Just keep in mind, that she is qualified musician, even if she only plays woodwind instruments. I don't know anyone who can play them all, do you? Act as respectful colleague and concerned parent (but not one on crusade), and it should all go smoothly. Most of us do ths job because we love children, and want to tech them something valuable.
Bottom line is, you'll all benefit if some corrections are made, won't you?

I feel like ranting teacher right now, LOL

Best of luck!

Beginner Orchestra programs taught by non-string players

celloguy — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:25:41 GMT

My son (3rd grade) began taking Orchestra (viola) at his school this past fall. The teacher is a very nice person (and generally a good musician), but is not principally a string player. (She plays woodwinds I believe.) I have been working with my son when he practices at home, and have found that he is learning some odd technique (I would call it incorrect) as well as developing some poor habits (posture, hand position, etc.) that I am trying to get him to "unlearn".

I know I am not a violist (as my screen name suggests, I play cello), but I know enough about good posture and playing technique to recognize a poorly shaped left hand and bow grip. I have spoken with some parents of other string students at this school, and we share the same general feeling that things are not happening as they should. We are all concerned that the students will become discouraged and quit what should be a very beneficial and rewarding program.

I want to try and work with the teacher (in a constructive way) to see if there are ways to improve the instruction and habits of the students, but I am not quite sure how to approach the subject with the teacher. I know she is quite busy (I think she covers classes at at least three schools), and I am sure she is as undercompensated as music teachers anywhere. I welcome any suggestions anyone out there might have in how to work with (or help out) this teacher to the benefit of all. (Any experienced teachers out there care to chime in with what you know that might help?)

Does anyone else have a similar teaching system in your area? (Non string players teaching strings) Is there a shortage of string teachers for the public schools, or does teacher staffing dictate that "other" area teachers (band, choir) have to cover orchestra classes due to general smaller size of orchestra classes? Understand that I have no problem with other types of music groups and instruction like band and choir (the band is terriffic in our high school!), I just wonder if it is fair (to students or teachers!) to make music teachers teach instruments they are not really familiar with. Please let me know if you have any experience with this subject. Thanks!