D'Addario Educational Outreach Program

Inspire your students, streamline lesson planning, and elevate the classroom experience, with D'Addario's 100% free Educational Outreach Program.

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Workshops

Music educators can expand their expertise through professional development, in-service training, and specialized woodwind and orchestral methods clinics designed to equip the next generation of teachers. Students aged 11-18 can develop their woodwind skills, refine their fiddle playing, explore performance techniques, and more - all through a series of hands-on workshops led by elite educators and musicians.

Benefits

Expert Guidance

Each clinic is led by an experienced player with a passion for sharing their knowledge with the next generation of musicians.

Tailored Learning

Sessions are customized to meet the needs of your students.

Free & Accessible

Each clinic is offered at no cost and are also available virtually.

Exclusive Discounts

Clinic participants will get access to a promo code and exclusive D’Addario rewards following the event.

Testimonials

"This workshop was so professionally done.  Better than some of the conferences! Thank you!" 

“D’Addario has been an invaluable partner as we work towards designing new programs to inspire and excite the next generation of musicians. Their team of clinicians have prepared and presented outstanding workshops that are able to reach students at every level, helping to inspire a lasting and positive change in our schools music program.”

"Thank you all again for your dedication to our profession, by investing in our future with everything you do for our state"

Woodwinds Clinic Options

Pressure Proof: How to Practice for Peak Performance (Elizabeth Rosinbum)

Help your students face their fear and take the stage with confidence. This workshop provides practical strategies for effective practice, stress management, and dealing with performance anxiety.

From the Neck Up: Building Better Woodwind Fundamentals (Kyle Jones)

Students will explore essential techniques for improving tone, articulation, and breath support across a variety of woodwind instruments. And Educators will learn techniques to enhance their students’ performance and build a stronger section.

D’Addario Woodwinds Method Program

This comprehensive session will cover the fundamentals of woodwind instruments, tailored for beginners or mixed-skill-level groups. Teachers will learn new techniques to build confidence and ability throughout their classrooms.

Finding Your Sound: Improving Retention Through Sound Exploration (Gary Paulo)

This clinic will help students find their unique musical voice, making learning more exciting, and empowering, than ever before. As their love for music grows, so will their commitment to their education.

Start with Success: Instilling Beginning Clarinet Fundamentals (Aileen Razey)

Educators will not only set beginner clarinetists up for success with techniques that build tone, technique, and confidence, but will walk away with the tools and strategies they need to create a standout section.

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Orchestral Clinic Options

Fiddle Fun (Melissa Brun)

This workshop will introduce students to foundational techniques, rhythmic bowing, dynamic melodies, and creative expression – all designed to help them build confidence and find their playing style.

Emotions Matter (Melissa Brun)

In this clinic, students will experience the emotional power of music, learn to connect deeply with their instruments, and use music to explore their feelings and express themselves like never before.

Trauma-Informed Music Classrooms (Nicole Melrose)

Taught in a safe and supportive learning environment, students will learn to express themselves, heal, and thrive, through music. Educators will take away practical tools to build emotional growth and connection in their classrooms.

Recruitment and Retention for Title I Schools (Nicole Melrose)

Discover practical strategies to gain and retain students, as well as innovative approaches to building strong, sustainable music programs, even in underfunded schools.

Beyond the Score: Jazz Improvisation for Full Orchestra (Sue Buzzard)

Introduce your orchestra students to jazz improvisation techniques, helping them develop creativity and flexibility – the kind of skills that will benefit them in the classroom, onstage, and beyond.

Orchestral Strings 101 (All Orchestral Clinicians)

In this comprehensive session, students will cover the fundamentals of orchestral strings, tailored for beginners or mixed-skill-level groups. And instructors will walk away with enhanced tools to support students at any level.

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Meet The Clinicians

Aileen Razey

“I advocate for musicians from diverse backgrounds through a personalized approach to performance, education and mentorship. Recognizing that each musician's purpose is to communicate an idea though their music-making, I strive to foster an inclusive environment where their musical expression is valued and empowered. When students create music that expresses their truest self, they develop a strong sense of identity and cultivate confidence to share their perspectives with the broader community, fostering understanding and connection.”

Bonson Lee

“My primary goal is to help students develop a positive relationship with music, with the hope that their love for their art will inspire them to pay it forward in spreading the joy of music within their communities. I hope that through my own love for music, my students will form their own artistic perceptions of music that speak to them as individuals.”

Elizabeth Rosinbum

“Learning music is an ultramarathon. There are no shortcuts when it comes to building a solid foundation, and progress can only be accurately measured over long periods of time. Whether I'm working with a student who has never picked up an instrument, training others how to perform fearlessly, or teaching educators how to strengthen their program, I'm committed to the process of learning deeply. My nerdy obsession with all things educational and performance psychology has allowed me to help musicians of all ages become skilled, confident and emotionally healthy.”

Gary Paulo

“My educational philosophy is heavily based in fundamental training. Through this approach we are able to build a musical and technical vocabulary from which to speak: performing the saxophone's illustrious repertoire. Additionally, my aim is to help students become more creative with their training and 'write their own etudes' (as an example) in an effort to give them space to find their own voice as a musician and learn how to create fundamental exercises that apply directly to the repertoire they are learning.”

Krista Weiss

“My clinics focus on developing solid fundamentals, honing musicianship and exploring the pedagogical benefits of different equipment choices for single-reed players. Students who attend one of my sessions will learn the basics of a solid embouchure, get help extending their range, and spend time developing proper air support through breathing and long tone exercises. I also encourages students to take ownership of their own musical development by discussing practice techniques, equipment maintenance and reed care.”

Kyle Jones

“As an educator, my principal role is to foster autonomous learners and educators. Though the student and I work together to achieve an understanding of the instrument through tone, technique and musicianship, it is also essential to prepare students to navigate failure in addition to success. I prepare students to navigate failures by building trust in their preparation process through healthy practice habits, while also giving them tools to reframe failures as opportunities for growth.”

Melissa Brun

“As a cellist and veteran educator, I believe in the importance of a strong foundation in technique, aural training and music theory. I encourage students to experiment, take risks and think critically, as these skills provide the tools for lifelong musical growth and expression. Nurturing a love of music and empowering students to become confident, creative musicians is a priority, but equally important. I want students to have FUN! Learning should be enjoyable and engaging, and I strive to create a fun-filled atmosphere in every lesson and classroom.”

Nicole Melrose

“I believe that access to high-quality string education is a right for every student. My approach centers on creating trauma-informed, safe spaces where students can thrive. When the brain and body feel safe, students are empowered to meet high expectations and unlock their potential. I believe every student can succeed, and I am passionate about equipping music educators to create environments where safety and growth go hand-in-hand.”

Sarah Manasreh-Decker

“I sincerely believe that pedagogy is all about empowering students to take ownership of their curiosity. People learn best in positive and warm environments that foster space for questions and room for both productive struggle and successes. I strive to make my learning spaces kind, patient and full of joy!”

Sue Buzzard

“My educational philosophy is based in motivation and agency for players. I want to find what makes someone want to play their instrument, and guide them towards their musical goals in the long and short term. My own playing thrives on creativity, so teaching others to be creative and find their own musical motivation is my passion. When players have agency over their playing and can choose the music that fulfills them the most, I have done my job.”

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Resource Library

Explore an ever-growing library of tools, guides, and other teaching resources - all designed to support you and your students on their musical journey.

Guide for Parents

As a parent, you have a huge influence on your child’s music education. That’s why we’re giving you this handy list of tips and tricks, written by D’Addario Clinician Scott Laird. Here’s everything you need to know to help your child reach the next level of performance.

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Orchestral Strings Color Chart

This quick, easy guide makes string identification simple. With details for all tensions and pitches across violin, viola, cello, and bass, it covers D’Addario string lines like Prelude, Ascenté, Kaplan, Pro-Arté, Helicore, and Zyex.

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Close vs Open Face Mouthpiece

This easy-to-follow breakdown covers the differences between curved close-facing mouthpieces, medium facing mouthpieces, and open face mouthpieces - and how to choose the right one for your student’s playing style.

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Choosing Your Reed Strength

This guide walks students through the process of choosing the correct reed strength for their instrument, helping them achieve maximum playability.

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Pairing Mouthpiece and Reed

This step-by-step guide covers the process of matching the right reed to the right mouthpiece, reed strength and resistance levels, and more - all helping your students achieve their best sound on their instrument.

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