This was my second year exhibiting at the Midwest Clinic, and the second year that I sponsored my favourite event, their pre-conference workshop for our important and essential, non-string players teaching strings. It’s always a treat to see these teachers come away with a ton of information about teaching strings, care of master pedagogues, Rebecca MacLeod, David Eccles, David Pope and Heather Lofdahl. I also love getting new ideas from watching them all teach – there’s not enough opportunity to do this!
One of the biggest highlights of the event for me was having the Robert Gillespie, co-author of Essential Elements for Strings and recipient of this year’s Medal of Honor for his lifetime of achievements in string pedagogy – deliberately seek out my booth to thank me for what I am doing! Speechless.
I actually took some time this year to catch a couple of clinics, including a session by Chris Selby of Habits of a Successful String Musician, and I loved the enthusiasm with which he shared his latest discoveries when it comes to intonation and keeping students to a steady beat. I’m chatting with Margaret Selby about it here….
I also caught Charles Laux’s clinic on solving string playing problems to see what ideas he had. Love the fun videos he makes for his students!
Of course, a highlight is alway meeting my SST Grads and followers in person. This year, I had my Smart String Teacher Grads share how their teaching has transformed after having taken my training. I’ll share those videos with you in the near future.
Many teachers had fun taking my Smart String Teacher Quiz to test their expertise. (I don’t think anyone got 5/5!)
Finally, many thanks to my student volunteer, Pierce Lokar from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. I couldn’t have survived this event without your help!
Remember, if you would like a complimentary registration for the Midwest Clinic, consider volunteering for me next year. It’s a jam-packed event you don’t want to miss!
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