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Teaching Artists Attend ASTA Conference

Violin Teaching Artists Claire Allen and Rachel McAleer recently attended the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Allen shared some of their experiences with us.

Claire Allen Violin LessonsWRITTEN BY CLAIRE ALLEN:

Earlier this month, I had the joy and privilege of attending the annual American String Teachers Association national conference with my friend and colleague Rachel McAleer. We left Virginia far too early in the morning and arrived in Pittsburgh, large coffees in hand, just in time for the 11:15 am educational sessions.

We read through the conference catalog and made hard choices about what to attend in each session – there were so many presentations that sounded interesting and relevant to our teaching and playing! In the end, I compromised and went to sessions on releasing tension in violin technique, leading effective violin group classes, and integrating contemporary works into the student violin repertoire for my students. The session on how to analyze and perform Bach fugues was just for me. 

One of the most empowering aspects of attending the conference was being surrounded by fellow string teachers and having the opportunity to share ideas and observe how other programs have developed string classes. I was able to reconnect with mentors and colleagues from my days as a graduate student at the Peabody Conservatory. It was especially fascinating to observe panels led by the same teachers I observed as a pedagogy student, but now having the perspective of being a full-time teacher for a few years.

 

Music tattoos on wrists

 

Along with getting fun (and temporary!) music tattoos together (pictured above), Rachel and I were also able to connect with teaching colleagues who live in Virginia. It was wonderful to learn about different projects going on both in private studios and at other university programs, and we shared information about our Violin Beginnings group classes for young kids and our summer Violin Bootcamp.

The ASTA conference was an amazing experience. We left feeling invigorated and inspired. Keep your eyes on the string department here at Potomac Arts Academy – some amazing stuff is coming in the next year!

 

SEE STRING CLASSES AT THE ACADEMY

The Academy will be closed for Spring Break beginning Monday, March 25 and will re-open on Monday, April 1. We will be operating with limited hours. For any urgent requests, please call 703-993-9889.

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