Professional Development in Music for Teachers

Get hands-on performance and coaching tips from some of the finest musicians in the NAC Orchestra, who are equally renowned for their performance skills and expertise as teachers!

Possible in-person workshops include:

Instrument-specific tips and tricks

Get the inside scoop on breathing, fingerings, equipment (reeds, mouthpieces, etc), tuning, warm-up suggestions, and ideas for students. This workshop is for teachers who would like to improve their understanding of specific instruments or instrument groups in order to more effectively guide their students. This can also be offered as a hands-on workshop with your students.

Conducting techniques and ensemble leadership 

Have an NAC Orchestra musician observe your prerecorded conducting and coaching techniques with your student group and provide practical feedback and ideas for concert or competition preparation.

Sectional or small ensemble coaching 

Have an NAC Orchestra musician listen to your band or sectional rehearsals, and get practical feedback about their performance prior to a competition; this can include a mock adjudication. Students will come away with practical tips for better performance as individuals and in ensembles.

Music for children with exceptionalities

with Elizabeth Simpson (former Second Horn, NAC Orchestra) and/or Dr. Erin Parkes (Executive Director, Lotus Centre for Special Music Education)

Work with the creators of the NAC’s Music Circle series for students with exceptionalities, who will share ideas and strategies for making music education accessible to all. This session is appropriate for music teachers, general classroom teachers and special education teachers who are looking for ways to engage students with exceptionalities in music making.

Please note - a surcharge for long distance travel to your school may apply.