126. Elementary Orchestra Done Right with Susan Ott Rodberg

In Episode 126 of the Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux
sits down with master elementary string educator Susan Ott
Rodberg for an inspiring and deeply practical conversation about
building strong string programs from the very beginning.Susan is
a National Board Certified Teacher in Early/Middle Childhood
Music and Orchestra, a Suzuki-trained violinist, and a passionate
advocate for access to high-quality string education. With nearly
three decades at U.B. Kinsey Palmview Elementary School of the
Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, she has shaped generations of
young musicians—some of whom return years later with children of
their own!In this episode, Susan shares her journey from Suzuki
violin training (including meeting Dr. Shinichi Suzuki) to
discovering her true calling in elementary orchestra education.
She discusses teaching students as young as kindergarten,
designing developmentally appropriate systems that emphasize
posture, setup, and musical independence, and helping students
earn the right to play a real instrument through intentional
preparation.Listeners will hear Susan’s philosophy on: • Teaching
K–5 orchestra in a Title I, arts-focused magnet school • Blending
Suzuki principles with traditional classroom instruction •
Building left-hand setup, posture, shifting, and even vibrato at
the elementary level • Classroom management strategies that are
simple, positive, and effective • Why modeling, consistency, and
community relationships matter more than any single method book •
Repertoire she returns to year after year that truly works for
young string playersSusan also offers invaluable advice for new
teachers, emphasizes the importance of mentorship and
professional organizations, and reflects on what has never
changed in her 30-year career: putting students first and
building a solid technical foundation from day one.This episode
is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable ideas for
any orchestra teacher, especially those working with beginners
and elementary programs. Whether you’re just starting out or
looking to refine your approach with young string players, this
is an episode you won’t want to miss.





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