112. Clay McKinney, author of TheCello.online and full-time middle school director, discusses some cello tip & tricks, his teaching, and more.

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast — Episode 112:
Clay McKinney, author of TheCello.online and full-time middle
school director, discusses some cello tip & tricks, his
teaching, and more.





In Episode 112 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux
welcomes the passionate and innovative Clay McKinney, director of
orchestras at Parkway Central Middle School in Missouri. With
over a decade of experience in the classroom, Clay shares
insights into his teaching journey, his approach to engaging
middle school students, and how he blends performance, pedagogy,
and creativity in his work.





A cellist by training, Clay holds a Bachelor of Music in Cello
Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree
in Music Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. In
2023, he was honored as the Missouri American String Teachers
Association Secondary Teacher of the Year — a testament to his
dedication and impact as a music educator.





Beyond the classroom, Clay is the creator of The Cello Online
YouTube channel, a valuable resource for cello players and
teachers alike. With over 1 million views and nearly 10,000
subscribers, his content reaches musicians around the world,
combining instructional videos with thoughtful and accessible
cello guidance.





In this episode, Clay talks about his path into string education,
his alternative route to certification, building a thriving
middle school program, and how his digital content creation
supports and extends his passion for teaching.





Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation on
musicianship, middle school magic, and making music accessible
both in and beyond the classroom.








— BIOGRAPHY —


Mr. McKinney holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello
Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree
in Music Education from University of MO St. Louis. He now serves
as the director of orchestras at Parkway Central Middle School
currently in his 11th year. In 2023 He was awarded the Missouri
American String Teacher Secondary Teacher of the Year award for
his work as a middle school orchestra director. Mr. McKinney also
maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to cello
www.youtube.com/@thecelloonline which has garnered over 1 million
views and has a following of nearly 10,000.





https://www.thecello.online/


https://www.youtube.com/@thecelloonline


clay@thecello.online








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