Podcaster
Episoden
20.02.2026
52 Minuten
In Episode 130 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Liz Dinwiddie, Director of Strings at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in the mountains of Northeast Georgia, for a powerful conversation about access, community, and joy in string education.
At Rabun Gap, every student from age three through fifth grade is required to take strings. Yes — every student. Liz shares how she structures this unique program, including cardboard starter instruments, singing-based instruction, floor staff games, color-coded finger systems, and creative approaches to teaching clefs and note reading that make learning accessible and fun.
Serving a diverse student population that includes local Appalachian families and boarding students from over 50 countries, Liz discusses how she builds a culture where music is not just about performance — it’s about life skills, belonging, and exposure to beauty.
But the story doesn’t stop in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Liz also shares her extraordinary experience traveling to Onitsha, Nigeria, where she helped launch and grow a youth string program connected to a local parish. From crash-course string pedagogy workshops to coaching students preparing excerpts from Messiah, her work demonstrates the global power of music education to connect cultures and expand opportunity.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How to structure a required elementary strings program
• Practical tools for teaching 3–10 year olds successfully
• Using movement, singing, and visual mapping for early note reading
• Managing mixed socioeconomic communities with intentional culture
• Building student ownership and leadership
• Launching and sustaining international string outreach
This episode is a reminder that whether you’re teaching in a rural mountain town or halfway across the world, strings can be a powerful vehicle for connection, growth, and joy.
— BIORGRAPHY —
Liz Dinwiddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Boston University, a Master’s from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Specialist Graduate Degree Certificate from Indiana University focused on Music Education and Community Music Schools. She has performed with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic, Fort Collins Philharmonic, and the Prague Multicultural Music Project, and has presented nationally at ASTA and multiple state music educator conferences.
Contact: www.lizdinwiddie.com
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
IS YOUR THUMB BENT? Get stickers here! www.orchestrateacher.net/stickers
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
#OrchestraTeacherPodcast
#StringEducation
#ElementaryStrings
#MusicEducation
#OrchestraTeachers
#StringTeachers
#Viola
#SuzukiMethod
#EarlyChildhoodMusic
#CommunityMusic
#RuralEducation
#Appalachia
#MusicOutreach
#ArtsEducation
#TeacherLeadership
At Rabun Gap, every student from age three through fifth grade is required to take strings. Yes — every student. Liz shares how she structures this unique program, including cardboard starter instruments, singing-based instruction, floor staff games, color-coded finger systems, and creative approaches to teaching clefs and note reading that make learning accessible and fun.
Serving a diverse student population that includes local Appalachian families and boarding students from over 50 countries, Liz discusses how she builds a culture where music is not just about performance — it’s about life skills, belonging, and exposure to beauty.
But the story doesn’t stop in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Liz also shares her extraordinary experience traveling to Onitsha, Nigeria, where she helped launch and grow a youth string program connected to a local parish. From crash-course string pedagogy workshops to coaching students preparing excerpts from Messiah, her work demonstrates the global power of music education to connect cultures and expand opportunity.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• How to structure a required elementary strings program
• Practical tools for teaching 3–10 year olds successfully
• Using movement, singing, and visual mapping for early note reading
• Managing mixed socioeconomic communities with intentional culture
• Building student ownership and leadership
• Launching and sustaining international string outreach
This episode is a reminder that whether you’re teaching in a rural mountain town or halfway across the world, strings can be a powerful vehicle for connection, growth, and joy.
— BIORGRAPHY —
Liz Dinwiddie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Boston University, a Master’s from the University of Colorado Boulder, and a Specialist Graduate Degree Certificate from Indiana University focused on Music Education and Community Music Schools. She has performed with the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic, Fort Collins Philharmonic, and the Prague Multicultural Music Project, and has presented nationally at ASTA and multiple state music educator conferences.
Contact: www.lizdinwiddie.com
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
IS YOUR THUMB BENT? Get stickers here! www.orchestrateacher.net/stickers
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
#OrchestraTeacherPodcast
#StringEducation
#ElementaryStrings
#MusicEducation
#OrchestraTeachers
#StringTeachers
#Viola
#SuzukiMethod
#EarlyChildhoodMusic
#CommunityMusic
#RuralEducation
#Appalachia
#MusicOutreach
#ArtsEducation
#TeacherLeadership
Mehr
13.02.2026
38 Minuten
Shoulder Pain? Injury Prevention & Longevity for String Players | Dr. Caleb Davis
Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries in musicians—especially string players. In Episode 129 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with his former student, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, and lifelong cellist Dr. Caleb Davis to talk about shoulder injuries, rotator cuff tears, strength training for musicians, and how to prevent long-term damage.
Dr. Davis specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery, including rotator cuff repair and robotic-assisted shoulder replacement—but this episode focuses on prevention first. Drawing from both his surgical expertise and his background as a trained cellist, he explains how musicians can avoid unnecessary surgery through smart training, mobility work, and better practice habits.
If you’re an orchestra teacher, private lesson instructor, or performing musician dealing with shoulder tension, overuse injuries, or chronic pain, this conversation is packed with practical, evidence-based advice.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Common causes of shoulder pain in violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists
• Rotator cuff injuries and when surgery is actually needed
• Injury prevention strategies for musicians
• Strength training and mobility for string players
• Posture myths in orchestra and how tension develops
• How music teachers can talk to students about pain
• Longevity, performance health, and staying active for life
Dr. Davis is also the co-host of The Shoulder Blueprint and host of The Wellness Blueprint, where he shares modern, evidence-based strategies for shoulder health, injury prevention, and long-term performance.
Whether you’re trying to prevent musician injuries, recover from shoulder pain, or help your students build sustainable technique, this episode will change how you think about health in the orchestra classroom.
— BIOGRAPHY —
Dr. Caleb Davis is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, with a focus on rotator cuff repair and shoulder replacement. He is passionate about helping people stay active through prevention, education, and smart training. He is the co-host of The Shoulder Blueprint, host of The Wellness Blueprint, and a lifelong cellist.
calebdavismd.com
calebdavismd.com/podcasts
calebdavismd.com/newsletter
Socials: @calebdavismd
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
Mehr
06.02.2026
49 Minuten
In this episode #128 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux is joined by Jonathan Glawe, Director of Orchestras at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and sustainability in orchestra programs.
Jonathan shares his path from growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, to leading one of the nation’s most respected high school orchestra programs. Along the way, he opens up about impostor syndrome, professional pressure, and a life-altering health crisis that forced him to rethink how orchestra teachers balance excellence with well-being.
This episode goes far beyond trophies and performances. Jonathan breaks down how he builds trust, belonging, and accountability in his program through intentional culture-building, rotating seating, student leadership committees, and servant leadership principles. He explains why investing in people—not just rehearsal time—leads to stronger musical results and healthier classrooms.
You’ll also hear about:
• Rotating seating and redefining “first chair” culture
• Creating buy-in without fear or competition
• Designing orchestra experiences instead of chasing rankings
• Supporting students through “maintain days” and mentorship systems
• Programming underrepresented composers with student input
• Leading at a high level without burning out
Whether you’re a new orchestra teacher or a veteran educator navigating long-term sustainability, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply immediately.
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
Jonathan shares his path from growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, to leading one of the nation’s most respected high school orchestra programs. Along the way, he opens up about impostor syndrome, professional pressure, and a life-altering health crisis that forced him to rethink how orchestra teachers balance excellence with well-being.
This episode goes far beyond trophies and performances. Jonathan breaks down how he builds trust, belonging, and accountability in his program through intentional culture-building, rotating seating, student leadership committees, and servant leadership principles. He explains why investing in people—not just rehearsal time—leads to stronger musical results and healthier classrooms.
You’ll also hear about:
• Rotating seating and redefining “first chair” culture
• Creating buy-in without fear or competition
• Designing orchestra experiences instead of chasing rankings
• Supporting students through “maintain days” and mentorship systems
• Programming underrepresented composers with student input
• Leading at a high level without burning out
Whether you’re a new orchestra teacher or a veteran educator navigating long-term sustainability, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply immediately.
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
Mehr
23.01.2026
51 Minuten
Orchestra Teaching, PD in Your Pocket & Practical Music Education | Angela Ammerman | Episode 127
In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Angela Ammerman—music education professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, author, guest conductor, and creator of the viral “PD in Your Pocket” series for music educators.
Angela shares her journey back to higher education, her work building a Master’s degree in Music Education for Practicing Educators, and how she supports orchestra and string teachers through practical, classroom-ready strategies. This conversation is packed with ideas you can use immediately, whether you teach elementary strings, middle school orchestra, high school orchestra, or collegiate music education.
Topics covered include:
• Practical professional development for music teachers
• Movement, breathing, and body awareness in string teaching
• Recruitment and retention strategies for orchestra programs
• Teaching English Language Learners in music classrooms
• Reducing teacher talk to improve student musicianship
• Empowering students to become confident, independent musicians
• Using social media and short-form video for music teacher PD
• Building access to music education in rural and underserved areas
About Angela Ammerman
Angela Ammerman is a music education professor at UT Knoxville, director of the UTK String Project, and author of The Music Teacher’s Guide book series. She is a frequent clinician and guest conductor and connects with thousands of educators through her Instagram account @musicteachersguide.
Listen to Episode 127 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast for inspiration, practical strategies, and encouragement for orchestra teachers at every stage of their careers.
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Angela Ammerman—music education professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, author, guest conductor, and creator of the viral “PD in Your Pocket” series for music educators.
Angela shares her journey back to higher education, her work building a Master’s degree in Music Education for Practicing Educators, and how she supports orchestra and string teachers through practical, classroom-ready strategies. This conversation is packed with ideas you can use immediately, whether you teach elementary strings, middle school orchestra, high school orchestra, or collegiate music education.
Topics covered include:
• Practical professional development for music teachers
• Movement, breathing, and body awareness in string teaching
• Recruitment and retention strategies for orchestra programs
• Teaching English Language Learners in music classrooms
• Reducing teacher talk to improve student musicianship
• Empowering students to become confident, independent musicians
• Using social media and short-form video for music teacher PD
• Building access to music education in rural and underserved areas
About Angela Ammerman
Angela Ammerman is a music education professor at UT Knoxville, director of the UTK String Project, and author of The Music Teacher’s Guide book series. She is a frequent clinician and guest conductor and connects with thousands of educators through her Instagram account @musicteachersguide.
Listen to Episode 127 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast for inspiration, practical strategies, and encouragement for orchestra teachers at every stage of their careers.
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years.
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions!
https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.
https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!
https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
Mehr
16.01.2026
43 Minuten
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.
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions! https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE LINKS —
Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/
Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new? Check out Keiser Productions! https://www.keiserproductions.com
Looking for things on Amazon? Use my affiliate link:https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk
Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB
Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi
Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net
Mehr
Über diesen Podcast
The Orchestra Teacher Podcast is a show for string and orchestra
educators at every level. Hosted by veteran orchestra director Dr.
Charles Laux, each episode features conversations with master
teachers, clinicians, composers, and leaders in music education.
Topics include string pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, program
building, recruitment, and sustaining a successful orchestra
program. The podcast features practical ideas, real experiences,
and professional inspiration and is designed to support orchestra
teachers in and beyond the classroom.
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