Introduction  

The Practicing Musician Summer Symposium 2024, “Your Passion, Their Success,” is poised to be a transformative professional development experience for music educators and homeschool parents seeking to elevate their teaching skills and inspire their students. Taking place from July 8 to 22, 2024, this event features a stellar lineup of expert music educators who will share their knowledge and passion through a series of informative and hands-on sessions. 

New Session Highlights

Mastering Sight-Reading Skills 

Renowned music educator Mr. Joseph Girgenti will lead an in-depth session on mastering sight-reading skills. Attendees will gain effective strategies to help their students excel in this crucial aspect of musicianship, including techniques for improving note recognition, rhythm accuracy, and fluency. 

Cultivating a Collaborative Classroom Culture

James Robinson II, celebrated for his innovative teaching methods, will share his expertise on cultivating a collaborative classroom culture. Participants will learn practical techniques for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student growth, engagement, and teamwork.   

Maximizing Rehearsal Efficiency 

Experienced music educator Troy Peterson will demonstrate proven rehearsal techniques that optimize student learning and performance. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of strategies to make the most of their rehearsal time, including effective pacing, targeted feedback, and student-centered activities. 

Developing Accurate Intonation

Dr. Robert Gifford, a leading expert in music education, will guide participants through a session on developing accurate intonation in their students. Attendees will gain practical exercises and techniques to help their students refine their pitch accuracy and enhance their overall performance quality. 

 

Practicing Musician Summer Symposium 2024, the Music educators

Previous Session Highlights

Advocating for Music Programs

Troy Peterson will also share his proven strategies for advocating for music programs, equipping attendees with the tools and confidence to secure support and resources for their programs in their schools and communities.

Enhancing String Instrument Proficiency

Skilled string educator Dr. Bret Smith will lead a session focused on enhancing string instrument proficiency. Participants will gain techniques to help their students master violin, viola, cello, and bass, including exercises for improving bow control, fingering accuracy, and tone production.

Effective Recruitment and Retention Strategies

Joe Pappas, renowned for his successful recruitment and retention strategies, will share his insights on attracting and retaining students in music programs. Attendees will leave with actionable tips for boosting enrollment, increasing student engagement, and building a thriving music community.

Meaningful Student Assessment Techniques

Dr. Fred Burrack, a leading authority on student assessment in music education, will demonstrate practical techniques for evaluating student progress and providing constructive feedback. Participants will learn how to design effective assessments that measure student growth, identify areas for improvement, and guide their musical development.

Leveraging Technology for Student Engagement

Jake Douglass, Practicing Musician’s Founder and CEO is an expert in leveraging technology for music education. He will highlight how to effectively use Practicing Musician’s platform to enhance student learning and engagement. Attendees will explore the platform’s powerful features and learn best practices for integrating technology into their teaching.

Achieving Ensemble Blend and Balance

Dr. Robert Gifford will also lead a session on achieving optimal blend and balance in ensemble performances. Participants will gain strategies to help their students listen actively, match timbres, and create a cohesive and harmonious sound.

Embracing Diverse Music and Composers

Dr. Quincy Hillard, a champion of diversity in music education, will introduce attendees to a wide range of diverse music and composers. Participants will gain insights on incorporating multicultural music into their curricula, promoting inclusivity, and broadening their students’ musical perspectives.

Maximizing Student Engagement

Stephen Nelson, known for his dynamic teaching style, will share his secrets for maximizing student engagement. Attendees will learn innovative techniques to captivate their students, foster a love for music, and create a vibrant and participatory learning environment.

DIY Instrument Repair Hacks

Randy Bearden, a master of instrument repair, will teach attendees DIY hacks to keep their instruments in top condition. Participants will gain valuable skills to maintain and repair instruments, saving time and resources while ensuring their students have access to well-functioning equipment.

Practicing Musician Summer Symposium 2024, give aways

Sponsor Recognition and Giveaways   

We are grateful for the support of our Gold Sponsor, Jupiter, who has generously offered a sweepstakes prize of $1,000 towards the purchase of a new band instrument. Attendees also could win exciting prizes from our valued contributors, JPM Publishing and Heckman Batons. 

Conclusion

The Practicing Musician Summer Symposium 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity for music educators and homeschool parents to learn from industry leaders, network with peers, and gain transformative insights to elevate their teaching and inspire their students. Do not miss this chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to the power of music education. Register now for “Your Passion, Their Success” at Practicing Musician and take your teaching to new heights.