Music education has traditionally relied heavily on teachers' intuition and experience. This raises the question: How can research, particularly findings from neuroscience and psychology, enhance our understanding of music teaching and learning? By examining research results, we can challenge established educational practices and gain deeper insights into effective methods for helping students achieve a high level of musical mastery.

In this session, NAC bassist Max Cardilli will explore key considerations for teaching beginning bassists in ways that support steady progress and help prevent injury. He will share several recommended method books for both students and teachers, and discuss the importance of healthy, individualized playing postures and bow holds to suit each player’s unique body and needs.

Come meet the newest member of the Long & McQuade instrument repair team, Dan Salinas.  He'll be hosting an informative session on what music educators can do to be able to diagnose instrument issues, the do's & don'ts of instrument care, and quick in-classroom fixes.

Canadian composer David Marlatt will talk about the importance of choosing the right concert band repertoire. 

In the first session he will focus on defining the Concert Band grading system. 

In the second session he will focus on repertoire selection for use at Festivals.

Looking at the basics of how to use Canva for different purposes or how to create templates for your students for classroom assignments! This will be a hands on approach - so bring a chromebook and be prepared to learn and have fun!

Ever feel like you run out of time to include that “new idea” you decided was something you wanted to do with your class? Ever get to report card season and realize you “don’t have enough marks” and have to scramble? Backward Design isn’t just for scaffolding or creating rich tasks - it’s a concept that, when applied to your own (and your students’) organization, is a powerful tool to help manage your time and workflow. This session will be a practical look at using Backward Design as a method of working smarter, not harder.

Composing for many students can be an overwhelming task. Learn how to create a musical line with just a simple drop of a pencil, and figure out how to harmonize that line with simple chords! Hands on workshop - so please bring your chromebooks and if you have access to a musical notation application, that may come in handy!

Tired of the same old strum patterns? Ready to give your thumb, fingers, and brain a fresh, musically rewarding experience and workout? Explore the amazing possibilities of Travis picking, as we examine, discuss, break down, and, yes, play! the country blues classic Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten. Discover just how useful this alternative approach to humming and strumming can be for you and your students, especially when applied to more familiar songs like Take Me Home (Country Roads), Landslide, Dust In the Wind, Blackbird, and more!!