String Teacher Enrichment Program
2009 ASTA National Conference
March 19-21, 2009
Atlanta, Georgia

STRING TEACHER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

STEP is a 45 hour comprehensive professional development program featuring topics specific to string teaching. This program is to be completed within the time frame of two ASTA national conferences over a four year period. 

STEP is open to any string teacher interested in expanding their knowledge base on vital topics in string education, non-string playing teachers such as band directors who are now teaching strings, and private lesson instructors now teaching adjunct in schools. STEP fills in gaps in coursework, introduces new concepts in education, and reinforces knowledge in the areas of:

  1.  Recruiting

  2.  Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle School/High School Violin and Viola Students

  3.  Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle School/High School Cello Students

  4.  Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle School/High School Bass Students

  5.  Classroom Management

  6.  Differentiation and Gifted and Talented Students

  7.  Improvisation in the String Class

  8.  Composition in the String Class

  9.  Listening and Evaluation of Music and Music Performance for all Levels

10.  History and Culture for all Levels

11.  Specifications and Basic Repair of Student Model/Step-up and Fine Quality Instruments

12.  Rehearsal Techniques for the Beginning/Middle School and High School Orchestra

13.  Reading Sessions and Literature Selection Process for Beginning Strings/Middle School and High School String (Instrument required - three separate sessions)

14.  Assessment Writing, Documenting and Reporting for All Levels of String Classes

15.  Alternative Styles (i.e.: Fiddle, Jazz, etc.)

16.  Technology in the String Class

17.  Advocacy and Communication - Parents, Teachers, Administration, School Board and Students

18.  Retention of String Students through Transitions

19.  Chamber Music Coaching for Elementary/Middle/High School String Classes

20.  Attendance at the National Orchestra Festival or the National High School Honors Orchestra Performances depending on the year. Attendance at the Solo Competition Performance for the Teacher's Primary Instrument and One Other Instrument of Choice.

21.  Conducting the High School Orchestra/Score Preparation

22.  Full Orchestra - Instrumentation and Rehearsal Techniques

23.  Competition Preparation for High School Orchestra

24.  Comprehensive Musicianship

RIGOR

• Attendees submit the STEP log of all sessions, rehearsals, or concerts attended.
• Attendees must obtain a signature from the presider (preferably) or presenter of the session, rehearsal or concert.
• Attendees submit a reflective assessment paragraph about each session, rehearsal or concert attended regarding the application of the information presented/observed to their teaching setting/future teaching setting.
• Within a month after the conference, attendees submit a reflection on how the conference will/has changed their perception/teaching in their classroom. Documentation will include a before and after lesson plan and proof of implementation (attendees can send in a video of instruction).

STEP Program -Year 1 (23 Hours)

Wednesday

• Attendees must attend 6 Pre-Conference hours - 1 hour of program overview and then attendance at the K-12 pre-conference session. 
• Thursday through Saturday
• 4 Instrumental Technique Sessions
• 5 Rehearsal Technique Sessions
• 5 Classroom Pedagogy Sessions (including technology)
• 1 Advocacy Session
• 2 Student Performance Concert Hours (Alt Styles, NOF, Solo Competition etc.)
• There are 8 other hours of conference sessions and evening concerts available for individual choice

STEP Program - Year 2 (22 Hours)

Wednesday

• K-12 pre-conference session (5 hours)
• Thursday through Saturday
• 4 Instrumental Technique Sessions
• 5 Rehearsal Technique Sessions
• 5 Classroom Pedagogy Sessions (including technology)
• 1 Advocacy Session
• 2 Concert Hours (Alt Styles, NOF, Solo Competition etc.)
• There are 9 other hours of conference sessions and evening concerts available for individual choice

COMPLETION OF PROGRAM

• A STEP certificate will be awarded upon completion of the 45 hour program within a four year time span 
• Possibility of two college credits, if taken for credit.
• Notification to supervisors or administrators specified on the application that a certificate in this program has been received

COST OF PROGRAM (You Must Be an ASTA Member)