Educational Seminars presented by Scott Laird
North Carolina School of Science and Math
with
For Teachers:
Computational Thinking: and the Arts Classroom: Concept, Application, Advocacy
In an educational landscape which increasingly prioritizes STEM concepts and curricula, computational thinking is not only important in the STEM classroom, but is also a staple of the pedagogical and performance mindset of string musicians and orchestra education. In this session, presenters will clearly define computational thinking, discuss merits and interdisciplinary applications of the concept, and explain the value of computational thinking not only for overall student success, but also for program advocacy.
Navigating the World of Carbon Fiber Bows
Navigating the world of stringed
instrument bows is a challenge for all
instructors. Join Scott Laird on a journey
along the Path to Mastery ™ as he guides
you through the qualities and attributes
of the finest carbon fiber line of bows.
From student levels to mastery levels,
the CodaBow line can meet you and your
students wherever they are on their own
Path to Mastery™. Bring your instrument to
experience our Path to Mastery™
Approach, Arrive, Depart: Strategies for Developing Expressive Ensembles
In this demo group session, the clinician will offer techniques and tips for approaching and developing musicianship and expressiveness in young string and full orchestra ensembles of all grade levels and ages. These practical and effective strategies have been developed over many years with a particular eye toward cohesive, expressive ensembles. Topics will include direction of line, accuracy vs. accurate placement, note grouping and speech patterns, style period concepts, groove, breathing and movement, bow technique and approach to bow direction. Ensemble repertoire of a variety of grade levels will be included in the demonstration.
Bringing STEM into the String and Orchestra Classroom, This session will provide tips on interdisciplinary topics relating to music and STEM for all levels of string instruction. Participants will receive numerous terms and concepts from the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that can be easily incorporated into regular string lessons and orchestra rehearsals at all levels. These topics will include concepts such as variables, data, fractions, gravity, activation energy, elastic collisions, dynamic vs. static passages, and, many more. The presenter has over 30 years of experience as a string educator and has been teaching in Science, Math, and Technology High Schools for 25 years.
Teaching "Habits of Mind" in the School Orchestra Rehearsal
So often, we are compelled to teach our students what to do as a string player. Have you ever taken time to teach them what to think while playing their instrument or participating in an ensemble? The habits of mind of the string player are as important as habits of body. This session will encourage you to think about thinking and to discover ways to get your students to do this as well. With so much more being understood each day in regard to the brain and how it works, students need to continue to develop an understanding of how they can approach thinking about music. Topics will include approach, preparation, proactive vs. reactive playing, rests and sustained passages, inner rhythm, leading from any chair, and other interesting approaches to the topic.
The Habit Loop and Applications to Rehearsal Strategy
Music instructors and ensemble directors are in the business of habit development. Participation in a music ensemble requires strong physical and mental habits. This session will define the habit loop and offer practical effective rehearsal strategies that employ clearly defined characteristics of habit development. Attendees will be encouraged to consider concepts in metacognition, leadership, and musicianship as they relate to habits and the ensemble. Topics will include approach, preparation, proactive and reactive participation, dynamic vs. static passages,and inner rhythm.
The Art and Science of the Bow
Scott Laird, NC School of Science and Math and Jeff Van Fossen, CodaBow International.
The function and importance of the bow are significant factors in any string student’s development. For many years, student bows were an afterthought in the instrument selection process. New developments in understanding the physics of tone production and control make this process significantly more understandable. In this session, the clinician and bow maker will present a model that explains how weight, balance, strength, and flexibility all work in concert to impact the student’s experience and success with the bow. Participants gain new insights into pedagogical nuance of the bow and will receive a practical guide to student bow selection.
Inspiring the “Net Generation” Music Student with Instructional Technologies
Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: Students under the age of 25 are considered to be the “Net Generation.” Their method and mode of learning is vastly different than any previous generation. As a result, educators must be prepared to teach and mentor in new ways that connect with the standards and expectations of this “Net Generation.” Scholars surmise that teachers will see a drastic shift in their role as content deliverers to that of facilitators/mentor in coming years. String, orchestra, and private studio teachers must not only keep up with this exciting trend in education, but serve as pioneers. These dynamic sessions will cover utilization of instructional technologies for classroom enrichment, effective online content delivery, assessment, sequencing and accompaniment, communication, and course management. Sample classroom scenarios and teaching strategies, as well as hardware and software components will be discussed and demonstrate. The presenter was recently awarded the 2010 UNC Board Of Governors and NC School of Science and Math Award for Exceptional Contribution in Classroom Innovation.
Integrating Web Resources Into Your Existing Instrumental Music Curriculum
This session will provide a variety of unique strategies for instrumental music teachers to integrate web resources into their existing curriculum, regardless of the method book that they are currently using. The presenter will offer explanations and tips that address specific opportunities for beginning and advanced instrumental students as well as teachers. The presenter is a National Board Certified Teachers with over 20 years of experience in the public secondary schools. The lesson room is a product of the D'Addario and includes master teachers that are affiliated with D'Addario Bowed Strings, Rico Reeds, Evans Drum Heads, and Planet Waves.
Techniques, Tips, and Strategies: Approaching Your String Class and Rehearsal from a New Perspective
This interactive session will provide a variety of unique strategies for directors of secondary string ensembles base on attendees interest and requests. The presenter will offer explanations and tips that address specific performance concerns common to the string ensemble as well as pertinent, specific methods of explanation that grow from his experiences on the podium and in the classroom. The session will cover topics including tuning, posture, musicianship improvisation, bowing and bowing styles, intonation, and others. The presenter is a National Board Certified Teachers with over 20 years of experience in the public secondary schools.
The Art of Developing Passionate Ensembles, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will provide a variety of strategies for developing ensembles that are not only musically and technically engaged, but also emotionally engaged. The session will explore concepts in community development within the ensemble, inspiring passion, leadership, artistry, and ownership of the ensemble and experience. The presenter has over 20 years of experience developing passionate ensembles as a string educator and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Finding and Maintaining Fulfillment in your Career in String Education-
In this session, participants will consider their level of fulfillment with their work and career in string education. The presenter will provide a variety of focus areas for consideration and models for identifying and assessing career fulfillment. Attendees will be asked to consider (and perhaps share) their roles as artists/educators, motivations for embarking on a career in string education, sense of mission in the school and community, complexity of their work, perspective on workload, busy schedules, and a balanced life. Participants will walk away with strategies to find fulfillment in their careers while balancing their personal and professional life.
Collaboration as a Vehicle to Musical and Artistic Growth, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will focus on the numerous musical, artistic, and social benefits of collaborations between various ensembles within a school as well as with ensembles in the larger community, including local congregations. These collaborations can become wonderful traditions that truly enhance a student's musical learning and experience. The session will provide useful tips and strategies for incorporating collaborations into your programs at various times throughout the school year. This session will cover a variety of topics including: working with different conductors, cross generational ensembles, benefits to directors, the orchestra's role, community outreach, and bridge building. The presenter has over 20 years of experience as a string educator at all levels and is National Board Certified.
Ethics and Leadership in the Orchestra Classroom, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will present a variety of opportunities for incorporating topics surrounding ethics and leadership into daily rehearsals in the middle and high school orchestra setting. In this session, the presenter will offer suggestions for incorporating concepts of ethics and leadership into the orchestra and private studio setting. This session will cover the role of each member of an ensemble, teamwork, ownership of responsibility within a large group setting, community membership and leadership, academic honesty, personal integrity, and other related topics. The presenter has over 17 years of experience as a string educator and has worked extensively with exceptional middle and high school students, constantly challenging them to act with integrity and leadership along the way.
Innovative Assessment, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will provide meaningful discussion on both traditional and innovative assessment strategies and grading in the secondary string and orchestra classroom. This session will cover grading and a variety of grading policies, performance assessment and rubrics, peer assessment, and other assessment strategies. Ideas for projects, sample grading policies, and sample lesson plans will be offered. The ideas that are presented in this clinic are sure to aid teachers in assuring that the grades student receive are meaningful and well earned. The presenter has over 18 years of experience as a string educator, is National Board Certified and has been teaching in secondary schools for his entire career.
Recording Your Orchestra, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: Receive a variety of tips for creating a great recording of your orchestra without spending a fortune. Topics will include: basic principles of acoustics, live stereo recording, choosing appropriate microphones, microphone placement, recording formats, basic editing, common software, and duplication and copyright issues. The presenter teaches courses in Recording Technology at the North Carolina School of Science and Math and Peace College, Raleigh, NC and is an active freelance recording engineer.
Science and Math in the Orchestra Classroom, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will provide useful tips on interdisciplinary topics relating to music, strings, math, and science for all levels of string instruction. In this session, the presenter will offer suggestions for incorporating concepts in science and mathematics into the orchestra classroom. This session will cover principles of acoustics and physics as they apply to music, strings, and sound production. Ideas for projects and sample lesson plans will be offered. The ideas that are presented in this clinic are sure to peak the interest of your science and math oriented students. The presenter has over 20 years of experience as a string educator, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and has been teaching in Science, Math, and Technology High Schools for over 15 years.
The Journey Begins, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will provide useful tips and strategies for turning your first job in string education into a springboard to a successful and fulfilling career as a string educator. Material will be suitable for first and second year string teachers (and current string education majors) and will provide tips and suggestions for young teachers that they can apply to their classroom and professional life. This session will cover a variety of topics including: professionalism, development of teaching and rehearsal strategies, relationships, recruiting, retention, life outside of school, and professional development. The presenter has over 18 years of experience as a string educator at all levels and is National Board Certified.
Effective Effects, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: You've just purchased an electric violin, cello, or quartet for your school string program. Now what? How do you make this thing sound great? This session will provide meaningful information on the use of effects processing with analog electric bowed instruments that will help to bring out the creativity in your students and assist in making the instruments sound fantastic! Topics will include equalization, reverb, time based effects, distortion, pitch shifting and harmonization, and live analog looping. The presenter has been teaching electric string technology for over 15 years and performs regularly using extensive effects processing. (Sponsored by D'Addario Bowed Strings, NS Design Violins)
Inspiring Students with New String Technology, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: This session will inform string instructors about much that is new in electric and violin technology and great ways to incorporate electric strings into the private studio, public school string program, and orchestra class. The session will offer practical uses of electric string instruments in performing and pedagogical situations. It will also cover a variety of topics including pickup systems and technology, effects processing, sound design, and recent technological advancements. The presenter has been an active performer end educator utilizing electric string instruments for over 15 years. (Sponsored by NS Design Violins)
Pedagogy from the Podium, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Math: This session will provide useful tips and strategies for incorporating strong pedagogical concepts into every orchestra rehearsal. In this session, the presenter will offer a variety of methods for promoting exceptional technique while in the orchestra rehearsal setting. These practical and effective strategies have been developed over many years with a particular eye toward uniformity and technical compatibility from top to bottom of each section. Topics will include the anatomy of strong pedagogy and systems for approaching common pedagogical concerns including: approaches for tuning, set-up, left and right hand technique, pulse and inner-rhythm, breathing and movement, bow technique and approach to bow direction.
Finger Patterns as a Vehicle to Major Scales and Upper Positions, Scott D. Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Math: In this hands-on session, attendees will learn a practical method for incorporating the concept of finger patterns into a systematic approach for technique development. Utilizing the pedagogy of George Bornoff as the foundation, attendees will be introduced to a system of nomenclature and group activities that facilitate the introduction and development of intonation, shifting, upper positions, scales, rhythm and bow techniques. These ideas can be used in both the homogeneous or heterogeneous classroom and can be incorporated into any teaching environment or level. The presenter will offer suggestions for incorporating instructional technologies into the system and provide online and technological resources to attendees. Bring an instrument and learn in a “hands on” environment!
KidZNotes in Durham, NC: an El Sistema USA Success Story.
Would you like to know more about El Sistema USA and a local program that is making a difference? El Sistema USA is a visionary program that is committed to transforming the lives of underprivileged children through music. Come and hear about KidZNotes in Durham, NC, an El Sistema USA program that is truly making a difference in the lives of children and the community of Durham. The session will include details of the philosophies behind the program, partnerships that have been key to the program’s success, details of the program’s curriculum and programming, and a look back at how they got things started. The presenter is a founding member of the KidZNotes Board of Directors and a string educator for over 25 years.
10 Practical Strategies for Incorporating Bowed Electric Strings into Your Classroom
Do you know that you want an electric violin, viola, or cello for your school, but are just not sure how to incorporate it into your teaching, classroom, or performances? This session will feature 10 practical and proven strategies for integrating electric stringed instruments into your school orchestra program. The presentation will include demonstrations, video of student performances, and anecdotes of actual classroom applications and experiences. The presenter has been performing and teaching with electric stringed instruments for over 25 years.
For Students:
In addition to guest conducting appearances, Scott can provide sessions on Electric String Technology, String Improvisation, and many sessions on Orchestral Participation and Performance. Contact Scott to discuss your needs and interests.
Answering the Question, “WHY?”: Challenging Concepts for the High School Orchestra Member. In this session, Scott Laird will encourage participants to consider the challenges and rewards of participation in the orchestral community of their school and beyond. In this interactive session, students will not only make new friends, but also come away with a great deal of food for thought on topics including creativity and art, leadership, community responsibilities, ethics and the student musician, and defining success. Laird, a National Board Certified Teacher and Educational Specialist for D’Addario Bowed Strings, has over 20 years of experience as a string educator and conductor and has inspired ensembles to musical maturity and excellence every step of the way.
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Recent Speaking Engagements and Educational Sessions
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Computational Thinking and Navigating the World of Carbon Fiber Bows, March 2023
Presenter, Colorado Music Educators Association, Techniques, Tips and Strategies and Habit Loop, January 2023
Presenter, Cobb County Teacher In Service, January 2023
Presenter, Midwest Clinic, Panel on Rehearsing the High School Orchestra, Chicago, December, 2022
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, National Teacher Orchestra, Atlanta, 2022
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, National Conference Teacher Orchestra, Orlando, 2020
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Sharing Our Secrets: Higher Order Thinking, Orlando, 2020
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Sharing Our Secrets: Rhythm, Albuquerque, 2019
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, The Art and Science of the Bow, Albuquerque, 2019
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, STEM in the Orchestra, Atlanta, 2018
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Sharing Our Secrets: Melody, Atlanta, 2018
Masterclass, El Sistema USA Conference, January, 2018
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Approach Arrive Depart, Pittsburgh, 2017
Presenter, TMEA, 4 sessions, San Antonio, 2017
Presenter, Southeast Strings, UNCG, Greensboro, NC, Finding Fulfillment in Your Career in String Ed and Finger Patterns, 2017
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Pedagogy from the Podium, Tampa, 2016
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Finger Patterns As a Vehicle to Upper Positions, Salt Lake City, 2015
Conductor, NC ASTA New Music Reading Session, November, 2014
Presenter, Michigan Band And Orchestra Directors Conference, Detroit, MI, November 2014
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, 10 Practical Strategies for Incorporating Electric Strings Into Your Classroom,
Lexington, KY, 2014
Conductor, NC ASTA New Music Reading Session, November, 2013
Presenter, ASTA National Conference, Providence RI, Teaching Habits of Mind in the Orchestra Class
Conductor, NC ASTA New Music Reading Session, November, 2012
Clinician, Arizona ASTA Chapter In-service, October, 2012, Multiple Sessions
Clinician, ASTA National conference, Atlanta, GA, March 2012, New Music Reading Session
Clinician, Virginia Music Educators Association State Conference, Norfolk, VA, November 2011
Clinician, ASTA National Conference, Kansas City, MO, New Music Reading Session, Grades 3-5, March 2012
Clinician, Southeast String Festival, UNC Greensboro, The Electric String Ensemble, Hands on sessions
Clinician, NCMEA Fall In-service, November 2010, Inspiring the Net Generation Music Student, Using the Lesson Room for Guitar Instruction
Clinician, PMEA District 10 Fall In Service, October, 2010, Harrisburg, PA, Inspiring the Net Generation Music Student, The Art of Developing Passionate Ensembles, Techniques Tips and Strategies, The Lesson Room
Clinician, Colorado ASTA, Summer 2010, Denver, CA, Sound Innovations (Alfred), Inspiring the Net Generation String Student, New String Technology
Clinician, ASTA, March, 2010, Santa Clara, "Inspiring the Net Generation String Student" and "Inspiring Students with New String Technology"
Clinician, NCMEA, November 2009, Winston Salem, NC, "Inspiring Students with New String Technology"
Key Note Speaker, September, 2009, Nassau County Music Educators Fall Banquet, "Let's Re-think Music Education"
Clinician, ASTA, March, 2009, Atlanta, "Effective Effects," and "Answering the Question, "Why""
Clinician, Texas Music Educators and TI:ME, February, 2009, San Antonio, TX, "Effective Effects," and "Science and Math in the Orchestra Classroom"
Clinician, UNC Greensboro, November, 2008, the Journey Begins, Pedagogy from the Podium, Ethics and Leadership
Clinician, ASTA National Conference. March, 2008, Albuquerque, NM, “The Art of Developing Passionate Ensembles”
Clinician, Music Educators National Conference, Midwest Clinic, December 2007, “The Journey Begins”
Clinician, ASTA National Conference. March, 2007, Detroit, MI, “Science and Math in the Orchestra Classroom”
Clinician, Indiana University of PA, String Day, Various Sessions, Feb 2007
Clinician, NCMEA Fall In-Service, November, 2006, “Ethics and Leadership in the Orchestra Classroom”
Clinician, ASTA National Conference. March, 2006, Kansas City, MO, “The Journey Begins” and “Innovative Assessment”
Instructor, University of Alaska at Anchorage Continuing Education Workshop, July, 2005, “Beyond String Pedagogy”
Clinician, ASTA National Conference. “Strings Alive, 2005” February, 2005, Reno, NV, “Ethics and Leadership in the Orchestra Classroom” and “Recording Your Orchestra”
Clinician, D’Addario Day, November 2003, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Clinician, North Carolina Fall In-Service Conference, November 2002, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, MENC National Conference, Nashville, TN, April 2002, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, South Carolina Music Educators Winter In-Service Conference,
January 2002, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology, ”Pedagogy from the Podium,” “Finger Patterns as a Vehicle”
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Spring In-Service Conference, March 2001, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Fall In-Service Conference, November 2000, “Pedagogy from the Podium”
Clinician, Swedish National String Educators Conference, Copenhagen, Sweden, October 2000,“Inspiring
Students With New String Technology”
Clinician, Alaska Music Educators Fall Conference, November 1999,
“Inspiring Students with New String Technology,” “Before the Book,” and “Finger Patterns as a Vehicle”
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Fall Conference, October 1999,
“Finger Patterns as a Vehicle to Teaching Major Scales and Upper Positions”
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Fall Conference, October 1998, “Before the Book”
Clinician, Music Educators National Conference, Phoenix, ARTechnology Lab, (series of clinics on electric string technology),
March 1998
Clinician, Music Educators National Conference, Midwest Conference,
December 1997, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, Music Educators National Conference, Northeastern Division, Spring Conference, March 1997,
“Electric and MIDI String Instruments: Functions and Classroom Applications”
Clinician, Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Madison, WI, October 1998, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, New York Music Educator’s Association, Rochester, NY, November 1998, “Inspiring Students with New String Technology”
Clinician, Center for Renaissance and Baroque Studies, University of Maryland, College Park,
Conference on Teaching in a Digital World, Inspiring Students with New String Technology, October 1998,
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Spring Conference, February 1998,“Nuts and Bolts and Butterflies:
Pathways to an Expressive Performance”
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Fall Conference, October 1996, “Teaching Scales and Third Position Using Finger Patterns”
Clinician, Virginia Music Educators Fall Conference, November 1997,“Electric and MIDI String Instruments:
Functions and Classroom Applications”
Clinician, Ohio Music Educators Fall Conference, October 1995, ZETA Music Demonstration
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Spring Conference, March 1995, ZETA Music Demonstration
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Spring Conference, March 1996 ZETA Music Demonstration
Clinician, Maryland Music Educators Fall In-Service, October 1993, Reading Session
