Shaping Sound and Skill: Building Bow Holds and Bow Arms for Beginning String Players

Friday, January 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Description
Setting students up for success with the bow from day one is essential for developing confident, expressive young string players. This interactive session will explore practical strategies and hands-on tools to help beginning orchestra students build strong bow holds and efficient bow arms. Attendees will learn how to guide students toward a relaxed, functional setup that promotes good tone production from the very start. Whether you’re teaching in a group setting or working one-on-one, you’ll leave with creative, adaptable techniques that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.
Caitlin Mihalko
Speakers
Caitlin Mihalko
Learning Objective 1
Identify the key components of a functional and relaxed beginner bow hold.
Learning Objective 2
Implement classroom-ready exercises that promote healthy bowing habits from the very first lesson.
Learning Objective 3
Troubleshoot common challenges beginning students face when first learning to use the bow.
Session Level
Elementary, Middle School/Junior High