Talk Less, Smile More, Play the Music!
Saturday, January 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Description
This session will address the issue of losing (let's be honest...wasting) rehearsal time due to our perceived need to talk at our students. As directors, we feel the overwhelming desire to director-splain our students, thus minimizing the amount of time they are playing their instruments in class. By utilizing short, direct statements and being clear about your expectations and intended outcomes, attendees will acquire multiple ways to "Talk Less, Smile More, Play the Music!"
Speakers
Jennifer Evans
Learning Objective 1
Attendees will leave this session with a list of approaches that will promote more playing time on the instruments while still providing appropriate and efficient instruction.
Learning Objective 2
Attendees will learn about the "do's and don'ts" when the playing stops and it's time to teach. Quick, relevant, and direct feedback examples will be discussed.
Learning Objective 3
Attendees will leave with a list of prompts that can be used to promote positive engagement in the learning process, while still communicating what the goals are and how to obtain the desired end result.
Session Level
Middle School/Junior High