This clinic explores innovative strategies for effectively teaching large instrumental music classes. Using the frameworks of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the presenters will address the unique challenges in meeting the diverse needs of learners in beginning and intermediate ensembles. With equitable participation at the forefront, the presentation will highlight strategies for managing logistics, organizing seating arrangements, efficient tuning, manageable assessments, feedback strategies, incentive systems, student leadership in non-musical tasks, dealing with broken instruments, streamlining communication with families, and effectively utilizing teaching assistants.
With backgrounds in elementary strings/music therapy/special education, and secondary orchestra/university music teacher education, the presenters will share stories of success and failure in their experiences teaching ensembles of up to 130 students simultaneously. This presentation aims to empower educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to create engaging and impactful learning experiences in large class settings.
Target Audience
Instrumental Music Teachers
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Dr. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at UCLA where she teaches music education courses and supervises student teaching. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Gamboa-Kroesen’s scholarship and research include inclusive teaching practices and belonging. She enjoys an active schedule of guest conducting, clinics, and conference presentations, including the ISME Global Conference, CMS National Conference, NAfME National Conference, SMTE, Suncoast Research Symposium, ASTA National Conference, and CASMEC. She also serves as Music Director of the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, a premier youth orchestra in California.
Katherine Findlay Hagstrom
Irvine Unified School District
Katherine Findlay Hagstrom, a credentialed music educator, has taught TK-6th grade music in the Irvine Unified School District for 10 years. Reflecting her dedication to equitable access to arts education, Katherine is also a Board-Certified Music Therapist. While teaching for Irvine Unified, Katherine contributed to starting and continuing the Long Beach Harmony Project, now LBYO, a program that provides music education to students who would otherwise not have had access to it. Katherine has been awarded Irvine Unified’s Teaching in Excellence Award, the SCSBOA Rising Star Award, the Orange County Arts Educator Award, and the Orange County Music and Arts Outstanding Arts Educator: Special Education Arts Educator award. She has presented workshops and clinics for organizations such as SCSBOA, MTAC, UCLA, Chapman University, and Irvine USD.