This session explores practical rehearsal strategies for string orchestra directors that center aural learning as a foundational teaching tool. While traditional ensemble instruction often prioritizes notation and visual cues, learning to teach by ear can deepen students’ musical understanding, improve ensemble cohesion, and support more responsive, efficient rehearsals.
Participants will examine how ear-based teaching strategies—such as modeling, call-and-response, rote learning, and guided listening—can be intentionally integrated into daily rehearsals without sacrificing curriculum goals or performance standards. The session will highlight how these approaches support intonation, tone development, rhythmic accuracy, and musical independence across varied ensemble levels.
Drawing from string pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, and classroom-based examples, this presentation will provide concrete strategies for transitioning students from imitation to independent music-making. Attendees will leave with adaptable rehearsal tools that foster active listening, strengthen student engagement, and promote a more holistic approach to string orchestra instruction.
Target Audience
Orchestra directors
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Yvonne Davila-Cortes
Yvonne Davila-Cortes is originally from Chicago and began Suzuki violin at the age of five. She attended DePaul University and received her B.M. in Music Business and Violin Performance under Joseph Genualdi. During that time, she had the opportunity to substitute with the Chicago Civic Orchestra. She received her M.M. in Violin Performance at UW-Madison under Vartan Manoogian. Dr. Davila-Cortes has appeared as a soloist at the AIMS Music Festival in Solsona, Spain and at the Rural Musicians Forum in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Dr. Davila-Cortes was a member of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and a substitute with The Madison Symphony Orchestra. She served as an Adjunct Instructor at Ripon College, conducted an elementary string orchestra in McFarland, Wisconsin and established Suzuki violin studios in both Madison and Spring Green, Wisconsin. Dr. Davila-Cortes moved to Texas to pursue her Teaching Certification and Doctorate in Music and Human Learning at The University of Texas at Austin. During her time in Texas, Dr. Davila-Cortes was Orchestra Director of a middle school in Round Rock ISD. She was also the Director of the Austin Youth Concertante Orchestra. She maintained a private Suzuki studio and served on the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin String Project, for which she has served as Preschool Coordinator and Assistant Director. Dr. Davila-Cortes’ research interests focus on children’s musical development, parent education, and children’s musical achievement. Dr. Davila-Cortes has presented her research at the Suzuki of the Americas Association, American String Teachers and Texas Music Educators Association conferences.