JAVS Summer 2026

ideas into my scales as well as playing older pieces I’ve played for juries in the past as a warm up just focusing on technique. What stands out most in this reflection is Charles’s increased awareness of his shifting technique and his willingness to use scales and previously learned repertoire as tools for continued technical refinement. Another student, Tommy, a music education major, chose “Mamma Mia” by ABBA for this project. His primary takeaways included learning to identify different musical lines, recognizing the value of engaging with popular music, discovering that warm-ups can be enjoyable, and drawing technical connections between the project and the skills required for Schumann’s Märchenbilder , which he was preparing at the time. When assessing the Pop Song Warm-Up Project, I am far more interested in the process and reflection than in the final video recording. I look for students’ awareness of areas needing improvement, their understanding of their own playing, their ability to develop creative and enjoyable practice strategies, and their capacity to draw meaningful connections among technical concepts, musical ideas, and different musical styles. For many students, the project provides a low-stakes opportunity to experiment with improvisation. It also encourages ear training by asking students to transfer melodic and harmonic material from a recording directly to their instruments. Buddy Practice Buddy Practice is exactly what it sounds like—practicing with a buddy. I developed this project because I wanted my students to practice more frequently while benefiting from peer-to-peer musical interactions. Here is the description that appears in my syllabus: You will each be assigned a practice buddy for the semester. You should meet with your buddy for a practice session at least twice during the semester. Upload a selfie from your practice session here. Consider the following ideas to make the most of your time together:

• Play a difficult section of a piece and ask the other person to help you practice it. • Perform a section of your piece and ask for feedback. • Do a run-through of your jury piece. • Practice scales and technique together. • Work on challenging sections of your ensemble music (if applicable). This project is an effective way to build community, one of the central goals of my studio. Students at all experience levels, from those new to viola lessons to more advanced players, benefit from participating in buddy practice. The project also encourages students to recognize the value of outside support. Practice does not always have to be a solitary activity. I typically pair students based on their strengths, needs, and level of involvement in the viola program. Providing a simple list of suggested activities helps generate productive practice sessions while still allowing students the flexibility to address their own musical needs and interests. From an instructional standpoint, this project requires very little assessment. There is no formal grading or feedback; the selfie serves as sufficient documentation of participation. More importantly, observing the outcomes of these interactions helps me better understand my students as individuals. Projects like this provide valuable insight into their learning styles, interests, and approaches to problem-solving, allowing me to become a more effective teacher. The Practice Plan Project The Practice Plan Project is a simple yet effective tool for helping students take ownership of their practice routines. Our students balance ensemble commitments, double majors, demanding laboratory courses, part-time jobs, and academic responsibilities. As teachers, we can help them learn to incorporate practice into those busy schedules. This project is particularly beneficial for first- and second year students as they adjust to the demands of college life and establish productive habits. It also serves as a useful point of reference later in the semester if a student is struggling to prepare lesson material or maintain a consistent practice routine.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 42, Summer 2026 Online Issue

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