The schedule is (almost!) finalized, the arrangements for the finale performance are coming together, and our education team is striving to make our upcoming National Teacher Training Summits in Austin and St. Louis as enriching, engaging, and inspiring as possible.
We're thrilled that veteran educator Chuck Hulihan will be our guest conductor in Austin this year. He recently shared his perspectives on guitar education and some advice for attendees.
Over the twenty years I've spent as the Director of Guitar at Glendale Community College in Phoenix, I've witnessed a renaissance in guitar education.
In the 1990s, guitarists weren't pursuing education for many reasons, but this has changed. Collegiate education programs are now welcoming guitarists, and certified music educators are making a massive migration toward guitar.
One of the things I love about the Teacher Training Summit is the wonderful exchange of ideas that happens among guitarists not necessarily trained in education and seasoned educators not necessarily trained in guitar. The wealth of experiences means that we all learn something. Keep an open mind, and you might pick up a couple new strategies, or gain some new chops. I always want to see what other folks are doing. We should all be looking for ways to energize and refresh our teaching.
Last semester, I had the honor of being the Faculty Speaker at Commencement. The message of my speech was this idea of carving your own way. If you're following a clear path, then you're probably watching someone else. I never planned to be a teacher. I came to realize that I absolutely love teaching, it was nothing like I imagined. There were endless possibilities, both for creative energy and the ability to impact others' lives.
We are so excited to share Chuck's amazing energy and experience, exchange ideas, and learn with you at this summer's Teacher Training Summits!