JENNIFER ROSS
Teaching
My mission as a teacher is to help students progress by getting to the root of the process itself. This begins in the practice room—a place I aim to demystify by encouraging students to engage in critical thinking, ask questions of themselves, and explore solutions. Students are often surprised (and relieved!) to learn that improvement can come easily from simple observation and awareness. I want every student, regardless of their level, to take agency over their own progress and to cultivate independent and effective practice throughout their lifetime, making them their own best teachers.
Course Offerings
STRING LEADERSHIP (all strings)
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In this interactive class, players put into practice the concepts of what it means (and what it doesn’t mean) to lead a string section. Each player will have the opportunity to “take the lead,” working towards communicating dynamics, articulation, tempi, and pizzicati. Format: players arrive with instruments, no music, seated in the round.
PRACTICE ROOM REVOLUTION (all instruments)
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How much time do you spend in the practice room? How much of that time do you waste? Do you have a plan? A time limit? Do you know how to diagnose a problem? Are you actually improving? These questions asked and answered, with a focus on specific practice techniques, and how we don’t need to practice so much, just so much better.
YOGA AND WELLBEING FOR MUSICIANS
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Life as a musician takes a unique toll on the body and the psyche. In this participatory session, students will discover discipline and body awareness through basic yoga postures emphasizing strength, balance, flexibility, breathing, mindfulness, and focus, and how we benefit from these skills in the practice room and on stage. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Mats, bare feet, and comfortable clothing suggested.
(Jennifer is a Certified Yoga Instructor, 200-hr level)
AUDITION MYTHS AND REALITIES (all instruments)
Myth: If I make a mistake, I’m out. Reality: A mistake is NOT a dealbreaker. Having heard over 2,000 orchestra auditions, Jennifer will share insights, expose common pitfalls, and tell secrets from the other side of the screen. Come away with a new and clear understanding of what works, what doesn’t, and what ultimately wins.
DON JUAN DECONSTRUCTED
(violinists/all are welcome)
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Everything you’ve always wanted to know about Don Juan but were afraid to ask. A deep dive into this ubiquitous excerpt, taken apart piece by piece and reassembled, making it less scary and more digestible. BONUS: a few excerpts will be revealed that often pop up on concerts with little or no rehearsal time. Don’t be surprised, know them!
FROM THE PODIUM: WORKING WITH STRINGS (conductors)
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Conductors, especially non-string players, may often wonder “why am I not getting what I’m asking for from the strings?” In this session, languaging, string techniques, and communication skills are demystified, helping to achieve the result you’re looking for. We’ll highlight many of the great Maestros and how they achieved their unique sound.