Beginning Jazz Improvisation

Through a carefully selected jazz repertoire, participants will learn the basic mechanics of improvisation and the essential music theory elements needed to improvise and teach improvisation, including modal improvisation, the blues, ii-V-I progressions, and simplified chord progressions.

Oboe Techniques for the Music Teacher



Oboe group study: Participants will learn breathing, tone production, intonation, articulation, embouchure, vibrato, posture, and scale patterns. Playing techniques will be studied with an emphasis on addressing specific challenges faced by beginners through advanced oboe players.

Demystify the Slide: Playing & Teaching Trombone

Don’t let your trombone skills SLIDE away! This course covers essential skills and knowledge, including legato tonguing, lip slurs, airflow, slide technique, and instrument maintenance. You will become more proficient on the trombone and gain valuable tips and strategies for teaching trombonists in your band.

NUVO Windstars Pre-Band Workshop

Brittany Bauman leads participants through the Super Six Activities outlined in the WindStars curriculum—move, echo, improvise, read, write, and compose—which integrate all learning styles and emphasize student input and creativity.

Percussion for the Non-Percussionist: Snare Drum



Need to brush up on your snare skills? This course offers in-depth methods for teaching snare drum. A detailed sequence will be provided to equip you with the skills needed to start your percussionists off on the right foot (or stick).

Band Director CEO: Creating a Band Director Operating System

This course is ideal for directors looking to simplify their workload and bring renewed joy and impact to their ensembles. Combining nonprofit, education, and business skills, it offers a one-of-a-kind approach to becoming a better leader, manager, and teacher.

Brass Methods

This course is designed to support the development of pedagogical skills related to brass instruments through the study of fundamentals such as playing techniques, tuning, the harmonic series, literature, listening, and special techniques. It also addresses challenges specific to each instrument, including mouthpieces, mutes, and alternate fingerings or positions.

Bass: Jazz for the Beginning Bassist

Learn the building blocks of improvisation on the double bass or bass guitar in a jazz style. Develop walking bass lines and improvised solos from chord charts, and explore methods for instructing young bassists in a jazz ensemble setting.

Drum Set Methods for the Music Educator



Elementary and secondary general music teachers, as well as ensemble directors interested in basic drumset skills, will gain teachable methods in this course and explore drumset parts in a variety of contexts. The course also provides strategies for introducing young drumset players to new pieces across different settings, whether in a concert band “movie medley,” a pops orchestra piece, or a jazz band.

Complete Guide to Band Repertoire

A strategic plan is essential for navigating the journey from the first day you sight-read a piece of music to the final performance at the concert. This class offers an opportunity to plan your entire school year’s repertoire, performances, and rehearsals.