Dr. Laux’s expectations for KSU string educators

1. Be a professional
a. Professionalism begins when you first set foot on campus.
b. Attend EVERY class.
c. To be on time is to be early.
d. How do you present yourself to others? What is their first impression of you?
2. Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing
a. Create a professional email signature
b. Use proper grammar when writing to professors, colleagues, and others outside the school
c. Include a formal salutation
3. Ask questions & explore
a. Soak up as much knowledge as you can while you are in school
b. Don’t be afraid to explore new styles of music
4. Be proficient on your major instrument
a. Work your hardest – invest the time!
b. Use your practice time wisely, concentrate
c. Read texts on instrument pedagogy
5. Become proficient on all secondary string instruments
a. Good teaching requires good modeling and the ability to demonstrate technique and musicianship on all string instruments
b. Knowledge of fingerings and specific pedagogy
6. Pick at least one other (non-string) instrument and become proficient
a. The ability to become extremely proficient on piano, a wind instrument, or percussion will give you the edge when working with full orchestra
7. Attend as many concerts as possible
a. Exposure to a variety of ensembles, genres, forms, and styles will develop your musical palette
8. Attend professional development activities
a. Reach out and learn from others across the state, region, and nation
b. Never stop learning!
9. Explore and get to know the educational string orchestra literature
a. This knowledge will make your first few years of teaching so much easier.
10. Teach from the heart and have fun!