Summer Institute Prepares Teaching Artists

A strong dedication to continued teacher training is a hallmark of ETM-LA’s philosophy. In August 2009, ETM-LA held its Summer Training Institute, a four-day intensive for ETM-LA teaching artists, as well as music teachers from other arts organizations. The institute focused on topics including lesson planning, music and movement, music pedagogy, and inclusion strategies for working with diverse student populations.

Experts in the music education fields facilitated the different workshops throughout the institute, including veteran LAUSD music teacher for over thirty years, Julie West, Colburn Faculty Suzuki Teacher Sherry Cadow, ETM-LA Executive Director Victoria Lanier, ETM-LA Field Supervisor Elizabeth Wright, ETM-LA Program Coordinator Perry Smith, and USC Thornton School Outreach Director, Susan Helfter.

A testament to the strength of ETM-LA’s professional teacher training, in the spring of 2009, ETM-LA was invited to present its professional development model to stakeholders of the YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program. This program is based on the Venezuelan national youth orchestra program, El Sistema, and is being ushered in by the arrival of its most famous alumnus, new LA Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.