134. Joanne May — 50 Years of Teaching, Rolland Pedagogy, and Building Lasting Programs

In Episode 134 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with master educator Joanne May to reflect on five decades of transformative teaching in public schools and higher education.A retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, Joanne previously spent 33 years in public school classrooms, most notably at Glenbard East High School in Illinois. From launching a kindergarten Suzuki/Rolland program that grew to over 400 students, to rebuilding collegiate string programs, her career is a masterclass in vision, persistence, and pedagogical excellence.A devoted student of Paul Rolland, Joanne has carried Rolland’s movement-based pedagogy into every level of her teaching. In this episode, she shares: • What it was like studying directly with Paul Rolland • How movement, balance, and whole-body awareness transform string technique • Practical applications of Rolland pedagogy for beginners through advanced players • How she built thriving string programs from the ground up • Why professional organizations like American String Teachers Association are vital for growth and leadership • The philosophy behind her book Skills, Scales, and Tunes: Developing String Technique with Paul Rolland Pedagogy • The importance of guarding students’ vulnerability in the orchestra classroomJoanne also discusses her leadership roles, including serving as Past President of Illinois ASTA, former Orchestra Council Chair for NAfME, and her work on the Paul Rolland String Pedagogy Society Certification Committee. Her influence extends internationally through workshops and clinics across the U.S. and abroad.This episode is filled with wisdom for orchestra teachers at every stage — from beginning directors to seasoned educators seeking renewed inspiration.🎻 If you believe technique should feel free, balanced, and expressive — and that great teaching is both art and responsibility — this conversation is for you.— BIORGRAPHY —Joanne May is a retired Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Orchestras at Elmhurst University, where she also founded the Elmhurst World Music Festival. With 33 years in public school teaching, she has extensive experience in string education. A student of Paul Rolland, she is a leader in Rolland pedagogy, presenting internationally and contributing to certification programs. May is a past president of Illinois ASTA, an award-winning educator, and an active clinician, conductor, and author of multiple string education resources.— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL LINKS —Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠#OrchestraTeacher#StringEducation#StringPedagogy#PaulRolland#RollandPedagogy#ViolinTeaching#ViolaTeaching#MusicEducation#OrchestraDirector#StringTechnique#MusicTeacherLife#ASTA#TeacherLeadership#ArtsEducation#OrchestraTeacherPodcast