158. Richard Meyer: Teaching, Composing, Rehearsing, and Sharing What We Know

Episode 158 – Richard Meyer: Teaching, Composing, Rehearsing, and Sharing What We KnowIn Episode 158, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes legendary string educator and composer Richard Meyer to The Orchestra Teacher Podcast.Richard spent 35 years teaching string students in the public schools, including 22 years directing the orchestra program at Oak Avenue Intermediate School in Temple City, California, where he grew the program from 29 students to more than 200.He is also a nationally recognized composer with more than 200 compositions and arrangements in print, including Dragon Hunter, Sahara Crossing, Ides of Pegasus, and Of Glorious Plumage. Richard served as string editor for Alfred Publishing for 16 years and is a co-author of the popular String Explorer series.In this conversation, Richard shares his “Big Four” principles for successful rehearsals:Fast pacingBe mobileTeach to the back rowInvolve everyone at all timesRichard also discusses teacher wellness, avoiding burnout, learning from colleagues, mentoring younger teachers, and why veteran educators have a responsibility to share what they know.Charles and Richard also dive into the creative process behind some of Richard's most popular compositions. He explains how writing for his own students shaped his music and discusses the importance of melody, harmony, orchestration, form, and surprise in creating music that challenges and engages young musicians.From the story behind Dragon Hunter to the unforgettable Ear-igami, this episode offers an inside look at the mind of a composer who understands the student orchestra from the perspective of both teacher and writer.A must-listen for orchestra teachers at every stage of their careers.🎧 Listen now and share the episode with a colleague!#OrchestraTeacherPodcast #OrchestraTeachers #StringTeachers #MusicEducation #StringEducation #MusicEd— 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.comWant 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