The Soundboard: The official blog of AUSTA
How to Maximise Resonance of Tone with Minimum Effort – Frances Gall
At the recent AUSTA National Conference, I had the pleasure of sharing a presentation that explored the many insights I’ve gathered over the years on the art and technique of bowing. Throughout my journey as a violinist and violist, I’ve been fortunate to learn from inspiring mentors such as Kato Havas, Shinichi Suzuki, Fintan Murphy, Janet Mason—who first introduced me to Louis Kievman’s Playing the Viola Physically and Mentally—and Lois Shepheard. Each of these teachers has contributed to the way I understand and approach the bow. One working title I considered for the session was The Heavy Weightless Bow, which…
Empowered Note Reading – Angela Harman
If you haven’t yet discovered the brilliance of Angela Harman’s work, you’re in for a treat. Angela is widely known for her innovative, classroom-tested strategies that make string teaching more engaging, effective, and joyful. In today’s post, she dives into one of the most vital—and sometimes overlooked—skills for young musicians: note reading. With her signature blend of practicality and creativity, Angela shares a treasure trove of tools and approaches that empower students to read music with confidence and curiosity. Empowered Note Reading by Angela Harman (www.orchestraclassroom.com) As my beginning students practice reading music, I scan the room, looking at their…
App-solutely Essential: TechTools for the Instrumental Music Classroom
As instrumental music teachers, we often find ourselves juggling the roles of conductor, administrator, technician, and creative coach—often all before 9am. Whether you’re managing rotating timetables, prepping ensemble sets, communicating with families, or trying to squeeze a theory quiz into a 30-minute lesson, digital tools can make or break your day. This blog post is a curated collection of the digital apps that have become absolute lifesavers in my music teaching practice. Four Categories of Use Thinking about your app choices through these four lenses can help you balance efficiency and creativity: Teaching & Learning – Tools that support skill…
Looking Back, Playing Forward
Welcome to The Soundboard, AUSTA’s new blog dedicated to amplifying the voices, stories, and ideas that shape our national strings community. In this first edition, we begin by looking back, playing forward—honouring our past as we move confidently into the future. We’re proud to feature “Living Treasure: Elizabeth Morgan AM”, an article originally published in Stringendo, Vol. 48. Elizabeth Morgan AM stands as a pillar in AUSTA’s history—a visionary educator, leader, and advocate whose work helped establish the very foundations of our association. In this special interview, she reflects on the early days of AUSTA, sharing her memories of its…
Welcome to the AUSTA Blog
Inspiration. Ideas. Community. Welcome to the AUSTA Blog—a space for Australian string teachers, performers, students, and makers to connect, share, and grow together. Here you’ll find teaching tips, interviews with inspiring musicians, reflections from classrooms and studios, introductions to new music and resources, and stories from across our vibrant national community. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have decades of experience, the AUSTA Blog offers something to spark your curiosity, support your teaching, and celebrate the shared passion that binds us all: string music.