Every music teacher has been there—you’re working with one section of your ensemble fixing a tricky passage and it goes a little longer than you expected it to. While you’re trying to get this done, the rest of the students start to lose focus. Conversations bubble up, instruments get put down, and soon you’re competing for their attention.
Many teachers expect students to simply sit quietly and wait during a rehearsal like that, but is that the best use of their time? Instead of letting them disengage, why not turn that waiting period into a productive learning opportunity? Here are some strategies to keep all students actively involved, even when they’re not the focus of instruction.
Have Them All Play the Same Part
If one section is struggling with a difficult passage, get the whole ensemble involved. Is there a tricky run in the first violins? Quickly write it out in a music notation program and print it out or project it on the screen so everyone can learn it together. Is an unusual finger pattern causing intonation issues? Yell out the notes one by one and practice that pattern with the whole class. This might take some advanced planning, but it can be super helpful for all of the students. Even if the students don’t need to know the part you’re working on, they are learning and reinforcing skills that will help them improve generally.
Have Them Be a Metronome
Instead of using an actual metronome, assign students to maintain a steady beat. Students can clap or tap the beat while another section rehearses. They might not be as accurate as an actual metronome, but teaching them how to keep a steady beat is just as important as learning their specific part. You could also have different sections play different subdivisions of the beat if that’s helpful for the section you’re working with.
Let Them Help with Rhythm
When one section struggles with rhythm, enlist the others to help. Have them clap the rhythm while the section works through playing it.
Have them Play a Drone
Intonation is a group effort, and drones can be incredibly helpful. Instead of using an app, let students provide the drone. Assign specific students or sections to sustain a note that serves as a reference pitch. Rotate sections so everyone gets a chance to hear how their part fits harmonically.
Have Them Be the Adjudicators
If there’s an issue between two sections—whether it’s balance, timing, or articulation—ask the rest of the ensemble to listen and provide constructive feedback:
- What do they hear?
- Where do the problems happen?
- How can it be improved?
This not only sharpens their ears but also builds ensemble awareness.
Have Them Physically Coach or “Spot” Other Students
Sometimes, students need a hands-on approach to correct technical habits. For example, if violinists aren’t using their full bow, ask cello players to stand next to them while they’re playing and encourage better bow usage. If a section struggles with posture, have another section model and help them make adjustments to their posture.
Have Them Do Mental Practice
Sometimes you really just need to work with a section and trying to involve everyone would be more of a hassle than it’s worth. In that case, tell them that! Start off by explaining that you need to spend time with this section and they should make the best use of their time by doing some mental practice. Give them one or two specific options so they know what to do.
- Finger through a shifting passage without playing.
- Tap or count rhythms to internalize difficult patterns.
- Air bow to practice bowings.
- Mark dynamics, articulations, and fingerings in their music.
Rehearsal time is precious; don’t waste it! Engaged students retain information better, develop stronger ensemble skills, and stay more focused throughout the rehearsal. By incorporating these strategies, you ensure that every student remains actively involved—whether they’re playing or listening—so your ensemble grows stronger as a whole.