79. Dr. Rachael Keplin discusses free improvisation and mindfulness and it's impact on string teaching and learning.

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachael Keplin—a versatile violist, string educator, and free improviser—for a deep dive into the world of free improvisation, mindfulness, and their transformative impact on learning to play stringed instruments.Dr. Keplin shares her unique approach to fostering creativity and connection through free improvisation, offering insights into how mindfulness can enhance student engagement and musical growth. Dr. Keplin shares a few practical classroom strategies for integrating these concepts into both group and studio teaching environments, making this episode a must-listen for educators looking to inspire their students in new and innovative ways.🎶 About Dr. Rachael KeplinDr. Keplin serves as Associate Principal for the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and frequently performs with ensembles like the North Carolina Opera and North Charleston Pops. A passionate chamber musician, she co-founded the contemporary ensembles Chamber Brews and Sounding Board, championing new music and non-classical genres.Beyond performance, Rachael creates her own music using a Boss RC-600 loop station, performing solo looper shows throughout North Carolina. Recently awarded the ACGC Artist Grant, she’s currently producing her debut album. Her dissertation, Mindfulness and Free Improvisation, has been presented at national conferences, and she continues to integrate these practices into her teaching at Wake Forest University and The Music Academy of North Carolina.🎧 Tune in to learn how mindfulness and improvisation can transform your teaching and your students’ musical journeys! Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/nSGJHmQ6eAQ

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Read Dr. Keplin’s dissertation here: https://f051af03-d154-425f-bf90-05257cf0f8b0.filesusr.com/ugd/23e7a7_4a185ff0626c482890f9ed8f5c274cfc.pdf