What to listen for, what to say, and how to support real progress in rehearsals, exams, and recitals.

As music teachers, we are often called upon to accompany young students on instruments outside our own primary expertise. Supporting a beginner violinist, flutist, or brass player requires a unique pedagogical approach that goes far beyond just playing the notes on the page.

This professional development session is designed to equip you with actionable strategies to effectively guide young beginners through early-stage collaborations.

In this session, we will explore:

• What to listen for (and overlook) to keep a beginner steady and confident.
• What to say during rehearsals to foster resilience, fix rhythmic gaps, and reduce exam anxiety.
• Practical frameworks for navigating the unique dynamics of rehearsals, grade exams, and first recitals.

About the Presenter

Lorraine Chai

As someone who grew up in a small town in Malaysia, Lorraine Chai knows what it is like to learn without a perfect roadmap. A self-taught musician and quiet introvert, she was not the stereotypical A-student, but she discovered early that progress comes from the right guidance, the right language, and a teacher who can meet a student exactly where they are.

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Lorraine is an international music educator, conductor, accompanist, and author who helps teachers, parents, and students build confident, measurable musicianship through clear pedagogy and performance-level standards. She has developed practical techniques for communicating with students across levels and backgrounds, from complete beginners to adult learners, including students with learning differences, with a focus on making musical progress visible, structured, and achievable.

Her results are measurable. Lorraine has helped students earn music scholarships and achieve strong outcomes in competitions. In school-based string programs she has led, she reports that at least 90% of students graduate and advance to the next string level each year (as defined by the school’s level framework). In one of her most meaningful projects, she worked with students in Nepal who had never learned music or seen written notation, guiding them to read and perform together as an ensemble in three days, demonstrating what is possible when instruction is inclusive, systematic, and motivating.

Lorraine is the founder of Stringstastic Pty Ltd (established 2010), a music education and publishing brand with product distribution and partnerships across five continents. She has authored and self-published 26 best-selling music theory books for violin, viola, cello, and double bass, created as a practical book series used by teachers, parents, and students worldwide.

First Thursdays

These regular professional development sessions were originally the brainchild of MTA Member Annette Allerding, who wanted music teachers to be able to meet and share ideas. Originally named Keys, Cakes and Conversation (KCC) the group went online during Covid, and eventually reached numbers often in excess of 50 teachers, meeting each month on Zoom. The Music Teachers' Association of NSW is delighted to bring these sessions into our fold. We want the sessions to continue to be free to our members, but we also believe it is important to pay presenters for their valuable time. So we ask you to consider a giving a donation towards the costs if you are able. You will be given the option to donate when you book your place.