Louise King

Teaching Adults: Building a Thriving Community Class Program for Lifelong Learners

Adult learners are a growing yet often under-served demographic in string education. Based on Case studies, research and experience from the Cello Dreaming community class program, this presentation by Louise King explores effective strategies for engaging, motivating, and advancing adult string players in independent studios, community groups through face-to-face meet-ups and online settings.

Topics include:
– Pedagogical Adaptations: How to balance technical development with the cognitive, emotional and physical development of adult learners.
– Motivation & Mindset: Overcoming performance anxiety, perfectionism, procrastination and self-doubt in adult students.
– Community & Connection: Building a supportive program culture through group classes, performance opportunities, and peer mentorship.
– Flexible Learning Models: Blending 1:1 lessons, group learning, and intensive workshops to create sustainable learning pathways.

Through case studies and practical insights, this session will equip string teachers with tools to develop a rewarding and sustainable adult learning program. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to attract, retain, and inspire adult students while fostering a lifelong love of music.

Designing Personal Practice Plans: A Toolkit for String Teachers and Players

How many times do you say, “please practice”? Struggling with students’ inconsistent practice, unrealistic goals, or lack of motivation? This interactive session with Louise King provides string teachers with practical tools to help structure practice, build autonomy, and stay engaged. Drawing from real-world experience in studio, school, and community programs, this workshop explores how to create Personal Practice Plans that foster long-term progress and effective learning.

Participants will discover how to:
– Design structured, realistic practice routines for individual students, group lessons, or ensembles.
– Overcome common practice—struggles, stagnation, burnout, lack of motivation, and overwhelm.
– Set personalised goals to track progress and maintain engagement.
– Balance technique, repertoire, and creativity.
– Build consistency, accountability, and enjoyment into daily practice.

Using case studies from diverse teaching settings, this session equips educators with ideas and ready-to-use resources exploring customizable Practice Planners, Self-Assessment Checklists, Reflection Tools, and Progress Trackers.

Walk away with a clear framework to design practice plans that inspire, motivate, and empower your students —helping them stay on track and love their playing journey!

The Moving Musician: Enhancing Ensemble Communication Through Gesture

This hands-on practical workshop equips teachers with movement-based tools to improve ensemble cohesion, musicality, and student engagement. Drawing on principles from Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Laban movement, and chamber music communication techniques, participants will explore:
– How gesture and posture influence phrasing and expression.
– Teaching young musicians to read and respond to non-verbal cues.
– Strategies for integrating movement into rehearsals to foster better listening, timing, and group flow.

The role of embodied music-making in reducing tension and enhancing confidence.
Ideal for orchestra and ensemble directors, this session provides practical exercises to transform the way young musicians connect, communicate, and interpret music together.

About Louise King

Louise King is an award-winning, internationally-trained, Australian-made cellist and a homegrown festival Artistic Director and music education program designer. She has lived and created on Gubbi Gubbi country, Sunshine Coast for twenty years.