Dr. Kjelland shares his perspective on his personal journey from trumpet-playing band director to cellist, conductor, and university string pedagogue. By way of interview format, he will reflect on his inspirational teachers, the guiding principles behind his pedagogical approach, and a few trade secrets which have sustained his career. Practical teaching and playing tips as well as opportunity for dialog will be part of the presentation.
James Kjelland
- Biographical Information
James Kjelland is Associate Professor Emeritus of Music at Northwestern University where he taught instrumental music methods, string pedagogy, and conducting. He earned Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Ph.D in Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin. His teaching career began in the public schools of Middleton, Wisconsin, where he taught instrumental music grades 4-12. Prior to coming to Northwestern he held positions at the University of Southern California, R.D. Colburn School, and the University of North Texas. In addition to his teaching, Dr. Kjelland is nationally known for his in-service clinics and workshops in string class teaching and orchestra development. He is also a frequent guest conductor of youth honor orchestras throughout the United States. His publications include Orchestral Bowing: Style and Function and co-authorship of: Strictly Strings, a Comprehensive String Class Method, Teaching Stringed Instruments: A Course of Study, and Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra, vol. 1-3. In addition, he has written articles in such professional journals as the American String Teacher, The Instrumentalist, and Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education.