Research in action: masterclass & clinic topics
Dr. Herzog’s lectures and methodology have met with success in settings ranging from elementary schools to conservatories and peer-reviewed journals.
Mental Practice & Musical Memory
Presented at:
Northern Kentucky University (2023)
University of Louisville (2023)
Lake Forest College (2022)
Northwestern University (2022)
Wheaton College (2022)
South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (2020)
Youth Performing Arts School of Louisville, KY (2020)
University of Toronto (2019)
Wilfrid Laurier University (2019)
University of Western Ontario (2019)
ASTA national conference (2018)
Eastman School of Music (2017)
Memorized performance: for some it comes easily, for others it presents a perpetual struggle. For most, memorization success remains mysterious. Fortunately, psychological research offers a wealth of information on what the most successful techniques for efficient, secure memorization are (and aren't). One of these methods is mental practice - which, when used correctly, can be a potent tool in ensuring successful memorized performances. By synthesizing the psychological research on mental practice and memorization with more than a decade of pedagogical experience, Dr. Herzog has created a detailed 5-step method for musical memorization that will help improve the practice efficiency and performance success of musicians of all ages and abilities.
Precision in Pedagogy: The Targeted Mini Etude
Presented at ASTA national conference, 2017
Published in peer-reviewed journal American String Teacher, 2019
Many teachers encounter this situation: A few weeks or months after new repertoire is assigned, the student can play most of the piece, but there are two or three sections that are still a big struggle. Now progress grinds to a halt as large portions of the ensuing lessons are devoted to working on these passages.
One effective tool for preventing such stagnation is the Targeted Mini-Etude (TME). A TME consists of a simple, familiar tune that is creatively recomposed so it addresses a particular technical challenge in the student’s repertoire. Once the student masters the TME, the challenge will be majorly reduced or eliminated altogether, without any direct work on the passage in question.
Aural Skills for Strings Students
Dr. Herzog is the area coordinator of Aural Skills at Northern Kentucky University.
Teaching students how to feel the beat, and respond with accurate syncopations.
Rhythm and intonation are extremely important to a string player’s success. While there is a great deal of instrumental technique necessary for both, many students have issues that stem from a lack of solid ear training. Dr. Herzog brings his experience as a violinist and ear training specialist to tackle the most common pitfalls of intonation and rhythmic execution.
