Professional Development for Artists

P r o f e s s i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t f o r A r t i s t s

Rosalind Flynn is available to conduct professional development for artists who work in educational settings. As the Youth Education Consultant for the Washington Performing Arts Society, she provides professional development for artists who perform in schools. She has observed and examined numerous in-school performances by Flamenco dancers, string ensembles, jazz musicians, modern dancers, storytellers, African dancers and drummers, Latin American musicians, Indian dancers, puppeteers, a cappella singers, and theatre groups. Professional development sessions for such artists are drawn from her observations, research, and professional experience.

Areas of Artist Professional Development for School Performers may include:

	•	Ways to make your program more educationally sound.
	•	Ideas for making curriculum connections to your art form.
	•	Supporting literacy in the presentation of your art form.
	•	Strong openings and closings to your school performances.
	•	Soliciting and responding to student questions -- effective techniques.
	•	Examining the delivery of information to students and exploring alternatives.
	•	Effective audience participatory activities.
	•	Narrowing your program's focus.
	•	Audience management techniques.
	•	Preparing students to listen and watch closely.
	•	Audience etiquette for your art form.
	•	Preparing effective performance study guides.

Rosalind also works with artists who conduct residencies in schools. Arts residencies are multi-session, participatory arts experiences with core groups of students who work with an artist or company.

Areas of Artist Professional Development for Residencies may include:

	•	Articulating the residency's arts goals.
	•	Making connections to the school curriculum.
	•	Arts Integration - Achieving both arts and curriculum goals.
	•	Enhancing the Teacher/Artist Partnership
	•	Designing effective lessons: Examples, Learning Activities, Timing, Opening and Closure.
	•	Creating participatory arts experiences for students.
	•	Classroom management strategies.
	•	Motivating student learners.
	•	Communication skills: Giving directions, questioning, delivering information.
	•	Alternative ways of presenting information and conducting activities.
	•	Increasing the effectiveness of the residency both in delivery and results.
	•	Examining the scope and sequence of the residency activities.
	•	Assessment during and following the residency.