Testimonials from past Habits Universal Summer Institutes
The Habits Summer Institute was the best Band Director conference I have personally been to since teaching. By having sessions taught by the very method book authors that we use daily was pretty sweet. And of course, the comradery and fellowship of getting to know directors from all over the country was truly special. If anyone is thinking of using the Habits series or is currently using it, then this is a must for you. Looking forward to next year!!!!!
~ Jonathan McCullough
Clinton, Virginia
The Habits Institute was a 3-day inspiring event filled with classes, and encouraging talks given by well-known music professionals, which were filled with empathy, warmth and humor. All the clinicians were engaging, personal, and professional. The sessions flew by before I knew it and I learned a great deal about what I was doing well, and what I needed to change.
~ -Alexandra S. DeRosa
Ashburn, VA
The Habits Universal Institute can be summed up in one word: holistic. From the lone student to the culture of the band room to the wellness of the band director, this institute focuses on the love of music, children, and teaching first while equipping you with invaluable tricks of the trade. You will not regret joining this event for a single moment.
~ Amethyst Stark
Morganton, North Carolina
Do you want to feel energized and excited about getting back in front of your students? Attend the Habits Summer Institute! Scott Rush and his team have put together an amazing “band camp for teachers: that will leave you ready to get back into your band/orchestra room. Thank you, Scott and GIA!
~ Lane Doss
Charleston, SC
The Habits Summer Institute has given me several ways to reorganize what I’m already doing to be a more effective teacher. The focus on how to build trust with my students in order to build a culture of excellence within my program resonated with me. This experience left me energized and ready to start the next school year!
~ Christina Esposito
Marietta, GA
The Habits Summer Institute was a blast!!! I learned so much and am looking forward to implementing new teaching tools into my classroom!! HSI is well worth the time, money, and travel. I’m already looking forward to next year’s Habits Summer Institute!
~Tracy Coats
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The HSI gave me excellent, practical information on both how to lead students and how to teach the various musical components they need to learn. I came away from the HSI with an enormous amount of new knowledge, strategies, and ideas. I am very excited to return to my students in the fall and begin implementing what I’ve learned, which I believe will help them grow even more as musicians and as people.
~Tim Newman
Alma, Michigan
Attending the Habits Summer Institute was a great way to renew and refresh for the new school year, while meeting people from a different part of the country who are making some very successful and significant contributions to music education.
~ Scott Merrin
Murrieta, California
Habits was the PERFECT way to use your summer to refocus your mindset and develop your plan for the upcoming school year and beyond! Everyone at this seminar wants you and your groups to be successful and it shows!
~ Todd Tinsley
Richmond, VA
Attending the Habits summer institute gave me an opportunity to learn from great teachers, make new friends, and re-charge my teaching battery. Having the authors of the Habits books walk us through the how and why of each exercise and the online resources was very insightful. I walked away from the summer institute confident and ready to implement the Habits method books with my ensembles. Highly recommended!
~ Jason Robinson
Morehead City, NC
Attending the Habits Universal Conference allowed us to work and learn collaboratively in a low-stress, safe, and nurturing environment. While experiencing personal and professional growth, we left feeling rejuvenated and excited about the future! The Habits Universal Model provides a field-tested, innovative, and thoughtful approach to developing the necessary habits required for success in Music Education.
~ Christopher L. Moseley
Henrico, VA
Attending the Habits Summer Institute was truly a transformative experience. I’ve attended many workshops and clinics during my nearly 20 years of teaching, but have never been so inspired as I have after seeing Habits in action!
~Michael Strange
Greenwich, Connecticut
The Habits Summer Institute is a fantastic way to gather teaching strategies and inspiration before starting a new school year! The orchestra sessions provided me with many creative ways to develop my students’ musicianship, and the whole Habits team was so motivating and uplifting. This was such a valuable experience!
~ Sarah Lancaster
Charlotte, North Carolina
Many clinics were centered around the “how” and “why” of the Habits Series, not just the “what.” I now understand the series was constructed around developing cognitive, sequenced skills for both teachers and students; these skills are reinforced through repetition creating…HABITS. Other clinics stressed the importance of building a strong culture within a program and encouraging the development of self-sufficiency and servant leadership. The balance of these two focuses was perfect!
~ Unknown Participant
I am an experienced teacher entering my 25th year of teaching, so I have been to many clinics and professional development sessions. I have also used several other method books along the way. I find the Habits series the most complete method I have used. Additionally, the Habits Summer Institute was an incredible experience. Not only was it an amazing resource to show all of the aspects of the method book, it was an inspirational and affirmative experience. I’m ready to start the year recharged!
~ Sean Nelson
Advance, NC
I’ve been to many professional development sessions over the course of my career and the Habits Summer Institute was the best multi-day event I have ever attended. The topics discussed are relevant for the advancement of music education and for our profession as a whole.
~ Bruce Person
Chesterfield, VA
The Habits Summer Institute made me completely change the way I think about teaching my string students at every level. The sessions were fast paced and fun. I would highly recommend this institute to all-Orchestra, Band and Choir.
~ Pam Wilensky
Memphis, TN
This institute was amazing and so, so powerful. This has been the best workshop I’ve ever attended, both in terms of organization and thoroughness of the information presented!
~Susie Moten
Mesquite, Texas
June 29 – July 2, 2024
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, South Carolina
