109. Frank Lestina talks about his Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, Rehearsal Insights, and more!

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

Episode 109 – Frank Lestina: Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, and Rehearsal InsightsIn this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we sit down with veteran educator and conductor Frank Lestina, who shares a wide range of insights from his rich career in music education. Topics include the innovative “Vln2Vla” viola learning app, which helps violinists transition to viola, and adapting repertoire through platforms like ArrangeMe to meet students where they are. Frank discusses his Mahler 3 arrangement, his first published work, and the process behind creating meaningful educational repertoire.We also dive into rehearsal priorities, with a focus on rhythm, pulse, and intonation, and how these foundations support musical growth. Frank shares his experiences leading the Midwest Clinic’s New Music Reading Sessions, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at this influential event. Finally, we explore the impact of international student travel, including performance tours to Europe and beyond.This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and stories from the podium—don’t miss it!— BIOGRAPHY —Frank Lestina received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Roosevelt University and his Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Illinois. Mr. Lestina started his teaching career in Danville, Illinois where he taught orchestra at Southview Middle School and Danville High School. In 1986, Mr. Lestina accepted the Orchestra Director position at Libertyville High School, Libertyville, Illinois. The Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic in 1991 and again in 1996. In addition, the LHS Orchestras traveled extensively, including three tours to Europe. In the fall of 2000, Mr. Lestina accepted the position of Fine Arts Supervisor and Orchestra Director at the new school in District 128, Vernon Hills High School, where the string enrollment eventually grew to 150 students in three orchestras. Mr. Lestina retired from Vernon Hills High School in June of 2013 and currently serves as adjunct faculty in Music Education at DePaul University and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. In addition, Mr. Lestina currently serves on the Advisory Board of The Midwest Clinic and moderates the New Music Reading Session for Orchestra. Mr. Lestina is very active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator and has served as guest conductor for many of the ILMEA District Orchestras at both the Middle School and High School levels. Mr. Lestina conducted the ILMEA All-State Orchestra for the 2014 Conference in Peoria, Illinois. In May of 2018, Mr. Lestina was awarded an honorary Doctorate from VanderCook College of Music for his contributions to music education.Learn more about Frank, the Vln2Vla app, and more at https://franklestina.com/— REFERRAL LINKS —Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Looking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠#TheOrchestraTeacherPodcast #MusicEducation #PodcastForTeachers #OrchestraPodcast #MusicTeacherLife #PodcastForEducators #StringTeacherPodcast #MusicEdPodcast #TeacherPodcast#OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation #OrchestraLife #StringPlayers #StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass #TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching