CAD Workshops for Teachers
Creativity defines every kind of intelligence at the highest level and leads us down a path of greater humanity.
— Alice Kanack
Creative Ability Development (CAD) is a method which uses improvisation as a tool to develop the creative part of the brain. The purposeful development of creative ability leads to true artistic ability which is defined by unique self-expression in combination with excellent technical ability.
These workshops for teachers will explore how to impart this critical skill to students from the absolute beginning stages and extending all the way through to artist levels. The main CAD workshop is now offered in two parts. Teachers may attend one or both parts.
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Workshop Information
Basic CAD Teacher Training
July 28 to August 1, 2025
9 am to 5 pm daily. $500 + $15 registration fee. No experience required. Free to returning teachers.
Concepts will include:
Beginner to Intermediate CAD education.
The CAD formula for creative development (the disciplined practice of the freedom of choice).
The art of facilitating and becoming a catalyst for creative development.
Dealing with fear (your students’ and your own).
The 80/20 Syndrome (innate creativity vs innate intellect).
Exploring the link between the development of creativity and genius, artistry and lifelong success.
Learning how to find your voice and grow your student’s voice at the same time.
Meeting improvisation standards (CAD in public schools).
Teaching CAD in group and private lesson settings.
Teaching multi-genre CAD at the preschool level.
Learning how to create a safe space for creative work.
Providing a rich musical environment for creative inspiration.
Inspiring discipline in a creative environment.
The Five Stages of creative development.
Brain science and how it relates to creative development.
Activities will include:
Lectures, discussions, solo and group improvisation games and activities, practice teaching, piano skills development, observations of CAD students.
This course will cover material from the following works by Alice Kanack:
Playing From the Heart for Violin, Viola, and Cello
Musical Improvisation for Children
Fun Improvisation for Violin Viola Cello and Piano
The Book of Games.
Advanced CAD Teacher Training
August 4 to August 8, 2025
9am to 5pm daily. $500 + $15 registration fee. No experience required. Free to returning teachers.
Concepts will include:
The CAD formula for creative development (the disciplined practice of the freedom of choice).
Teaching CAD in group and private lesson settings.
The art of facilitating and becoming a catalyst for creative development.
Dealing with fear (your students’ and your own).
The 80/20 Syndrome (innate creativity vs. innate intellect).
Learning how to create a safe space for creative work.
The Five Stages of creative development.
Brain science and how it relates to creative development.
Exploring the link between the development of creativity and genius, artistry and lifelong success.
Activities will include:
Lectures, discussions, solo and group improvisation games and activities, practice teaching, improvisation skill development, observations of advanced CAD students.
This course will cover material from the following works by Alice Kanack:
Basslines and Fantasies for violin viola cello and piano
Improvising String Quartets
CAD Advanced Performance Workshop
August 4 to August 8, 2025
2-9pm daily. $500 + $15 registration fee. No prior improvisation experience or training required.
This workshop is intended for players at the conservatory level. Advanced high school students are welcome with a teacher’s written recommendation. This workshop will explore the art of chamber music improvisation. Daily large ensemble exercises will evolve into smaller independent ensembles.
CAD Teacher Trainer Certification
July 27 to August 8, 2025
9 am to 5 pm daily, excluding weekends. $300 + $15 registration fee.
Prerequisites:
Basic 40-hour CAD Teacher Training Workshop.
Minimum of 1 year of CAD teaching experience.