Independent Study Participant Hub

Taking Your
Orchestra
on Tour

Graduate Credit Independent Study

Continue your learning beyond the webinar through a guided independent-study experience for orchestra directors, ensemble leaders, and music educators. Complete assigned readings and applied planning activities while building a practical tour-readiness and implementation portfolio for your own ensemble.

Register for the free webinarDownload workbook

Begin with the one-hour webinar. Register even if you cannot attend live; a recording will be emailed to registrants and posted on the webinar page within 24 hours of the live session. Then download the editable workbook and save a working copy using the filename instructions in the document.

Step 01 · Opening componentComplete the webinarOpen the webinar page →
Step 02 · Independent studyComplete the workbookFinish the assigned readings, four applied assignments, final tour plan, and 14-hour time log.
Step 03 · Review and creditSubmit your courseworkEncore reviews the work and issues a certificate for the separate Courses4Teachers registration process.
Youth orchestra performing during an Encore tour
Your complete course guideIndependent Study Participant Workbook

Everything starts here

Your workbook contains the entire course.

The editable participant workbook contains the course overview, reading plan, all four assignments, response templates, planning worksheets, capstone instructions, completion criteria, independent-study time log, participant attestation, and submission checklist.

  • Four timed applied-planning assignments
  • Readiness, budget, communication, and rehearsal templates
  • Required reading-to-practice responses
  • 600-to-900-word integrated tour plan
  • 14-hour independent-study time log
  • Completion checklist and participant attestation
Download editable workbook

Microsoft Word document. Save a separate working copy before entering your responses.

What’s included

Everything needed to complete the pathway.

The course combines one central workbook, three assigned Encore publications, applied planning work, and a documented completion process.

01 · Participant workbook

One complete course guide

All assignments, planning templates, reflection prompts, capstone instructions, completion criteria, time log, attestation, and submission checklist are contained in the editable workbook.

02 · Reading library

Three assigned publications

The readings support purpose-driven tour design, student-led learning, and thoughtful performance programming. Assigned reading time is included in the independent-study total.

03 · Completion pathway

Review and certificate

Submit the completed workbook for Encore review. Approved participants receive a certificate of completion to support the separate Courses4Teachers registration process.

Required reading library

Read for application, not recall.

The publications support specific workbook assignments. Reading time is already included in the 14 independent-study hours.

Cover of Designing a Signature Orchestra Tour

Required reading 01

Designing a Signature Orchestra Tour

A practical framework for defining purpose, aligning performance and cultural goals, building collaboration, and considering lasting program impact.

Used in assignments 01, 02, and 03

Access reading
Cover of The Music Educator's Playbook

Required reading 02

The Music Educator’s Playbook

A collection of adaptable teaching activities. This course uses the student-led learning lesson to connect travel preparation with student responsibility and ownership.

Used in assignment 03

Access reading
Cover of The Art of Performance Programming

Required reading 03

The Art of Performance Programming

An editorial guide to program architecture, pacing, venue acoustics, audience awareness, emotional flow, accessibility, and memorable final moments.

Used in assignment 04

Access reading

The independent study

What you will complete.

Each assignment creates a practical part of the final portfolio. Complete all response areas in the workbook and record the time actually spent.

01

3 hours

Ensemble readiness and educational goals

Define the purpose of travel, assess readiness across seven planning areas, establish three measurable goals, and recommend the next step for the ensemble.

Primary output: readiness assessment and goals

02

3 hours

Budget, fundraising, and accessibility

Establish working assumptions, create a preliminary budget, identify funding strategies, consider access, and draft a concise case for stakeholder support.

Primary output: preliminary financial plan

03

3 hours

Students, families, and chaperones

Set expectations, assign supervision responsibilities, build a communication timeline, and prepare responses to realistic situations on the road.

Primary output: people and communication plan

04

5 hours

Musical preparation and final tour plan

Create a rehearsal sequence, prepare for the performance environment, design a cultural-learning activity, build an implementation timeline, and write the capstone.

Primary output: preparation plan and integrated tour plan

One graduate-level professional development semester unit

After Encore approves the completed coursework, participants receive a certificate of completion to support registration through Courses4Teachers. Encore does not charge for the webinar, readings, or independent-study materials; educators pursuing the unit pay the separate Courses4Teachers registration fee. Acceptance and prior-approval requirements vary, so confirm eligibility with the applicable district or licensing authority. View graduate-credit information.

Course submission

Ready to submit?

Review the checklist before uploading. Encore may return incomplete or overly general work for revision before issuing a certificate.

  • Opening webinar or Encore-approved recording completed
  • All assigned readings and reading-to-practice notes completed
  • All four assignments and required response areas completed
  • Final 600-to-900-word integrated tour plan included
  • Independent-study time log records at least 14 hours
  • Confidential student information removed
  • Participant attestation completed
  • File saved using the workbook’s naming instructions

Complete the workbook in Word, then upload one DOCX or PDF file. Encore will confirm receipt by email and contact you after review with approval or any required revisions.

Submit your coursework

Provide your participant information, identify how and when you completed the opening webinar, and upload the finished workbook.

Good to know

Questions,
answered.

Where do I complete the opening webinar?

Visit the Taking Your Orchestra on Tour webinar page. Complete the live webinar or the Encore-approved recording before submitting the independent-study coursework. A recording will be emailed to registrants and posted on the webinar page within 24 hours of the live session.

Does webinar attendance automatically earn graduate credit?

No. The webinar is the opening component. Participants must also complete the assigned readings, four assignments, integrated tour plan, time log, attestation, submission, and applicable registration requirements.

How many hours are required?

The complete experience is 15 hours: one webinar hour and at least 14 hours of guided independent study. Complete every required deliverable and record only the time actually spent.

Do the readings add time beyond the 14 independent-study hours?

No. Assigned reading is distributed across the four assignments and is already included in the estimated 14 independent-study hours.

Is there a fee?

Encore provides the webinar, readings, and independent-study materials at no cost. Educators pursuing the graduate-level professional development unit pay the separate Courses4Teachers registration fee after Encore approves their coursework.

How is the coursework evaluated?

Encore reviews submissions for completion, specificity, feasibility, connection to course goals, and evidence of thoughtful reflection. Work is marked complete or returned for revision. There is no letter grade.

How do I receive graduate credit?

After Encore approves the work, Encore will email a certificate of completion. Participants can then register for the unit through Courses4Teachers, pay the applicable registration fee, and attach the Encore certificate to the registration form.

Can I use existing school or organization materials?

Yes. Current policies, calendars, budgets, handbooks, and planning materials may be used. Cite or attach the existing resource and explain how the resource applies.