Online Lessons Keep the Music Playing
Teachers all over the world have been forced to adapt their teaching methods and deliveries because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Music teachers are no exception. The faculty at a local studio, Charlotte Academy of Music (CAM) located in Matthews, NC, have moved all lessons and classes online so that they might continue connecting with their students.
“Music has the potential to make us feel connected to all of humanity. We certainly need that now more than ever! Music itself is a conversation between the performer and the audience. At its very core, music means connection.” shared CAM owner, Regina Ziliani.
On March 16, 2020 CAM teachers started teaching private lessons and group classes online. Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Strings, and Woodwind lessons are all being offered virtually by Charlotte Academy of Music. “Our students are now seeing their own teachers learning something new, trying something they’ve never done before…virtual lessons. I think that inspires our students!” says Ziliani. “It’s so nice to see our students’ faces and continue that connection each week. I’ve heard from numerous parents who are incredibly thankful we are able to continue on, offering a sense of normalcy during an uncertain time.”
CAM teachers are using various platforms to deliver their lessons online. Zoom seems to be the platform of choice for many teachers. Several others are using FaceTime and Google Hangouts. Although very little equipment is required, often just a mobile phone, parents are sometimes needed to help position the device at the beginning of the lesson. “Parents have been so supportive and helpful as we have transitioned to online lessons,” says Ziliani. And its paying off! Many music teachers are finding their students are focusing very well in online lessons. This could be attributed to the fact that many are more well-rested not having to rise early each day to commute to school. Many students have more time in their day to practice as well. Online lessons help facilitate independent learners as students must be more responsible and communicative during the lesson to accomplish the lesson goals. As for how it compares to in-person lessons, everyone agrees there’s nothing quite like being in the same room, playing live music together. However this means of delivering lessons is a wonderful and welcome way for students to keep progressing.
CAM continues to find ways to elevate their students’ music lesson experience. Ziliani has designed a student portal on the studio’s website where CAM students can access a wealth of digital resources to inspire them in music theory, songwriting, and much more. Taking the lead from musicians like Garth Brooks, Alicia Keys, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and John Legend’s home concerts, CAM students are currently working towards a series of Virtual Concerts, which will be held in early May via the studio’s Youtube channel. Keeping it fun, CAM students recently enjoyed a Virtual Spirit Week, with themes each day such as Superhero Day, honoring healthcare and other essential workers. Another fun opportunity during this time of social distancing has been The Pets of CAM week. Students submitted photos of their pets which were shared on CAM’s social media channels.
Providing students with the consistency of weekly music lessons helps to combat the fear and isolation that many are experiencing during this Coronavirus pandemic. Logging on for a lesson and seeing their caring, smiling teacher ready to inspire them…its really a beautiful thing. No doubt, music will help us get through it!