Thoughts from lockdown
It’s now the middle of summer and it’s been interesting to reflect on this ‘lockdown’ period from a music tuition perspective. When all the schools commenced shutting their doors back in March, we really didn’t know what ongoing musical and instrumental tuition were going to look like. There was then a flurry of dialogue between schools and teachers as to the practicality of online teaching, how it might work and of course the potential issues around safeguarding.
Since that time CCAA, like many others have provided regular weekly instrumental lessons to a majority of our pupils. This has had its challenges, largely around reliable Internet connection and the operation of zoom or other software to which many weren’t accustomed! In addition to this the occasional time lag and the quality of sound have sometime been variable.
Having said all that, there have been some really positive aspects to learning on line. For many younger children in particular it has necessitated the involvement of a parent or guardian. Whilst this has sometimes been challenging for some, on the whole the involvement of an adult has been positive. Helping them to understand what their child needs to give attention to along with guidance on how to approach their practise has been a definite advantage. In addition to this, it has provided an opportunity to foster the parent/teacher relationship which is something far more productive than just a yearly report.
We have also observed the benefits of interacting with a teacher on a weekly basis which has provided an ongoing, positive relationship with another person outside the immediate lockdown family environment. Whilst the online approach is far from ideal, it has enabled many to keep on track and a noticeable increase in regular practise has largely been a feature of lockdown. The opportunity to keep the momentum going has been welcome and the increase of time spent within the home has definitely facilitated an enjoyment of playing which might normally only be squeezed into a hectic schedule. Popping on the piano for ten minutes can also provide a welcome relief from the child’s academic studies.
In addition, I have personally found my teaching not only to be more focused with the online approach but it has necessitated that as teachers, we become more flexible and innovative in our methods. There is also value in using online platforms for teaching tutorials. Vicky, for example, has recently started to create short YouTube videos giving instructions on topics such as ‘Tuning your Violin’.
So what are our Top Tips for this kind of online based learning?
We asked each of our teachers to share their experiences over the last three months.
1. Use of Devices
It is important to position the iPad/computer or phone in a way that enables eye contact, ideally where the teacher can observe the pupil’s posture and playing technique ensuring the volume is appropriate for both teacher and pupil alike. Checking the controls on zoom and looking out for the button that says ‘original sound’ has really helped sound quality, particularly with violin lessons.
2. Demonstrating as much as possible.
I have found this particularly useful in piano teaching as having two pianos is beneficial for both demonstration and for developing a student’s listening skills.
3. Involving students in personal organisation
Ensuring that all students have the repertoire needed and take notes down from the lesson in their record book is immensely helpful. Their involvement in writing instructions for practice themselves has had a hugely positive affect.
4. Record and make accompaniments available to students.
The time delay online doesn’t allow for live accompaniment but students have enjoyed receiving audio tracks to play along to at home.
5. Giving time to theory
With some student’s studying music theory I regularly ask them to send me work completed in advance for me to mark which I can either return or discuss in the next session. I also direct student’s to other online websites that re-enforces their learning and often provide interactive lessons to test their knowledge. For example, check out musictheory.net
We still don’t know how long this season will continue and would predict that next year will involve a combination of face to face and online teaching. Clearly, there is nothing like the teacher and pupil being in the same room at the same time as it facilitates easier communication. Good technique can also be more easily observed and demonstrated and music making in the form of duets and ensembles can be explored. In the meantime, we can with some wisdom and experience use the online tools available to us to continue to champion the importance of learning a musical instrument with all the known benefits that doing so undoubtedly bring. We have heard and experienced numerous ways in which the creative arts have helped people in these difficult months and music has been a huge part off that. Hopefully, our experiences as teachers will also enhance the way we teach when our previous ‘normal’ is resumed!
