​Submitted by Miriam Shingle

This blog is created for the purpose of teacher discussion as to how we can circumvent the impact that the Coronavirus is having upon our private teaching. I am sure that many of you are wondering what is happening in other teachers’ studios in this situation.

Some teachers have no doubt opted to suspend lessons for a few weeks, while those who teach in a community center or school are forced to cancel lessons due to a shutdown. In addition, out of an abundance of caution, many parents are choosing not to send students to private lessons, even though these do not take place in a group setting.

So far, I personally have opted to continue with private lessons at my home, assuring parents that keys are being disinfected between lessons and students are using hand sanitizer before and after lessons. This seems to alleviate parental fears for now, as no one has told me they would prefer not to come.

Additionally, we as teachers have already told parents not to bring students who are ill, including the parents themselves.

What I would like to accomplish here is for our teachers to weigh in on how they are dealing with this unique situation. And indeed, if you have moved to online lessons, please offer your insights and procedures for accomplishing this.
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Thank you all in advance for contributing to this blog!! Let’s support each other in this difficult time.

Submitted by Carol Angus

Going through some old papers, I came upon a letter sent to parents and students from 2002. The sentiment shared then is still appropriate today. I took my own words and tweaked them a bit to share with you. We may have modern devices and new attitudes but the basic sentiment still applies.

Allow yourself to enjoy the satisfaction of making music. One’s life is made better with the making of and appreciation for others making music. Review the following positive reasons for studying piano or any musical instrument.

I like to equate musical studies as a “musical adventure”.

• M – Music nurtures the intellect and produces long term improvements in the educational experience.
• U – Understanding how your eyes, ears and body all play an important part of creating music.
• S – Self-discipline is developed through practice and conscientious lesson preparation.
• I – Instills poise with participation in recitals and other public events.
• C – Confidence build through repeated successes as each new musical experience is completed.
  
  
• A – Art form of creating music helps to enhance a child’s reasoning skills as seen with increased SAT scores in students studying piano and other instruments.
• D – Develops good practice skills.
• V – Ventures into composers never heard or played in today’s busy lifestyle.
• E – Emotional release through the universal language that speaks to the performer as well as to the listener.
• N – Nature of teaching piano or other instrument allows tailoring of lesson to meet each student’s needs.
• T – Teaches concentration.
• U – Understands the universality of music that crosses all language barriers and emotional peers.
• R – Respect is acquired for peers who play instruments through one’s own knowledge of the mandatory time spent practicing to refine one’s skill.
• E – Enjoyment of recreating musical sound is a lifetime by-product of studying piano. It goes on and on and on and on...

My goal remains that every student should be given musical challenges that can be met without frustration while nurturing a love for music that grows with each musical accomplishment. Learning to play the piano or any other instrument is not an easy task. Developing the art for playing any instrument especially the piano takes time, patience, fortitude and self-discipline. Along with good parental support and willing students, it is my hope that I have made an impact on the students who have graced my studio.