How technology helps music teachers during the coronavirus outbreak

Although the number of COVID-19 cases is beginning to slow in China, the pandemic is continuing to affect hundreds more every day in the U.S. The number of affected victims, in fact, is projected to continue growing exponentially and peaking this month. In response to the massive outbreak, music schools have taken the quick initiative to curb potential spread by shutting down their facilities.

For instance, the Julliard School of Music closed its school from March 16th to March 29th as the faculty transitions to virtual online courses, and the Curtis School of Music extended its schoolwide spring break to Sunday, March 22nd. The University of North Texas similarly will be transitioning to "online or alternative instructional delivery" by March 23rd.

Despite the alarming news, there is reason to hope for the affected music teachers, whose jobs are now partially or fully compromised due to their decreased opportunities for instruction. Modern technology allows music teachers to deal with these situations by adapting innovative solutions to continue or supplement their teaching.

Dr. Raúl Gómez-Rojas, Music Director of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, recently started online live rehearsals via his YouTube channel to continue preparing for the probable Downtown Series concert while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of his young musicians.

"This concert includes many fun and well-known pieces of music for orchestra," Dr. Gomez wrote in a post on Facebook. "...I think that the session will be interesting to students from all MYS ensembles, as well as family and friends."

Bobby Rathbone, Director of Bands at Westview High School, uploaded concert videos online to YouTube, motivating students to keep practicing and performing while reaching an audience without the risk of performing onstage live.

Private music teachers nationwide similarly have switched to online lessons to continue their instruction. Sarah Tiedemann, adjunct flute faculty at the Portland State University, is hosting two, 30-minute Skype lessons per week for her music majors, along with assigning supplemental recordings, listening duties, and exercises. She is also making use of music software such as Smart Music and Music Minus One to substitute the "usual in-person stimulation" of private lessons.

"Our private teachers already experience serious disruptions with testing, field trips, assemblies, lock down drills, you name it. And they do it with a smile because they are there to support our programs," band director Laura Hunt summarizes. "If you have even one lesson teacher that [sic] works with your kids, it is your job to help. Be a good human, and take a few moments to check in with them, communicate, and do your part."

With the rise of coronavirus outbreaks, music educators are prioritizing the health and safety of their students, but at a cost to their jobs. Accessible technological methods enable teachers to exercise concern for their students' safety without jeopardizing their own livelihoods.