I have my days. You know, those days, the ones that make you nostalgic for pre-covid times.  I really miss having what we used to take for granted including  group classes, recitals and spontaneous hugs from students.  I miss the kids camping out in the living room during their sibling’s violin lesson and the lingering conversations with parents.  I even miss the early arrivals during my precious bathroom break! We’ll get back there again, but for now I guess we just have to find the good in the bad.  We’re so fortunate to live in this time of technology even if has been/was quite possibly the hardest time of our lives. I have learned how to switch gears to gratitude when I get upset, although I certainly have my days where it is challenging to get to that place.  

This past year has brought me many new opportunities that I never would have had without this virus impacting our lives. 

Seven Ways Remote Teaching Has Made Us Better 

1. Using Technology

Since graduating from college in 2001, I can say that I have not HAD to use technology to teach lessons outside of the recorder app on my phone, emailing families and occasionally opening a word document to write out a recital program.  Now I am scanning all of my music to keep on my computer, creating a library of videos of my teaching as well as finally organizing my google drive (what a mess!). My teaching is benefiting big time from this organization and I’m spending far less time searching for things. We now have more opportunity to think outside of the box and by utilizing technology in our lessons I believe this makes us better teachers.

2. Getting Creative

I’ve definitely had to get creative in my teaching as well as breaking “rules” I never thought I would (including teaching online).  My younger students are learning how to tune themselves and I’m even entertaining the idea of alternative lesson formats, including  video assignments with a brief check-in at the end of the week. Some students benefit from more contact through the week instead of the traditional weekly lesson and this is one way to achieve that.  

3.    Finding Alternatives to Music Performances

Recitals now can be held in many different ways.  Grandparents can now enjoy recitals from their home in Chicago while their talented grandchildren perform online in Kansas City.  I still feel the butterflies in my stomach while watching students get ready to perform online. Outdoor performances held at parks or porches expand our options for concerts in the future.

4. Continuing Education

Online teacher training events and conventions are now saving teachers on money and travel as well as time off work. It appears that this will be an option for many events post covid.  We are learning how to be flexible and open our minds about how we present and receive our material. I’m excited to attend two back to back weeks of online teacher training this summer. One week I’m “traveling” to Austin and the next week I’ll be in Hartford, CT with no hotel/travel costs.

5. Becoming Innovative in Teaching

Necessity is the mother of invention, so they say.  This time has brought forth new ideas to help others live better lives despite being isolated.  Teachers are finding ways to engage their students online and programs like Muze are coming forward to better the online teaching experience. Muze came from a moment of frustration over the limitations of the online platform I was using.  I wanted something more geared towards what I was doing as a music teacher. It has been exciting to have my sister, Erin, join me in this mission to create something that can benefit our music community

6.  Finding Gratitude

I’m grateful.  I’m grateful that I can keep myself, my family and my students/community safe during this time while still continuing my work. I’m grateful that I get to see my students every week even though I can’t necessarily tell that they’re starting to gain height on me.  It will be an eye-opener when they come for their first in-person lessons again.  I probably should wear heels that first week back. 

7.  Having Hope

 I look forward to the days ahead where we can go back to “normal”.  I miss hugging my students, chatting up my colleagues during rehearsal breaks and having large audiences at concerts.  I’m not sure what that first “normal” symphony rehearsal or studio recital is going to feel like, but I imagine there will be tears shed, laughter and gratitude that we can all be together again.  I’m going to keep my eye on the prize in that respect. 

Moving Forward into 2021

Given that we still have a ways to go in the pandemic I decided to box up my studio, move the piano and clear out the space to rent out to someone who needs a sweet place to live, a place full of good musical energy from my wonderful students (as well as myself if I give myself the credit I deserve).  I now teach upstairs in the guest bedroom of our home while my husband works downstairs in his office and our cat is pretty happy to have us both home all day.  This summer I’ll be teaching on the covered patio and using Muze in-person.

Even though I am glad that 2020 has come to a close and 2021 has brought forth new hope and promise, I don’t want to ever forget what I’ve learned from last year.  It was a hard year filled with intense emotion, frustration, anger, loss and sadness but we also have experienced innovation, creativity and hopefully have learned the importance of slowing down a bit.