It’s true, the Donais Studios Virtual Studio was created out of necessity. A virtual studio is something I had been thinking about for a while, but just hadn’t gotten around to it. The recent need for social distancing forced me to get organized and prioritize the technology required, fast.
I had some doubts about the effectiveness of online music learning: could there be advantages over the in-person private lesson experience? Music teachers all over the world have been teaching virtually for years, but did virtual lessons embrace the Donais Studios mission of inspiring confident, creative and community-impact driven artists?
I have been pleasantly surprised over the past six weeks by the expected and the (many more) unexpected benefits of online music lessons. Here are just a few.
Musical Independence
This is probably the most surprising benefit of virtual lessons – one that I did not anticipate. I have observed my students become far more independent in their music learning over the past few weeks. Without a teacher in the room offering “physical” support, students are required to find the correct book, turn to the correct page, set themselves up at the piano or music stand, mark in finger numbers, breath marks, solfa, IPA vowels, find their place in the music, follow the music closely (and the list goes on), all on their own. It has been truly remarkable. As teachers we don’t realize how much we “help”, especially our younger students, for the sake of expediency to get to the music. However, these are key skills that young musicians need to help them navigate practicing on their own at home.
Ownership of Learning
With this new found musical independence comes ownership of learning. I have loved watching my students take initiative and ownership of their music learning. After a few weeks of virtual lessons, my students are diving into their lessons with a new sense of ownership – many leading me through the lesson process. With pencil in hand, I regularly hear my students say, “just a minute I need to mark that in”. There is a renewed excitement and passion for the learning process. These new skills have led to increased practicing and a determination to achieve the next goal.
Enhanced Listening Skills
In music study, listening is paramount. In the virtual studio the importance of this skill is amplified – literally and figuratively. Students are learning to rely on their ear more than ever: listening intently for verbal and musical cues. Subtle nuances in technique and sound are being noticed and explored. Singers are no longer able to rely on the piano for pitches (the technology and delay do not allow simultaneous singing and playing). As a result, singers are beginning to rely on their ear and technique to guide intonation and pitch accuracy. Piano rote learning is guided more by the ear than sight and pianists are beginning to trust their ear more and more.
Confidence
There is no doubt that confidence is emerging and growing as students become more musically independent, take ownership of their learning, and enhance their listening skills. An intrinsic confidence and motivation builds as new skills develop in a safe and supportive environment.
Technical Proficiency
Though staring at a computer screen is not ideal, it gives both the teacher and student an up-close view of each other! Both the teacher and student have a clear, detailed view of gesture and technique. Minute and subtle adjustments in technique and gesture can have a profound impact on ease of performance and musical sound. Students have a constant “mirror” to view themselves and study their performance movements and behaviours.
Communication & Trust
The relationship between student and teacher is strengthened by the greater need for clear, accurate and concise communication in the virtual studio. Communication skills improve as students seek to effectively express their concerns, struggles, and experiences. Teachers seek to meet the unique needs of each student through clear and authentic communication. Virtual learning encourages students to think critically about their artistry and music learning. Creativity and imagination is heightened in this new learning environment.
Although not perfect, I am grateful for the technology that allows music learning to continue during these socially distant days. I truly believe that art offers a transformative way to understand and express the world and our humanity. Art speaks to our intellect, emotions, intuition, imagination, memory, physical senses and universal truths. We need the arts right now.
Stay safe, be well and keep singing!
xoAndrea