How we teach online
In March we went completely virtual and moved all activities online. There was a lot of apprehension about whether or not we would be able to teach and communicate effectively with the students.
At first both the teachers and students struggled with the change and many minutes of lessons were lost to learning how to control the devices and software effectively. After some time passed things began to run more smoothly. Stands for devices and microphones were obtained and adjusted and now there are actually many ways the online lessons are superior to in person. Comfort and convenience for the student and families is the biggest advantage, while avoiding travel makes it much easier to coordinate lesson times. |
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We have had several festivals online which have been attended not only by our immediate studio family but their relatives and other friends who would not normally be able to hear the performances. Being able to record the players performances allows us to share the performances with other experienced teachers for a fresh perspective on the students playing. 
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Using a combination of one or more devices at the students home allows for multiple views of the student, and having a tablet or phone sitting on the music rack makes it easy for the teacher to make good eye contact with the student. Many students have another device sitting either behind and to the side or above and behind the keyboard which makes it easy to see what suggestions are most helpful for fingering, hand position and all of the other body mechanics that go into playing well.
virtual ensembles, multiple ways to learn
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We have been using Google Classroom for a long time to give students a place to upload their at home practice, especially when they have questions about a specific passage or piece. With categories for each part of the assignments there is a place to get feedback on your work, even in between lessons.
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Students are invited to collaborate with each other through virtual ensembles recording duet parts from one student and then combining them with another. Trumpet students get to participate in Virtual Ensembles as well. Playing trumpet trios and quartets from home, we use video editing software to combine the performances and give everyone the group performance experience.