The coronavirus led to a temporary shutdown of music studios, schools, dance schools, and almost every other institution. However, teachers aren’t going to let their students suffer for it. They resorted to Skype, Zoom, and other related technology to continue providing lessons and keep their pupils engaged. For instance, the Princeton Dance and Theater school has been documenting their lessons through videos and releasing them on the YouTube channel of the studio. The school also planned to broadcast a live class from its studio in the Forrestal Village with four siblings from the Jorgensen family. All of them age between 11 and 22, and they are students of the school.
The director speaks
Risa Kaplowitz, the director of the school said that their video lessons will allow students to practice in their living rooms or kitchens while holding onto a chair and using it as a barre. She scheduled the first class within 12 hours of deciding that they have to close. She believes that she must keep the students engaged in dance practice. Besides, she also has to pay the teachers who work under her. She managed to keep the school’s schedule ongoing virtually.
Another instance
Douglas Martin of the Martin Center for Dance in Lawrence Township also followed the example of Princeton Dance and Theater. He held an advanced ballet class through Skype. When he found that it worked perfectly, he immediately planned to continue. He said that his dedicated group of dancer protégés was upset about missing classes. Naturally, he had to resort to virtual lessons and found out how beneficial it can be.
Words from a young maestro
A seven-year-old kid, Albert Zhou said that he began taking cello lessons through Skype and he liked it. He even went as far as to say that it’s better than usual. Albert’s mother said that he liked seeing his teacher Laurie Cascante on the television. Since it doesn’t involve an iPad, he gets to converse with his teacher directly on the big screen. Cascante also added that she enjoys using technology to teach as it forces her to be more communicative.
From reluctance to preference
Mark Johnstone is a teacher of classical guitar who teaches his students at the Westminster Conservatory. He decided to conduct classes via Skype when one of his students canceled classed due to the viral outbreak. He said that he had two options before him. Either he had to watch all his students leave, or use technology. He chose the obvious option and his students agreed instantly.
Keeping the audience engaged
The COVID-19 crisis remains and continues without showing any signs of giving up. Despite the situation, local arts organizations are looking for ways to keep their audiences engaged. For instance, the Princeton University Concerts sent their subscribers a list of live performances that they can over the web. This list includes soprano Joyce DiDonato, the Metropolitan Opera, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and more. These musicians and arts teachers understand the need of the hour. They know that their fans and audiences need something that will lessen their anxiety levels. That’s why they are trying their best to keep the hearts and minds of their audiences engrossed with the arts.
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