PK-12
PK-12: Health
Key Research Finding
Music instruction can be delivered safely while following guidance and recommendations based on the latest scientific research. (links below)
Music instruction can be delivered safely while following guidance and recommendations based on the latest scientific research. (links below)
Hold outdoor rehearsals whenever possible.
Fit existing HVAC systems with HEPA filters.
Use portable air scrubber HEPA filtration systems appropriate to the size of the room
Use fans to move air up if the ceiling height is too low.
Demonstrate and model appropriate safety precautions at all times. This includes wearing masks, hand cleaning and distancing.
Keep voices down and consider having teachers use a portable amplifier.
Limit classes to 30 minutes in length.
Provide training and proper PPE to those responsible for cleaning.
Make hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes and extra face coverings available at all times to students/staff.
Sanitize shared items: chairs, stands, etc.
PK-12: Equity
Key Research Finding
All students should have access to rigorous, relevant and comprehensive learning opportunities that allow them to demonstrate proficiency in Artistic Expression (VT AOE)
All students should have access to rigorous, relevant and comprehensive learning opportunities that allow them to demonstrate proficiency in Artistic Expression (VT AOE)
All students should have equitable access to arts education, including music, taught by certified professional arts educators in partnership with community arts providers, to support their educational, social, and emotional well-being.
Access to technology
Provide any technology required for music participation (see below at RESOURCES)
Advocate for programs that support remote internet access for students.
Provide for teaching without technology if the school cannot guarantee tech access.
Access to a safe place to sing or play
Ensure that all students have access to a safe place in which to sing, play and/or record assignments.
Consider developing a safe place on campus for students who cannot record/practice at home.
PK-12: Large Ensembles
Musical performance on its own does not generate exceptional risks when compared to other activities and these risks can be mitigated using methods similar to those for other classes.
Instrumental:
Seat students facing in the same direction.
Seat students based on physical distancing and aerosol study guidelines, providing 6’ distance in all directions between students, except trombones which need 9’ in front of them and 6’ to each side.
Do not share instruments unless they can be sanitized between users.
Consider using non-wind instruments, such as strings/ukuleles/percussion, to create cohort-based ensembles.
Keep rehearsal times short when indoors, to allow the space to air out.
Avoid using spit valves or "blowing" excess condensation in the rehearsal space.
Make sure everyone wears a mask, and use split masks when playing wind instruments.
Choral:
Make sure everyone wears a mask for choral rehearsals and performances.
As above, seat students based on physical distancing and aerosol study guidelines.
Rehearse/perform in the established cohort grouping.
Teach by rote or project music to eliminate music distribution.
Keep rehearsal times short when indoors, to allow the space to air out.
Use audio equipment for recording and playback.
Secure an enough equipment to use recorded teaching resources in multiple places.
Secure part/accompaniment tracks if needed to assist singers.
Substitute recordings of singers from the ensemble singing parts for rehearsal tracks rather than professional recordings and/or accompaniment-only recordings.
PK-12: Performance
Key Research Finding
Music performance promotes physical and emotional health (The Neurochemistry of Music)
Music performance promotes physical and emotional health (The Neurochemistry of Music)
Creative Solutions for All Steps of Reopening
Digital performances can be created, respecting proper licensing and photo/video waivers.
Performances by cohorts or small ensembles can be recorded and compiled to create a virtual concert setting.
Concerts can take place as socially-distanced outdoor drive-in events.
Teaching Musical Elements
Step 1: Teacher creates interactive, fully remote lessons
Step 2: Teacher meets with a cohort of students
Step 3: Teacher meets with full class to teach musical elements (style, culture, composer’s intent, etc).
Rehearsing & Practice at Home
Step 1: Students practice with rehearsal tracks and software for auto-graded performances.
Step 2: Students practice with rehearsal tracks (see more at HS below), which may be edited as a digital performance. Teachers meet with a cohort to play percussion or string instruments, possibly streamed live as a performance.
Step 3: Teacher creates practice tracks for students to practice at home. Students submit their instrumental or vocal tracks for editing. Full class meets to rehearse together.
PK-12: Professional Development
Music educators will need time and resources in order to successfully adapt instructional strategies for the various courses and content they teach. Specifically, many will benefit from professional development for the following:
Learning how best to use technology for music instruction, like Google Tools for Music Education
Practice in editing music/videos, using software such as iMovie, Pro Tools, Logic, Audacity, etc.
Learning about and how to use music platforms, such as MusicFirst and LMS tools such as Canvas, that integrate music tools.
Using Google Classroom or Canvas to build a blended environment for music education.