Two music teachers share their experiences and tips in this challenging term

“Students are enthused by extra curricular activities so it’s very important we keep going. We’re planning to start rehearsing in bubbles.

“We had a very successful virtual summer concert and are already planning our virtual Christmas concert and will start rehearsals for this in the next couple of weeks. We send out the backing tracks and edit this here at school.

“I'm pleased that our peripatetic teaching has resumed. To know that our students are still receiving 1-2-1 music tuition, and the school are able to support self-employed music teachers through a blend of virtual and face to face lessons is beneficial for all".

Nic Adams, Director of Music, Castle School

“Our main challenge at the moment is teaching nearly all of our classes in non-specialist rooms, where we have to keep the doors and windows open. Plus we are not allowed to sing!

“At the moment we are using very little musical equipment - we are limited to Boomwhackers, and some bamboo sticks for drumming, all of which are portable, easily cleaned, and don't make too much noise.

“Each lesson starts with some wider listening to broaden students' horizons and get them discussing using musical terminology, plus some retrieval of some musical knowledge. Then we try to keep it as practical as possible.

“We have managed to get our instrumental and vocal tuition up and running by moving some furniture out of practice rooms and installing transparent screens to maximise distance and separation, with wind and singing lessons happening in an empty classroom.”

 Jane Werry, Head of Music, Hayes School