Online Lessons
Online lessons are well and truly underway, with students embracing the digital age. Online lessons are being taught via Zoom - students/parents just need to set up a free account & download the app. Then they ‘zoom in’ at their scheduled lesson time. All students are receiving detailed instructions via email.
A few tips for online lessons:
Have your device set up & ready to go before your lesson. You can ‘zoom in’ a few minutes early & wait in the digital waiting room. Flute students can use this waiting time to set up their flute.
Position your webcam/laptop/device so that I can clearly see you playing your instrument
Have a pencil handy so you can mark things on the music.
Treat your online lessons the same as your face-to-face lesson - the only difference is our physical location!
Watch also this quick YouTube tutorial on using Zoom for the first time or watch this YouTube tutorial for more detailed information.
AMEB exams are cancelled
Earlier this week AMEB NSW announced that the April/May exams will be cancelled with refunds:
AMEB (NSW) continues to act in accordance with official advice from health authorities NSW Health and the Australian Government Department of Health in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of AMEB candidates, accompanists, examiners and administrative personnel.Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns and social distancing requirements the First Metro Session (27 April to 13 June) has been cancelled. All enrolment fees for this session will be fully refunded.
More details online here.
In our next lesson we will discuss whether it’s appropiate to postpone this exam until Oct/Nov or ‘skip’ the grade.
Term 2 student concert is cancelled
Given the current situation I have cancelled the term 2 concert. I know students will be disappointed but we’ll keep playing our instruments and (hopefully) present a concert later this year.
FREE online resources for students
There are plenty of FREE online resources to keep music students busy at home:
Younger students might enjoy these FREE music theory worksheets:
Easter themed worksheets -Key signatures or Easter egg hunt
There are plenty of songs on YouTube designed to help kids learn about all sorts of things - numbers, the weather, alphabet, Australian themed songs , hello in different languages etc. Just search ‘songs for children +’ whatever topic your interested in!
AMEB are offering FREE AMEB online music theory courses !
Online courses allow students to prepare for AMEB Theory of Music examinations in an online setting. Once a student has successfully completed the online course they will be ready to do an AMEB Theory of Music exam. AMEB Online Theory courses are made up of a series of video lessons with accompanying practice tests for each lesson and also feature a downloadable PDF containing an outline of the lesson content. The lessons and tests may be reviewed as many times as necessary. The courses allow students to learn independently and at their own pace and are suitable for both child and adult learners.
The self-guided courses are made up of 12-15 pre-recorded video lessons accompanied by interactive online practice tests. These tests are graded and timed and can be used to measure the student’s progress as well as assist a student who may be preparing for an AMEB Theory exam. Students may progress through the material in any way they choose and may return to the lessons or tests at any time through the life of the course.
I’m more than happy to assist any students interested in starting these online courses, feel free to get in touch for more information or visit the AMEB website.
Give Help
If you love music and care about the people who make it, you might like to donate to Support Act.
Support Act is a charity helping Australian artists and music workers in crisis. This may be due to illness, injury, a mental health problem or some other crisis that impacts on their ability to work in music. Support Act receives no money from any government agency and rely on fundraising & donations. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and will be issued with an instant tax receipt. See more online here.