Note: We are continuously trying to update this article with more resources that we find.
As our members have had to close their doors to teaching lessons in a classroom setting, we have seen a number of them creating online teaching programmes and conducting their lessons via online platforms such as Skype, Zoom (which is free for unlimited one-on-one meetings / lessons) or Jitsi.
We think this is a wonderful idea and we wanted to provide a few resources for anyone who is thinking of starting online lessons but would like a little bit more information.
IAYO’s Internet Teaching Pilot Scheme
Firstly, a number of years ago IAYO, along with Carlow College of Music, Music Generation Carlow, Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois, launched an Oboe Internet Teaching Pilot in 2016 which allowed for one-on-one tuition and distance learning. You can find all the information on the programme here including the teaching model, Internet Teaching Child Protection Statement and a step-by-step guide to internet teaching.
Important note:
We have recently updated our Internet Teaching Child Protection Statement 2020.
Video, Podcast & Resources: Keeping Orchestras Engaged, Peer-Sharing Session
On Thursday, 4 February 2021, we hosted a peer-sharing session on keeping orchestras engaged over Zoom.
We heard from Paula Klein of Ulster Youth Orchestra, Joanna Crooks from St Agnes’ Community Centre for Music and the Arts in Dublin, Sinéad Hayes from Athenry Music School Sinfonietta and Sophie Butler from ConCorda Chamber Music Course for Strings – all of whom have had very successful online engagement this year.
Watch the video and click the link for the podcast and further resources.
Videos: Online Workshops on Jamulus | Set-up, technical requirements & rehearsal
We recently held two workshops suitable for tutors, teachers and conductors on the computer software Jamulus, delivered by Dr Patrick Early.
Workshop 1: Jamulus Setup Workshop;
Workshop 2: Jamulus Live Rehearsal and Discussion / Feedback.
Click the link to find the videos of the workshops and also useful documentation to accompany them including the presentation slides.
Video: Online Workshop on Delivering Online Orchestra and Performance Models
On Thursday, 13 August 2020, Katharine Mac Mághnuis of Athenry Music School delivered an online workshop on delivering online orchestra and performance models – strategy, problems and possible solutions.
This workshop was available online for a limited time however, Katharine has kindly agreed to allow the video to be online for a longer period of time in order to further help those returning to teaching and ensemble making.
Note: We ask that this video is not shared on social media, but it can be distributed to musicians and tutors.
You can watch the video “delivering online orchestra and performance models – strategy, problems and possible solutions” here.
Jamulus, Jamkazam & Jacktrip
Jamulus, Jamkazam and Jacktrip are computer programmes that enables performance ensembles to rehearse together when they cannot be in the same room. They allow rehearsals in an audio-only format but in real-time as they overcome the latency issue (delays between computers).
We have featured an article on our website on Jamulus by Patrick Early called ‘Jamulus Got Us Out of a Jam’.
Youth Theatre Ireland’s Safety Tips for Working with Young People Online
This is a great resource for anyone with any questions or queries about how to work safetly online with young people. Due to current circumstances, many people have found themselves working remotely and communicating a lot more online with young people has become the new norm. Youth Theatre Ireland have issued guidance on working safely online to affiliate youth theatres. Some helpful tips are summarised in the article for general use.
NYMAZ Connect: Resound Remote Music Learning Network
NYMAZ is a youth music development charity which champions the transformative potential of music for children and young people in the north of the United Kingdom. One of their strands is that they have a Remote Music Learning Network. Within this network, you will find many resources on online and distance teaching including webinars on introductions to online teaching and safeguarding.
Membership to this network is free and you can join here (you will need to fill in all the boxes in the form and then check your spam folder for the confirmation email).
Zoom in Music Mode – A Quick Guide
Zoom Settings for Music Lessons
The Best Services and Settings for Remote Music Lessons (with step-by-step instructions)
Eric Heidbreder has released a free online article on the best service and settings for remote music lessons on either a PC or mobile phone with step-by-step instructions on how to use each of them and with sample videos of each. He breaks down what the teacher will need and what the student will need in easy and understandable terms.
Future Learn online course ‘How To Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students‘
Future Learn have begun a three-week online course on ‘How to Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students’. This course explores online teaching for educators designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The course started today (23 March 2020) however, but you can join it and work through it after it starts.
Top 10 Resources for Music Teachers Planning for Students Working from Home
Musical Futures have created a guide to the top 10 online resources to help music teachers set meaningful work that students can complete from home in the event of school closures.
David Taylor’s Online Blog for being an Online Musicians
Musician David Taylor has developed a webpage with blogs for an ‘Online Musician Guide’! On this website, there are many articles including information on what equipment you may need to teach online, on how to use Zoom to teach online and how to live stream a concert!
NAMM Foundation’s Webinar – Bridging the Gap
The NAMM Foundation recently held on online webinar called ‘Bridging the Gap: Teaching and Learning Music Online Webinar’. While it is mainly focussed towards teachers in a classroom setting, there is much practical information and advice that any instrumental tutor could use.
Piano Magazine: Teaching in the Time of Covid-19 | Resources for Online Instruction
Piano Magazine have released a series of quick-reference tips and resources written by experts from the Frances Clark Centre for remote and online piano teaching however, these resources are also transferrable to other instrumental tuition. There are also a number of upcoming webinars for subscribers but many of the resources are also free to non-subscribers.
Newpark Academy of Music Online Tips from Teachers
Newpark Acadmey of Music have begun a Pro Tip Series called ‘Practice Makes Perfect’ with videos of some of Ireland’s professional musicians offering helpful tips for students practicing at home.
ABRSM today have launched their new online platform Play On. Play On has been created to support and inspire teachers, learners and parents on their musical journey during the current times. With regular features, advice and insight, Play On can help everyone get the most from their playing or singing in the days ahead. Updated regularly.
NAMM Foundation’s Webinar – Making Music Online—How-To’s for Private and Group Lessons
The second of the NAMM Foundation’s webinars. Discover online group lessons and therapeutic music-making for children and adults, and business models to move in-store music lessons quickly online to keep students connected and making music. You can read more about the NAMM Foundations’ Covid-19 resources here.
Teaching Music Online with Zoom by Simon Powis
A great video by a very experienced music teacher who has been teaching online for over 10 years. Some great tips for both the teacher and the student.
A guide to selecting the right technical solutions for delivering online music lessons and creating digital resources, created by Dr Jonathan Savage, from our Technical Partners on Connect: Resound, UCan Play. This quick and easy guide gives music teachers a run down of the hardware and software they will need for online teaching.
TU Dublin Conservatoire: How to upload and send your practice sessions to your teacher from home
For any student who needs to send their practice session or performance to their tutor prior, or after, an online lesson. Ben Rawlis of TU Dublin Conservatoire gives this very useful and easy video guide.
Making Music: Covid-19 – Staying Connected
Making Music has released a variety of free resources for those who wish to make music with a group, make music between rehearsals, create a video/audio performance, connect socially with a group, make music with others, make music yourself, and keep enjoying music.
The Digital Concert Hall now free for everyone
The Philharmonie Berlin is closed until 19 April to help contain the coronavirus. But the orchestra will continue to play for you – in the Digital Concert Hall. The Berliner Philharmoniker invite you to visit their virtual concert hall free of charge. There are over 600 orchestral concerts from the Berliner Philharmoniker in the Digital Concert Hall from more than ten years, including 15 concerts with the new chief conductor Kirill Petrenko. There are also bonus videos from behind the scenes: documentaries on the history of the orchestra, portraits of conductors and orchestra members, and projects from our education programme.
Apps that can help with teaching and performing
There are many free or low cost apps that are available for Android and iPhone that may come in useful for recording, teaching and performing online or for young musicians who wish to work on their theory at home.
Perfect Ear is a free app with an infinite amount of exercises in theory, ear training, singing and rhythm suitable for all levels of learners. A wide variety of exercises suitable for musicians of all levels and backgrounds that progressively get more difficult as you progress through them. Android / iPhone
Note Rush: Learn to Read Music
Note Rush: Learn to Read Music is a fun game for practising note reading on the music staff. The “flashcards” show a note on the treble or bass clef, which the child has to find on the piano, violin, flute or whatever instrument they’re playing. The built-in mic listens and waits for the child to play the correct note (in the correct octave), before moving on to the next flashcard. It’s a race against time and kids are rewarded with stars as they go along. Cost: €5.99. Android / iPhone / Amazon Apps
Cleartune is a chromatic instrument tuner and pitch pipe that allows you to quickly and accurately tune your instrument using the built-in mic in your Android device. Features a unique “note wheel” interface allowing you to quickly find your pitch, paired with a highly responsive fine-tuning meter for the perfect tune. Includes support for custom temperaments, transposition, notations such as solfège, adjustable calibration and more. Cleartune can tune acoustic or electric guitar, bass, bowed strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, tympani, tablas and any other instrument that can sustain a tone. You can watch a demo video on ClearTune here. Cost: €4 – €4.50. Android / iPhone
Other helpful tips
We asked a tutor who has been teaching online for a number of years to give some helpful tips and advice to those starting off. She had some very interesting things to say:
“Don’t expect it to be the same as in person teaching – it feels very different and will take a while to adjust to. Probably best not to jump straight into the teaching part of a lesson and make sure you and your student can see/hear and are comfortable etc.
Take some time before a lessons to set things up, and get used to the feel of being online. It is different to Skyping your friends or family in that it’s not just a chat, so take time to centre yourself in your room/chair etc before you start the video call.
Let your housemates/family/cat know what you’re doing before your start so they don’t interrupt you (where possible!!)
Online teaching can be more intense as, without the cues and body language you are used to with in person lessons, I found there to be less chatting and down time, and more instruction being given. With this in mind where possible, allow for slightly shorter lessons as I found online teaching to be exhausting.
I definitely found it worked better with older students. Currently, I’m offering online lessons to my secondary school and older students while with my primary age students I’m asking them to send me audio clips which I will listen to then send back comments and instructions. Online teaching does not necessarily need to be live!”
